8/01 mechanical engineering: editorial

editorial

Hello, I Must Be Going

By
John G. Falcioni, Editor-in-Chief

Twenty years ago, Charles W. Beardsley became only the fifth editor in this magazine's 81-year history, beginning a run that lasted for eight years. Late last month, he cut his formal ties to the magazine when he was appointed Director of ASME's Advanced Technology Programs, a post that includes becoming the staff leader and focal point for the Society's thrust into nanotechnology activities and other emerging technologies.

Although Chuck will no longer be formally involved with the magazine, his legacy as an influential innovator continues. He will forever be linked to the magazine.

In 1989 Chuck became Managing Director of ASME's publishing activities. And during the past six years—as Managing Director of Engineering—his responsibilities grew to include oversight of the Society's New Media department, Meetings and Exhibits, Engineering Programs, and the Center for Research and Technology, as well as Technical Publishing, Mechanical Engineering magazine, and ASME NEWS.

Chuck was instrumental in transforming ME from a traditional society magazine to an influential technical publication reporting on the newest engineering trends and technologies. He also introduced a more reader-friendly writing style to the publication as well as updated layouts and graphics.

And through his editorials, and later Commentaries, which appeared in the magazine, Chuck showcased his sharp wit and good humor to an audience of sophisticated engineers. Certainly, his wit and humor are two attributes that will be missed by his colleagues on the magazine and newspaper.

Chuck Beardsley will be Director of Advanced Technology Programs.

Chuck joined ASME after a stint at Ingersoll-Rand Co., where he had been editor of the company's monthly, Compressed Air magazine. A graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he majored in mechanical engineering, Chuck also received a master's degree in technical writing from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In addition, he held various editorial positions on the staffs of IEEE Spectrum magazine and Lighting Design & Application.

Fortunately, Chuck's new assignment doesn't take him too far away. His new quarters will be on the same floor with the magazine and newspaper. And that's good news to those of us who not only know him as our boss, but who have also grown to call him a friend.

Replacing Chuck in the position of Managing Director, Engineering, is Thomas G. Loughlin. Tom received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College and, after a number of positions in industry, joined ASME in 1993 as Director of Member Services. In 1997, he became the Managing Director of Member Affairs and last year he assumed responsibility for ASME's electronic resources activities as Managing Director, Special Projects.

As we welcome Tom and bid adieu to Chuck, we wish them both the very best in their new assignments.

Email your comments or questions to: falcionij@asme.org