Why I Admire Walt Downing’s Volunteerism

Volunteering is the lifeblood of professional communities, offering people the opportunity to contribute, grow and collaborate with great people. Interaction with the IEEE community has played an important role in shaping my career since I became a student. Over the years, as I became a full member and then a senior member, I have witnessed first-hand how volunteering can lead to personal growth and foster meaningful connections in my life and the lives of others.

I have had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated volunteers, and some of them have had a lasting impact on me. One of them Walt Downing San Antonio. An IEEE Senior Life Member, Downing is the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Southwestern Research Institutewhich conducts scientific discovery, technology development, independent testing and analysis for its clients. SwRI, based in San Antonio, is working on autonomous vehicles, cybersecurityAnd space explorationamong other projects.

Collaboration with Walt as magazine editor and writer IEEE System Council was a highlight of my IEEE experience. I interviewed him for a video which I narrated: “IEEE System Council: Charting the Future for its 20th Anniversary” I have watched him in action and admired his unwavering commitment to advancing our field and supporting others.

Having been president of the board from 2022 to 2024 and now chairman IEEE Lone Star Sectionwhich spans central and south Texas, Walt embodies the spirit of leadership and collaboration that makes IEEE special. I am inspired to share his story not only by his accomplishments, but also by the profound impact he has had on countless members of our community.

I also worked with him as chairman of the section's history committee. Despite his busy schedule, he constantly dedicates time to mentoring and encouraging others, demonstrating the true essence of community involvement.

Exploring the history of the IEEE Lone Star Texas Section with Walt Downing.

Inspired Apollo 11 mission in moon

Walt said he grew up in San Antonio and was inspired by technology from an early age. His father, who worked at Kelly Air Force BaseNow Port of San Antonioallowed him to see airplanes up close, which sparked his passion for aviation and aerospace.

This was when I was in high school and I watched Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969. “It really ignited his passion for engineering,” he says. This historic event solidified his dream of contributing to significant technological advances and strengthened his desire to pursue a career in a field that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

These early influences, he says, shaped his path and motivated him to pursue a path where he could make a meaningful impact through engineering.

Early Career Success

Walt's journey as an engineer began with his participation in a joint educational program in Southern Methodist Universityin Dallas, where he said he gained valuable experience working part-time at Kelly Air Force Base while studying. electrical engineering. After receiving a bachelor's degree in EE in 1973, he accepted a position as an instrumentation and control systems engineer in the petrochemical division of Brown & Root, now part of the company. CBDin Houston. After five years, he returned to San Antonio to work at SwRI.

The nonprofit research organization played a critical role in shaping his career, he said. Focuses on advanced technology and scientific research for NASA and other government clients.

According to him, this environment allowed him to solve problems in the development of microprocessor systems and automated testing technologies.

CONNECTED: Reflections on Leadership: An Interview with Walt Downing

For several years he led a department specializing in automated test equipment for avionics. He helped expand avionics research and development efforts, which ultimately led to his promotion to vice president. In 1998, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer, a position that allowed him to influence various technical advances, especially in the area of ​​automated testing. He worked on early applications microprocessors for testing systems, including projects for Rocket Minuteman and avionics upgrades for legacy aircraft such as A-10, F-16And B-52.

He says his position as chief operating officer allows him to set the standard for reliability and efficiency in design.

Reflecting on his career, Walt highlights key moments that shaped his path, such as his decision to leave Brown & Root for SwRI.

“Managing the new department, which became a division, was a defining step in my career,” he says.

Former President of the Society

Walt's involvement with IEEE began in 1981 with his participation in IEEE AutoTestConannual conference for the aerospace and military automation testing industry. The experience gave him a desire to contribute to the engineering community, he said.

He held a number of volunteer positions with IEEE over the years, including president IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Societywhere he previously served as Secretary and Vice President of Technical Operations. During his tenure as president, he adapted to the changes brought about COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to new ways to connect with members.

“We started delivering our distinguished lecturer program online, which became extremely popular,” he recalls. In the program, experts in their field talk to heads of society about their work.

“Connect and stay connected with the professional community. Never stop learning about new technologies.” —Walt Downing

He's a former president IEEE System Council and a member of its administrative committee. He is a member IEEE – Eta Kappa Nu honor the community as well.

He also worked as a program evaluator for ABETformerly known as the Engineering and Technology Accreditation Council.

“Active participation in IEEE maximizes the value of my membership,” he says. “My participation has expanded my network of contacts around the world, creating opportunities to build relationships with other professionals and showcase my skills outside of my workplace.”

Inspiring the next generation

Walt says that early in his career, his motivation for volunteering was professional development. But now he says he finds satisfaction in maintaining the connections he's made in the tech community. He hopes his legacy will have a positive impact on young engineers and technologists and help them advance their careers.

He advises young engineers to attend key conferences in their technical areas of interest.

“This involvement not only enriches your career, but also allows you to stay connected to the evolving field of engineering,” he says.

“Get involved and stay connected with the professional community,” he suggests. “Never stop learning new technologies.”

This way of thinking can help prevent obsolescence while opening the door to new opportunities and technical knowledge, he says.

Walt's experience with IEEE illustrates the transformative power of participation.