Longtime IPC Exec Tony Hilvers has resigned from the IPC. The letter printed below was distributed by IPC's president John Mitchell.  

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that Tony Hilvers, vice president of industry programs, has resigned from IPC, effective July 6, 2012.

IPC thanks Tony for his 29 years of service. Working with dedicated industry volunteers, Tony established the Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry Management Council and selected and promoted the term EMS to designate and professionalize the industry. He worked closely with the PCB Suppliers Council and the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association Council to found IPC Printed Circuits Expo and IPC APEX, now combined into the premier conference and exhibition for our industry in North America. In addition, he was instrumental in introducing IPC’s first certification program for IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, which has resulted in more than 100,000 certifications based on IPC standards worldwide.

Ed Trackman, vice president for special projects, will be the interim liaison for the SMEMA Council, Solder Products Value Council and Government Relations Steering Committee. Ed can be reached at EdTrackman@ipc.org or 847-597-2819. Dave Torp will be the liaison for the Printed Electronics Management Council. Susan Filz, Alicia Balonek and Sharon Starr will continue as liaisons with their councils and committees.

We wish Tony all the best in his future endeavors. It has been a pleasure working with him.

Sincerely,

John W. Mitchell
President & CEO
IPC - Association Connecting Electronics Industries