The International Society of Automation announced Jan. 9 that Brian Curtis, I. Eng., LCGI, will serve as its 2018 society president. He will lead ISA's board of directors, which is responsible for governing, setting policy and establishing its strategic direction.
Curtis is operations manager for Veolia Energy Ireland, providing services to Novartis Ringaskiddy Ltd. in Cork. He has more than 35 years of experience in petrochemical, biotech, and bulk pharmaceutical industries, specializing in design, construction management and commissioning of electrical, instrumentation, and automation control systems. He's managed engineering projects in Ireland, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.
A longtime ISA member, Curtis has served on ISA's executive board since 2013, geographic assembly board (2012-15), and finance committee (2013-17.) He was Ireland section president and vice president of ISA District 12, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Curtis has also been active on several ISA task forces, including cybersecurity, governance and globalization-related committees. He received the ISA Distinguished Society Service Award in 2010.
“I'm extremely honored to serve as ISA Society President. ISA has contributed so much to my professional and personal growth. I've been associated with ISA for over 30 years, and I believe strongly in the organization,” says Curtis. “As only the third non-North American president in 73 years, I hope this is the beginning of a more international dimension to ISA, and I intend to bring that perspective to my presidency. ISA has much to offer all regions of the world, and it’s important that we find the best ways to deliver our expertise around the globe.”