Dave Doherty receives award from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Key Highlights
- DigiKey CEO Dave Doherty received the 2025 Robert H. Goddard Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement from his alma mater, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
- Doherty was recognized for his significant leadership in the electronics industry, specifically in semiconductor manufacturing and electronics distribution, which has enabled innovation globally.
- The prestigious award was presented by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, who praised Doherty's industry leadership and his role in increasing WPI's global visibility.
DigiKey CEO Dave Doherty was awarded the 2025 Robert H. Goddard Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The award is presented annually to alums who have distinguished themselves through their professions.
Dean Kamen, inventor, entrepreneur and founder of DEKA Research and FIRST, a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs, presented Doherty with the award at WPI’s Honoring Our Champions event, held September 27 during Homecoming week. Kamen received an honorary doctor of engineering degree from WPI in 1992.
“Besides his direct personal leadership at DigiKey, Dave also provides leadership to the entire electronics industry through his role as CEO, which cannot be underestimated,” said Kamen. “He is an extraordinary man who is pushing WPI to greater visibility around the world every day.”
Doherty holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from WPI and an MBA from Babson College. He joined DigiKey’s executive management team in 2008, bringing over 25 years of experience in the electronics industry, including semiconductor manufacturing and electronics distribution. Doherty has served on the advisory board of the School of Professional Selling at Baylor University, as president of the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) Education Foundation Board and as chairperson of the ECIA Executive Conference.
Get your subscription to Control Design’s daily newsletter.
“We are proud to present Dave with the Robert H. Goddard Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement in recognition of his contributions and achievements in the semiconductor manufacturing and electronics distribution industries,” said Arly Dungca 2008 president of the Alumni Association at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “Dave’s leadership and commitment to engineering and design progress have enabled innovation around the world.”
Doherty’s leadership has been a cornerstone of DigiKey’s success, noted Dr. Ron Stordahl, chairman and founder of DigiKey. “His strategic foresight and steady hand have guided the company through industry-wide disruptions while laying the foundation for continued innovation and growth,” he added. “This recognition from WPI is especially meaningful, as both DigiKey and WPI share a deep commitment to advancing technology and empowering the next generation of innovators."
Each year, the WPI Alumni Association presents awards to a select group of alums in recognition of their professional achievements and their service to the university and the Alumni Association. The award is named in honor of Dr. Robert H. Goddard, WPI Class of 1908, who was a pioneer in the field of rocketry.
