Automation Federation names Goodson as director

The Automation Federation on July 21 named Paul B. Goodson, P.E., CAE, as its managing director. The federation announced the appointment after an intensive interview process.

"We are excited to welcome Mr. Goodson to our team," said Steve Huffman, chair of the Automation Federation board of directors. "We’ve accomplished many goals in the past two years, and we’re moving into a new phase of our development. We’re confident that Mr. Goodson’s skills and experience will complement our strategic vision for the future of the organization."

Goodson brings over 15 years of management experience in associations, business, engineering and information technology and strong skills in leadership, strategic planning, operations, human resources, finance, program development, project management, problem-solving, communications, relationship-building and advocacy.

Most recently, Goodson served as CEO and executive consultant for The Goodson Group LLC, in Raleigh, N.C., where he engaged in management consulting primarily with associations, nonprofits and entrepreneurial businesses. Previously, Goodson was the executive director of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America, in Pensacola, Fla. In this role, Goodson managed the affairs of the international professional society of environmental scientists, engineers, and managers.

He served as CEO, executive vice president and executive director of Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) in Raleigh, where he managed the affairs of this very active individual membership association of engineers of all disciplines and practice areas, its regional and student chapters, and its affiliated charitable educational foundation. Early in his career, Goodson held positions in information technology management with Carolina Power & Light Company (now Progress Energy) and other short-term and part-time assignments as an instructor with a community college, an engineer associate with a consulting firm, a research lab assistant and an engineering assistant.

Recognized as a non-profit leader, Goodson has provided leadership to numerous professional, business and industry organizations, including service on the boards of the North Carolina State Engineering Foundation and the National Society of Professional Engineers, and as President of the Association Executives of North Carolina.

Goodson holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina and he holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.

The Automation Federation is a global umbrella organization under which member associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities can work more effectively to fulfill their missions, advance the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications and develop the workforce needed to capitalize on the benefits of automation. The Automation Federation is working to become the “Voice of Automation.”

For more information about the Automation Federation, visit www.automationfederation.org.