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Nominations and Elections

2026 Election

The election takes place in May. Only ISA professional members are eligible to vote. 

Candidates for President-elect Secretary (2028 President)

Colleen Goldsborough

Candidate Statement

It would be an honor to serve as your President-elect Secretary (2028 President). Working with ISA in the automation community over the past 10 years have really opened my eyes to how global the automation industry is and how I am proud to be a part of this community. The tremendous strides the organization has done in the past few years has great momentum and I want to help contribute to ISA's success moving forward. I would like to see membership continue to grow and for us to further pursue being financially stable so that we are able to invest in ISA and the members to continually improve and make a better world through automation.  

ISA Involvement

I have been involved in many different volunteer roles. I am currently part of ISA's Executive Board and locally I am a part of the Wilmington Section as a board member. In the past with the Wilmington Section, I have held positions ranging from delegate to president to treasurer. Through my section involvement I got involved with the districts, becoming Eastern North America's District Chair/Chair-Elect, which inspired me to pursue being Chair of the Geographic Assembly. I have also had the privilege of being a part of multiple committees and task forces including Diversity Review Task Force, Finance & Investment Committee, Young Professional Committee and Career Skills and Leadership Program Committee. I was also involved with divisions until they became reimagined.  

David Lee

Candidate Statement

ISA is a recognized leader in the automation industry, not just with respect to the standards it produces, but also the thought leadership in an industry that is constantly evolving. This is so important as we see new technologies such as AI and changes in established topics such as cybersecurity and instrumentation.
I am passionate about continuing to see ISA maintain its leadership position as a standards development organization but also as the go to community for automation professionals to learn and grow. Networking is such an important part of our professional lives and platforms such as ISA's Connect are vital for automation professionals, especially as we continue to grow across the globe.

I have had the privilege of working in many volunteer positions and recognize the importance of our volunteers who donate so much of their time to support ISA's vision to 'Create a better world through Automation'. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that we need to make involvement in ISA rewarding and enjoyable and create value for every member. I also recognize that making this happen requires a strong staff team to support our volunteer activities and sustain a viable and vibrant organization. 

In my second term on the Executive Board, I would love to represent the organization as President and support its members in achieving great things individually, for our organization and the automation industry.
 

ISA Involvement

I have had the privilege of serving my local section, Carolina Golden Triangle, as treasurer, secretary and president.

  • I also served in several roles for the Chemical and Petroleum division, including director (2020-2021).
  • I have served as Vice President of Standards and Practices (2023-2024) and Chair (2026)
  • I represented Standards and Practices on the Technical Assembly (2022-2026)
  • I have served as Executive Board member (2024-2025;2026-2028)
  • Finance and Investment committee (2024-2025).
  • I am also active in several standards committees including ISA-101 as a voting member.

Executive Board (three seats available)

Dr. Soloman Almadi

Candidate Statement

I am deeply committed to ISA's mission and its profound impact on the automation and technology industry, professionals, and the communities we serve globally. Having witnessed firsthand the organization's power to transform industries and improve lives, I believe we are at a pivotal moment one that calls for intentional bridge-building between our seasoned members' wisdom and the energy and fresh perspectives of the next generation. Strengthening this connection is something I am passionate about and ready to champion.

My background as an inventor, public speaker, and senior corporate leader uniquely positions me to contribute meaningful perspectives to the Board. I bring a track record of innovative problem-solving and strategic leadership that can enhance the Board's agility in navigating today's rapidly evolving challenges. Having served on the ISA Board twice, I also bring continuity, institutional knowledge, and a clear-eyed understanding of where we can grow.

This application is, at its core, about giving back. ISA has shaped my professional journey in ways I am genuinely grateful for, and I want to honor that by continuing to serve with purpose, advancing an organization that I believe has an even greater role to play in shaping the future of our industry and world

ISA Involvement

My ISA journey spans over a decade of progressively expanding leadership from local section service to regional leadership to the global Board level.

Local & Regional Leadership began by serving in multiple roles within the ISA Saudi Arabia Section, culminating in my appointment as Section President. In that capacity, I organized Technical Exchange Meetings, chaired conferences, and drove initiatives that raised ISA's profile and membership across the Kingdom. I also contributed to ISA standards work groups as an informed member, building a deep familiarity with ISA's technical foundation and governance structure.

As ISA EMEA District Vice President-Elect and subsequently District VP, I expanded ISA's student sections across the region, achieved the highest level of section compliance in the district, and developed succession planning to ensure leadership continuity a critical yet often overlooked aspect of sustainable organizational growth.

ISA Board of Directors, Most recently, completed two years of service, where I was an active contributor to developing ISA's overarching strategy, enforcing policies that safeguarded the organization's integrity, and aligning sections with their evolving roles within the broader ISA structure. Serving during a period of significant transformation gave me both perspective and ownership of where ISA is headed.

This progression, from section leader to regional vice president to board director, has given me an end-to-end understanding of how ISA operates at every level. I return to this role not as someone learning the organization, but as a committed leader ready to build on the momentum we have created together.

Maxym Lachance

Candidate Statement

I want to return to the Executive Board because ISA has always been a meaningful professional home for me. My previous term helped me understand the organization at a deeper level how decisions are made, how strategy is shaped, and how the Board supports ISA's broader mission to strengthen the global automation community through standards and knowledge sharing. That experience also gave me insight into the expectations placed on Board members, including sound judgment, constructive engagement, and the ability to support the long term direction of the Society. 

Stepping away for a year gave me perspective. It reminded me how much I value the relationships, the collaborative environment, and the sense of shared purpose that comes with serving. It also allowed me to reflect on how I can contribute more thoughtfully and with greater balance. I followed ISA's continued progress during that time, especially the organizational focus on expanding impact, improving agility, and strengthening key technical areas as part of the ongoing strategic direction. Those priorities align closely with my own professional experience and where I believe I can bring tangible value. 

I also return with humility. I recognize there were moments in my earlier service where I could have managed difficult situations better. That reflection has made me more grounded and more prepared to contribute in a constructive, steady, and team focused way.

Ultimately, I want to serve because I care deeply about ISA and believe I can help support its continued growth by contributing positively, thoughtfully, and collaboratively.

ISA Involvement

My involvement with ISA began in 2009, and since then I have served the organization continuously and with genuine passion. I grew through nearly every leadership role within my local section, from Vice President to President, gaining a strong understanding of how ISA supports its members at the grassroots level while helping the section strengthen its technical programs, events, and volunteer engagement.

My dedication to the Society led me to serve as District Chair (formerly District Vice President), where I had the opportunity to collaborate with multiple sections, support their growth, and help align district activities with ISA's broader direction. This role deepened my appreciation for the diversity of our membership and the importance of communication, mentorship, and regional coordination.

I also had the privilege of serving a three-year term on the ISA Executive Board. That experience gave me direct insight into ISA's governance, strategic priorities, and long-term challenges. It allowed me to contribute at a global level while building strong working relationships with fellow leaders across the Society.

Beyond formal leadership roles, I have supported various ISA activities whenever possible, including participating in standards-related work, helping with event planning, and contributing to automation-focused initiatives and project management efforts.

Over nearly two decades, ISA has been a constant part of my professional life. I have served in many capacities, always with commitment and enthusiasm, and I remain deeply proud of the role I have played in supporting the Society's mission and community.

Edward Naranjo

Candidate Statement

I have served in various roles within ISA for over 15 years, and I find advancing the automation profession and working alongside other professionals equally devoted to helping others discover the same passion for this vocation to be a life-changing experience. While serving as Vice President of the Automation & Technology Department, Director of the Process Measurement and Control Division, President of the Orange County Section, and General Chairman of several conferences, I developed friendships that will last a lifetime.

Others deserve to benefit from the same opportunities I have had and even more. For this reason, I served on the Executive Board from 2023 to 2025 and would like to continue contributing in a similar capacity. I find few things as inspiring as helping our society thrive. 

ISA Involvement

I have served as Executive Board from 2023 to 2025, Vice President of the Automation & Technology Department, Director of the Process Measurement and Control Division, President of the Orange County Section, and General Chairman of several conferences. Presently, I am a member of the board of the ISA Twin Cities Section.

Mary Riedel

Candidate Statement

I want to serve on the ISA Executive Board as a way to give back to the automation community that has shaped my career. ISA plays an important role in advancing our profession, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to help guide its direction and strengthen its impact.

During my career, I have gained broad experience holding roles in engineering, sales, and administration, which allows me to view automation from multiple perspectives including technical, commercial, and operational. That well-rounded background helps me understand how decisions affect members, companies, and the Society as a whole.

I am motivated to make a meaningful difference through improving processes, supporting members, and helping position ISA for the future. Serving in this leadership role would allow me to contribute at a strategic level, share what I have learned, and help ensure ISA continues to grow, adapt, and serve the automation community with professionalism and technical knowledge.  

ISA Involvement

  • ISA Columbus Section Secretary, President, Treasurer
  • Midwest North America District Chair, GA Health Committee Chair, MNA District Board member (program chair)
  • Executive Board Member June 2024-2026
  • Finance and Investment Committee Member 2025 and 2026
  • Student Guardian Committee Member 2025 and 2026

Brian Romano

Candidate Statement

I am seeking a role on the ISA Executive Board to help guide the future of the automation profession through practical, experience-based leadership. With more than 45 years in industrial automation spanning engineering, systems integration, machine building, executive management, and company ownership I bring a perspective grounded in implementation, not just theory. I have seen firsthand how standards, sound engineering practices, and emerging technologies succeed only when they are applied with clarity and discipline.

My long-standing involvement with ISA reflects a commitment to advancing the profession through technical leadership, smart manufacturing initiatives, and workforce development. As both an industry practitioner and an educator, I work at the intersection of technology, education, and professional development helping translate Industry 4.0 concepts into realistic, scalable solutions while preparing the next generation of automation professionals.

I would bring to the Executive Board a broad, systems-level view informed by decades of leadership experience and a strong belief in ISA's role as the trusted authority for automation professionals. My goal is to help ensure ISA continues to lead with credibility, relevance, and practical value strengthening standards, supporting members, and guiding the industry forward through thoughtful adoption of new technologies. 

ISA Involvement

  • Smart Manufacturing and IIoT Division Industry Readiness and Maturity Technical Committee Chair
  • Smart Manufacturing and IIoT Division IIoT Technical Committee Chair
  • Smart Manufacturing and IIoT Division Chair elect (just before the divisions were dissolved)
  • Smart Manufacturing and IIoT Division Division Leader of the Year - 2022
  • ASE Digital Transformation Events Committee 2024, 2025
  • Author of Automation.com articles
  • Author of the proposed Automation Book of Knowledge chapters
  • Presenter and panelist at ISA ASE 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Elevated to ISA Fellow in 2025
  • Technical Advisory Committee - Digital Transformation, member 2025, assigned to Content Coordination
  • Technical Assembly as subject matter expert - 2026

Phillip Swinson

Candidate Statement

Joining the ISA in 2004 and earning my CCST were milestones that shaped my career leading to my current role as VP of Automation at a national system integrator. The ISA is one of my most valuable professional resources, and I am motivated to give back to the community that has given me so much. Through my interactions with Executive Board members, I have seen the same passion for automation, service, and mentorship that drives me, and I would value the opportunity to contribute alongside them.

Along the way, I taught evening instrumentation courses at the local IBEW, helping electricians become instrumentation technicians and advance their careers. That experience reinforced how fulfilling it is to help others grow through shared knowledge. Serving in the Geographic Assembly from 2022-2025 provided an understanding of how the Society operates and how impactful volunteer leadership can be. I enjoyed collaborating with volunteers globally, contributing to initiatives such as the Section Transition Checklist, and supporting motions to the Executive Board to help strengthen Section operations and member value delivery.

These experiences taught me that serving on the Executive Board carries a responsibility to act as a steward of the Society's long-term health. I would approach the role with a focus on supporting initiatives that strengthen the Society's global influence while ensuring volunteers, Sections, and members have the resources needed to succeed. I believe my leadership experience, Section-level insight, and understanding of the Society position me to be a productive and engaged Executive Board member in this endeavor.

ISA Involvement

In 2012 I volunteered on the team updating the CCST Level 2 exam, collaborating with industry SMEs at ISA headquarters to update a globally recognized certification.

In 2019, I volunteered as the Tampa Bay Section's Social Media Chair, giving me experience strengthening engagement within the local automation community.

From July 2020 to June 2022, I served as President of the Tampa Bay Section. We recruited and developed nine new volunteers for leadership roles and expanded our activities significantly. We launched monthly webinars during COVID with up to 200 participants. In 2021 we began holding in-person networking events across Florida to serve members throughout the state. In 2022, we brought the tabletop back, and we were able to expand the event into a regional expo enlisting 40 vendors and over 400 attendees. 

I next took the role of Expo Chair. The expo in 2023 had 50 vendors and 600+ attendees, and 2024 saw 63 vendors with 800+ attendees. In 2025, we collaborated with the ISA bringing our Expo to the Automation Summit and Expo in Orlando. Working with ISA's event planning staff provided valuable insight into organizing large-scale Society events, and I think bringing the Section's Expo to the ASE brought value to attendees.

I have also volunteered in the SNA District serving as the 2022 Membership Chair, 2023-24 Chair Elect, 2025 District Chair, and 2026 Nominator. It was a fulfilling experience helping form new Sections such as Atlanta, as well as helping revitalize existing sections through leadership development and engagement initiatives.

Note: Chris McLauglin was elected to the Executive Board by the Nominating Committee.

2025 Election Results

President-elect Secretary (2027 President): Francisco Diaz-Andreu

Treasurer: Ardis Bartle

Executive Board:

  • Francisco Alferez Canales
  • Dave Lee
  • Megan Samford   
  • Sujata Tilak
The 2025 election is complete. Voter turnout was 4.19%.

Learn more about ISA leadership including the exective board, council of society delegates and assemblies and committees.

Nomination Process

  • Nominations are accepted through 13 February
  • All eligible nominees are asked to submit a candidate packet
  • The Nominating Committee reviews and evaluates candidates
  • Nominations are accepted by petition in accordance with ISA Bylaws
  • Elections are held via online vote 1-30 May