Volunteering serves as a vital component of professional communities, enabling individuals to contribute, grow, and collaborate with exceptional peers. My active participation in the IEEE community has significantly influenced my career journey since I began as a student member. Throughout the years, I progressed to a full member and subsequently a senior member, witnessing how volunteering enhances personal development and fosters valuable relationships both for myself and others.
Among the many dedicated volunteers I have encountered, Walt Downing from San Antonio stands out. An IEEE life senior member, Downing currently holds the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), which is engaged in scientific discovery, technology development, independent testing, and analysis for various clients. Based in San Antonio, SwRI is involved in projects related to autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, and space exploration, among others.
Collaborating with Walt as an editor and writer for the IEEE Systems Council has been one of the highlights of my experience within the organization. I had the privilege of interviewing him for a video titled “IEEE Systems Council: Charting a Course for the Future on its 20th Anniversary.” His unwavering commitment to advancing our field and supporting fellow members has been truly inspiring.
Walt, who serves as the council”s president from 2022 to 2024, and is now the chair of the IEEE Lone Star Section covering central and southern Texas, exemplifies the leadership and collaborative spirit that distinguishes IEEE. I am compelled to share his story not only because of his achievements but also due to the significant impact he has had on countless community members.
In addition to his leadership roles, I have collaborated with him as the chair of the section”s history committee. Despite his demanding schedule, he dedicates time to mentor others, embodying the essence of community engagement.
Walt”s fascination with technology began at an early age, inspired by his father, who worked at the Kelly Air Force Base, now known as Port San Antonio. This exposure to aircraft fueled his interest in aviation and aerospace. His passion for engineering was ignited while watching the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969, which solidified his aspiration to contribute to significant technological advancements.
Walt”s engineering career commenced with a cooperative education program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he gained invaluable experience working part-time at Kelly Air Force Base while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. After graduating in 1973, he began his career as an instrumentation and controls engineer in the petrochemical division of Brown & Root, now part of KBR, in Houston. Five years later, he returned to San Antonio to join SwRI.
His tenure at SwRI has been pivotal, focusing on advanced technology and scientific research for NASA and other governmental clients. This environment enabled him to tackle challenges in developing microprocessor-based systems and automated testing technologies.
Within a few years, he managed a section specializing in automated test equipment for avionics and expanded the scope of work into avionics research and development, leading to his promotion to vice president. In 1998, he was elevated to executive vice president and chief operating officer, allowing him to influence numerous technical advancements, particularly in automated testing.
Walt has been actively involved with IEEE since 1981, participating in the IEEE AutoTestCon, an annual conference for the aerospace and military automatic test industry. He has held various volunteer positions, including president of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society, where he previously served as secretary and vice president of technical operations. During his presidency, he adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing new methods to connect with members.
“We initiated our distinguished lecturers program online, which became extremely popular,” he recalls. This program features experts discussing their work with society chapters.
Walt encourages young engineers to engage with key conferences in their fields, emphasizing that this involvement not only enhances their careers but also keeps them connected to the ever-evolving engineering landscape. “Stay connected to the professional community and never stop learning about new technologies,” he advises. This proactive approach can help prevent obsolescence and open doors to new opportunities.
Walt Downing”s experiences illustrate the transformative potential of active participation in professional organizations like IEEE, inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists.
