People on the Move highlights the career advancements of high-level trailblazers working professionally in diverse areas of standardization, contributing every day to the strength and success of the U.S. standards and conformance community.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), a member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has named Kevin Russ its director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this newly-created role, Russ will lead an organization-wide multi-year DEI strategy and roadmap to drive and evolve ASME’s culture. He will collaborate with key stakeholders to implement standards and procedures that ensure fair inclusion and utilization of all employees and members.
Russ has more than 20 years of experience developing and managing diversity initiatives in academia, nonprofit, corporate, and consulting environments. He comes to ASME from BCT Partners, Inc, where he was a director and senior consultant. He was the founder and principal consultant of Kevin Russ LLC, where he provided services including 360° DEI organizational assessments and recommendations, executive coaching, staff development, and training for organizations. He also worked with Tata Consultancy Services, where he directed and led a series of new diversity initiatives, and with INROADS, where he oversaw a two-state, four-office affiliate of an organization that provides Fortune 1000 companies with interns and entry-level hires from underrepresented communities. Russ has also served as the assistant director of diversity initiatives for Arizona State University (ASU), and as director of African American Men at ASU (AAMASU).
“With Kevin’s breadth of experience and knowledge, his leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, as well as growing and diversifying our membership, volunteer groups, and programs,” said Chandra Clouden, ASME senior director of human resources and organizational development. “Kevin has hit the ground running and is developing a plan that will enhance and articulate ASME’s DEI vision, strategy, and roadmap for the organization. He has already proven to be a true asset to ASME and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
The Water Quality Association (WQA), an ANSI organizational member, has announced that Cindy Tomei is its new engagement and advocacy services director. In this role, she will lead WQA’s membership, external affairs, and government affairs departments.
Prior to joining WQA, Tomei was vice president, strategic partnerships for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
“Cindy’s expertise at strategizing initiatives, developing new programs, and building effective teams will serve her well in leading our important organizational outreach and member engagement efforts,” said WQA executive director Pauli Undesser. “With a 20-year career in association and non-profit leadership, WQA will certainly leverage Cindy’s knowledge and successes from building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relations with members, partners and colleagues.”
WQA has also announced that Tom Bruursema is its new associate executive director of technical programs.
Previously, Bruursema was WQA’s associate executive director of member and public engagement, a role he has held since 2018. Prior to joining WQA, he was with NSF International for 30 years, where he held roles including general manager of drinking water treatment units and environmental and research services.
“Having Tom assume this new role allows him to use his extensive experience and knowledge of the water treatment industry to lead the growth, development, and innovation of our WQA laboratory and Product Certification program,” said Undesser.