COLUMN // MGT
Embracing the Future
The top initiatives that are shaping the future of ASME’s Management Division.
Written by Stephen Long, P.E., and John Bozewicz
Stephen Long
John Bozewicz
IN THE RAPIDLY CHANGING landscape of management, strategic initiatives are essential to allow for growth. At ASME’s Management Division (MGT Div), such strategies help us enhance workplace efficiency, individual growth, and professional development of all those involved with the division.
ASME began in 1880 as a response to steam boiler incidents and has morphed into a world leader in codes and standards. The Management Division got its start in 1920 as an official division but has been part of the overall ASME Society since its founding.
The first divisional participants were mainly manufacturing executives (16 of ASME’s first 25 presidents were entrepreneurs, mostly in manufacturing). Frederick Taylor, H. L. Gantt, and H. R. Towne, among others, recognized that engineers had something in common and that was management. The ASME Management Division has been an active division ever since.
On the ASME website, you will find the 12 areas that the MGT Division Executive Committee (MGT EC) are focusing on in 2026 and beyond. For example, in 2025 we sponsored an entrepreneurial workshop at IMECE 2025, produced a negotiation webinar, and a LinkedIn CV webinar. We are continuing to grow and focus on what the managers of the future will need to know.
Here are the major highlights for the upcoming year. We hope that after you read through these initiatives, you will be eager to come and join us.
Source: Getty Images/Buntiam
Strategic Initiatives
1. Harnessing the Power of AI
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into modern day management processes will be one of the most complex and difficult changes to hit the workplace in a generation. It’s believed that AI will impact how management streamlines operations, improves productivity, and more. The MGT EC will be examining how to utilize AI in management and what the ethical and personal impacts of AI will be. We will be exploring AI’s impact on the different facets of managing the workforce and how AI can assist managers in this new system.
2. Strengthening Mentorship Programs
Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development. For a number of years, focusing on the mentorship of team members has been an important part of the MGT Div. By doing this, it has helped to foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. As the MGT Div continues to grow and change, we will continue to focus on this important issue.
Source: Getty Images/Solskin
3. Collaborative Industry Engagement
Over the years, the division has been engaged in cross-divisional collaborations, industry-focused presentations, panel sessions at IMECE, and a few other outside conferences. Through these partnerships, we have provided learning opportunities for our members to grow in their management skills and enhance their understanding and impacts of management strategies. We will continue to collaborate with others on these types of opportunities moving forward.
4. Developing New Management Courses and Workshops
We are currently developing management courses and workshops to help ensure that our members stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and methodologies. These courses and workshop initiatives are being developed to empower new, mid-level, and senior managers to effectively tackle emerging challenges. At IMECE 2025, for example, we hosted an Entrepreneurial Workshop that was highly received by attendees.
5. Educational Webinars on Business Concepts
We are in the early stages of creating a webinar focused on manufacturing business concepts from initial idea to strategic planning processes. The webinar will provide valuable insights to those individuals as they decide what ideas they wish to develop. These sessions will help the individual to demystify the simple to complex processes and encourage strategic thinking along the way.
6. Awards and Recognitions
The MGT Div has multiple awards and recognition programs that help to acknowledge contributions made by both ASME members as well as industry leaders. We are continuously examining how to assess and enhance our current award programs, such as the Henry Towne Lecture and the Henry Laurence Gantt Medal. We are currently refreshing the content and delivery of these honors to ensure their relevance in today’s dynamic business environment.
7. Entrepreneurial Workshops: Virtual and In-Person
We develop and implement both virtual and in-person workshops that focus on entrepreneurship. These workshops serve as platforms for members to share experiences, explore new ideas, and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
8. Virtual LinkedIn/CV and Negotiation Skills Webinars
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile and strong negotiation skills are essential in today’s professional landscape. Virtual webinars on these topics can provide practical tips and strategies for career advancement. We will continue to present and develop webinars aimed at helping our members with professional and career development.
By focusing on these eight strategic initiatives, we hope to cultivate an exciting, innovative, and future-ready management culture. To accomplish this, we are looking to find members who wish to grow and assist others in advancing their skills and opportunities.
Stephen Long, P.E., retired in June 2024 after a 45-year career with the same company, from college intern to a management leadership position overseeing engineering design and turnaround support in the petrochemical industry. Long is an ASME Fellow and has held numerous leadership roles within the Management Division, including chair, secretary, and member of the Nominating Committee, and currently serves on the Management Executive Committee. He is also a recipient of ASME’s Distinguished Service Award.
John Bozewicz retired in October 2025 after more than 45 years of management and technical experience with marine propulsion and control systems. He held senior management positions for new business development and machinery advanced technology programs. Bozewicz is the immediate Past Chair of ASME’s Management Division. He is an ASME Fellow, recipient of the Dedicated Service Award and Robert T. Simmons Leadership Award, and formerly an ASME Distinguished Lecturer.
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