Why I admire Walt Downing’s volunteerism

Volunteering is the lifeblood of professional communities and offers people the opportunity to contribute, grow, and collaborate with amazing people. Getting involved with the IEEE community has been instrumental in shaping my career since my first days as a student member. Over the years, as I transitioned to full member and then senior member, I witnessed firsthand 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 left a lasting impact on me. one is Walt Downing of San Antonio. Downing, a senior life member of the IEEE, is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southwest Research Institutewhich performs scientific discoveries, technological development, independent testing and analysis for its clients. Based in San Antonio, SwRI works on autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity and space exploration, among other projects.

Collaborating with Walt as editor and writer of the IEEE Systems Council It has been the highlight of my experience with IEEE. I interviewed him for a video that I narrated: “IEEE Systems Council: Charting a course for the future on its 20th anniversary.” I have seen him in action and admired his unwavering commitment to advancing our field and supporting others.

As president of the council from 2022 to 2024 and now president of the IEEE Lone Star SectionCovering Central and South Texas, Walt embodies the spirit of leadership and collaboration that makes IEEE special. What inspires me to share his story is not only his accomplishments but also the profound impact he has had on countless members of our community.

I also worked with him as chair of the section’s history committee. Despite his busy schedule, he constantly takes time to mentor and encourage others, showing the true essence of community commitment.

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

Inspired by the Apollo 11 mission to the moon

Growing up in San Antonio, Walt says, technology inspired him from an early age. His father, who worked in Kelly Air Force Basenow Port San AntonioIt allowed him to see airplanes up close, which sparked his fascination with aviation and aerospace.

It was when I was a senior in high school watching the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969 That really ignited his passion for engineering, he says. The historic event fueled his dream of contributing to significant technological achievements and solidified his desire to pursue a career in a field that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Those early influences combined to shape his journey, he says, and motivated him to follow a path where he could make a significant impact through engineering.

Early career success

Walt’s journey as an engineer began with his participation in a cooperative education program at Southern Methodist Universityin Dallas, where he says he gained valuable experience working part-time at Kelly Air Force Base while studying electrical engineering. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in EE in 1973, he accepted a position as an instrumentation and controls engineer in the petrochemical division of Brown & Root, now part of KBRin Houston. After five years, he returned to San Antonio to work at SwRI.

The nonprofit research organization played a crucial role in shaping his career, he says. Focuses on advanced technology and scientific research to POT and other government agency clients.

That environment, he says, allowed him to meet the challenges of developing microprocessor-based systems and automated testing technologies.

RELATED: Reflecting on Leadership: An Interview with Walt Downing

Within a few years, he was heading a section specializing in automated avionics test equipment. He helped expand work into avionics research and development, eventually leading 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 a variety of technical advances, particularly automated testing. He worked on early microprocessor applications for test systems, including projects for the Minuteman missile and avionics upgrades for legacy aircraft such as the A-10, F-16and B-52.

As director of operations, his role allows him to set standards for engineering reliability and efficiency, he says.

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

“Leading a new section that grew into a division was a critical step in my career,” he says.

former president of the society

Walt’s involvement with IEEE began in 1981 through his participation in IEEE AutoTestConan annual conference for the aerospace and military automatic testing industry. The experience sparked his passion for contributing to the engineering community, he says.

He has held various volunteer positions with the IEEE over the years, including president of the IEEE. 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 changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to new ways to connect with members.

“We began to deliver our distinguished professors program online, which became immensely popular,” he recalls. On the show, experts in their field speak to society chapters about their work.

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

He is a former president of the IEEE Systems Council and member of its administrative committee. He is also a member of the IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu honor society.

He has also served as a program evaluator for INSTIGATEformerly known as Engineering and Technology Accreditation Board.

“Active engagement with IEEE maximizes the value of my membership,” he says. “My involvement has expanded my network globally, creating opportunities to build relationships with other professionals and showcase my skills beyond my workplace.”

Inspiring the next generation

Walt says his motivation for volunteering early in his career was to advance professionally. Now, however, he says he takes satisfaction in maintaining the connections he has made within the technical community. He hopes his legacy will be to positively influence young engineers and technologists to advance their careers.

He advises young engineers to participate in key conferences in their technical fields of interest.

“This commitment not only enriches your career but also keeps you connected to the changing landscape of engineering,” he says.

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

That kind of mindset, he says, can help prevent obsolescence while opening doors to new opportunities and technical credentials.

Walt’s experiences with IEEE illustrate the transformative power of participation.