General Session
IEEE USA Panel
Extend Your Reach, Increase Your Impact: Leveraging IEEE for Maximum Success
Friday, May 16 | 16:10 – 16:50
Moderator: Chad Kidder, IEEE USA
About: Chad Kidder received his BS and MS in electrical engineering from Texas A&M. He is a licensed professional engineer in Texas. Since his graduation he has worked for large and small businesses, a university and consulted. His work has been primarily in microwaves, radar phased arrays, and embedded systems. He currently works as the Americas EDA Services Manager at Keysight Technologies. Chad has served in many IEEE capacities supporting volunteer success and is currently IEEE USA Conference Committee Chair. Chad is married to the wonderful Melissa Kidder and is the father of four wonderful children. He has served on community boards, founded a neighborhood association, and founded a Boy Scout troop. Chad is passionate about helping others have the tools and knowledge to make the world a better place.
Abstract: Don’t look back with regret! If you have ever said, “If I only knew how…” this is for you! Join our panelists from IEEE USA to learn how to catalyze your efforts to improve the world in and outside the profession.
Panelists |
Amber Orr,
VP IEEE-USA
About
About: Amber E Orr is a Professional Engineer practicing in the State of Washington, USA. She has a history of working in both the Industrial and Power & Energy sectors. She is also an Electrical Forensic Engineer. She is currently the Chief Engineer representing several blockchain and HPC organizations supporting or developing their new large infrastructure requests and renewables throughout the United States. Amber served as an adjunct Engineering Professor for approximately seven years, contributing to the nurturing of future engineering talent. She has served in many IEEE volunteer positions and is currently the IEEE USA Vice-President of Careers and Professional Development.
Scott Tamashiro,
S. Principal Engineer, Raytheon
About
About: Colleen Bailey is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of North Texas and the PI of the Optimization, Signal Processing, and Control Algorithm Research Lab (O.S.C.A.R.). Colleen is currently serving as the HKN Region 5 & 6 Governor. She is an IEEE STEM Champion and an IEEE VoLT graduate. She also serves as the IEEE UNT Student Branch Counselor and IEEE-HKN Lambda Zeta Chapter Advisor. Colleen is the recipient of the 2019 and 2023 IEEE R5 Outstanding Branch Counselor Award as well as the 2022 UNT Advisor of the Year Eagle Award. She is the 2023 recipient of the UNT College of Engineering Faculty Teaching Award.
Colleen Bailey,
Asst. Prof., Univ. N Texas
About
About: Colleen Bailey is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of North Texas and the PI of the Optimization, Signal Processing, and Control Algorithm Research Lab (O.S.C.A.R.). Colleen is currently serving as the HKN Region 5 & 6 Governor. She is an IEEE STEM Champion and an IEEE VoLT graduate. She also serves as the IEEE UNT Student Branch Counselor and IEEE-HKN Lambda Zeta Chapter Advisor. Colleen is the recipient of the 2019 and 2023 IEEE R5 Outstanding Branch Counselor Award as well as the 2022 UNT Advisor of the Year Eagle Award. She is the 2023 recipient of the UNT College of Engineering Faculty Teaching Award.
Simay Akar Koehler, CEO and Founder of AKEC
About
About: Simay Akar Koehler is a multi-award-winning sustainable energy expert and entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Founder of AKEC, a Sustainable Energy Transition & Environmental Consulting Firm supporting cleantech manufacturers and startups. With expertise in cleantech manufacturing, battery storage, and e-mobility, she has held leadership roles in multinational enterprises across global markets. Her accolades include the 2022 Women in New Energy Entrepreneur of the Year, 2024 IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award, 2023 IEEE Region 8 Clementina Saduwa Award, 2022 IEEE MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award, and 2020 IEEE WIE Inspiring Member of the Year (HM). Simay will serve as the 2025 IEEE-USA Representative to WIE.