Katharine Morgan begins serving as president of ASTM International, one of the world’s largest standards development organizations, today.

Morgan will lead a team that supports thousands of members, customers, partners, and other stakeholders worldwide. She succeeds James Thomas, who served as president for 25 years.

Today was also the organization’s first major meeting of the year and was held in Norfolk, Virginia. After the meeting, Morgan visited the Virginia Beach Fire Department Training Facility to see demonstrations of emergency response robots and drones.  Manufacturers, first responders, and others tested robot capabilities and operator proficiency using 50 test methods, many of which have been developed through ASTM International’s Committee on Homeland Security Applications (E54).

A 33-year veteran of ASTM International, Morgan served as executive vice president for the past two years.

Read Morgan’s first full presidential message.