The SMTA announced today that JoAnn Stromberg, the association’s Executive Administrator for the past 29 years, has announced plans to retire at the end of December 2015.
SMTA President, Bill Barthel (Plexus) comments, “I know I speak not only for our current Board of Directors, but for all past Directors as well when I say we cannot underestimate the many contributions made by JoAnn Stromberg to both the SMTA and our industry. She has been tireless in her dedication to growing the SMTA membership, forming new chapters, and keeping the Board focused on the mission of the association. She has been our rudder in both calm and stormy water. A former teacher, JoAnn has developed, along with our technical committees, some of the strongest technical conference programs in our industry. The change and growth she has fostered for the Association and influence she has had on the overall industry is impossible to fully capture in this press release.” In 2012, ventureoutsource.com named JoAnn one of the EMS industry’s most influential people.
Barthel further commented, “JoAnn’s warm, caring, and outgoing personality has allowed her to make friends with thousands of our industry colleagues. Many in our industry consider the SMTA a “family” as a result of JoAnn’s ability to be so inclusive and welcoming to all members and volunteers. The SMTA culture is unique in the industry in a large part due to JoAnn’s personal interest and support for everyone she worked with in and outside the Association. We have been so fortunate to have such a strong and caring person lead our efforts for nearly three decades. The SMTA Board of Directors wishes JoAnn a long, happy, healthy retirement.”
A celebration and recognition of JoAnn’s service will be held on Tuesday evening, September 29th in Rosemont, Illinois, in conjunction with SMTA International. Full details can be found at www.smta.org/celebration/joann/. Registration will be available in June when SMTA International registration opens.
The Board has worked with JoAnn over the past year to ensure a smooth transition and is pleased to announce Tanya Martin, SMTA Director of Operations, will assume the role of Executive Administrator on January 1, 2016. JoAnn has been working closely with Tanya over the past year to ensure that she is informed and knowledgeable on all SMTA programs and activities.
The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.