Rita joined IMAPS in 1998 while working at Cookson Electronics. Rita then viewed IMAPS events to be both stimulating and educational; but somewhat serious. Later when she helped plan many IMAPS national and local chapter events, she encouraged participants to have fun while volunteering. Rita developed a hummers “fun index” to recruit new members into leadership positions.
Rita helped bring the IMAPS International Symposium to Boston in 2003. She has supported IMAPS New England since then and has ensured its success to make it the largest chapter by membership and the one with the most annual technical meetings. Its annual meeting is the largest IMAPS regional show for many good reasons: http://www.imapsne.org/symposium.html
Rita is the current New England Chapter President. Volunteering at IMAPS has helped Rita in keeping up with the new technologies, expanding her professional network base, and most importantly, making friends for life.
Mark Occhionero of CPS Technologies notes, “Rita has done much to inspire new members. She has provided high levels of support in the chapter’s Executive Committee and our Technical Symposium Committee. Rita maintains the IMAPS fun quotient that states the more you are involved with IMAPS New England, the more fun you will have. Rita has gone exponential.”
Rita has wide and varied interests that have helped her IMAPS participation. Her diverse background includes university research (PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island), development of advanced electronic materials (Cookson), processes and testing (Ark-Les), and equipment expertise (Speedline). Ken Gilleo of ET-Trends notes, “While an accomplished chef, Rita can also mix a wicked batch of electronic goop, test the quality, design the process and then apply it.”
In both good and tough times, Rita is there with a smile and encouragement that is enhanced by an ever-present sense of humor. She has been there for IMAPS in many roles that all have the mark of her quality – and that’s Six Sigma Master Black Belt Quality.
While running around for her career and for IMAPS, Rita finds time for marathon running at major events – all in the name of public service and fund raising for the needy. Rita also volunteers with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
Running marathons to support her charities.
All my Children.
Rita exchanging ideas with Harvey Smith.
Four speakers are better than one.
Come join IMAPS New England, we saved a place for you.
|
