Description
About SAMPE
Founded in 1944, the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) is a global nonprofit professional society dedicated to advancing materials and process engineering through technical innovation, education, and collaboration. SAMPE serves engineers, scientists, technologists, students, and industry leaders working at the forefront of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies across aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, marine, and other emerging industries.
Today, SAMPE serves approximately 5,000 members worldwide through a federated network spanning North America, Europe, China, Japan, and other regions. The Society convenes the global advanced materials community through its flagship SAMPE Conference and CAMX (the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo), along with technical publications, professional development programs, and a network of professional and student chapters. SAMPE operates with approximately 20 staff and contractors and an annual operating budget of approximately $10 million.
The Opportunity
The Chief Executive Officer serves as SAMPE's senior staff executive, providing operational leadership across the Business Office and all SAMPE Regions. Reporting to the North America Executive Cabinet (NAEC) President and Global Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for translating board-adopted strategy into results, ensuring SAMPE's financial health, and serving as the organization's primary external representative to the advanced materials and process engineering community.
SAMPE is a federated global organization with regional divisions in North America, Europe, China, and Japan. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned association executive to work within that federated structure, partnering with each region so its priorities are represented while unifying SAMPE under a single, coherent global strategy the organization calls "One SAMPE." The role calls for demonstrated experience integrating regional governance structures, diversifying revenue, and managing stakeholders across a global membership.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Executive Officer will:
- Serve as primary staff partner to the NAEC President, Global Board of Directors, and volunteer leadership, translating strategic plans into operational priorities and measurable outcomes.
- Oversee the annual budget process across SAMPE North America and Global operations, with accountability for revenue targets across membership, events, sponsorship, and publishing.
- Lead development of new revenue models and non-dues income streams to reduce reliance on investment income and strengthen long-term sustainability.
- Provide executive oversight of SAMPE's signature events, including the SAMPE Conference and CAMX, and serve as SAMPE's primary representative in its partnership with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA).
- Set strategic direction for membership growth, retention, and engagement, and oversee the SAMPE Journal and digital publishing portfolio.
- Represent SAMPE in peer CEO-level relationships with industry organizations, corporate partners, academic institutions, and government stakeholders.
- Coordinate SAMPE's North America, Europe, China, and Japan divisions on shared programs, governance, and global brand strategy, advancing the "One SAMPE" vision while respecting regional autonomy.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a professional staff team across marketing, programming, finance, membership, sales, and administration.
- Oversee the organization's technology infrastructure and evaluate opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies to strengthen member services and operations.
Why This Role Matters
Leading SAMPE offers a rare opportunity to guide a mission-driven, technically sophisticated global community. The CEO will help unify SAMPE's regional divisions in North America, Europe, China, and Japan under a shared global strategy, strengthen SAMPE's role as the convening organization for the advanced materials and composites industry, and expand its visibility and relevance across aerospace, defense, mobility, and emerging technology sectors.
Location
SAMPE headquarters are located in Diamond Bar, California. The CEO is preferred to be based within reasonable proximity to headquarters, working onsite two to three days per week; alternative arrangements will be considered for an exceptional candidate.
Compensation
A competitive executive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.
Application Process
This search is being conducted by Sterling Martin Associates, A ZRG Company.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word format preferred) via the official posting:
The cover letter should outline how the candidate's experience fits the requirements of the position, as this will be an important factor in considering candidacy.
David S. Martin, Managing Director: dmartin@smartinsearch.com | (202) 257-1627
Adriana Abbasi, Senior Associate: aabbasi@smartinsearch.com | (630) 408-9513
Karen Lombardo, Managing Associate: klombardo@smartinsearch.com | (540) 751-9612
Sterling Martin Associates is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Requirements
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive association management experience, with demonstrated leadership at the executive level.
Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential or equivalent demonstrated expertise. - Proven financial oversight, budgeting, and revenue development experience within a nonprofit or association context.
- Experience managing staff teams, including hiring, development, and performance management.
- Strong board relations skills, with experience working alongside volunteer boards and executive committees.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to executive audiences.
- A demonstrated track record managing external partnerships, vendor relationships, and peer CEO-level relationships.
Preferred - Experience with federated or multi-chapter association governance structures.
- Background or working knowledge of advanced materials, composites, aerospace, or defense industries.
- Experience managing or co-managing trade shows, expositions, or large-scale technical conferences.
- Familiarity with publishing operations, including journals and open-access models.
- A degree in engineering, materials science, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience in these sectors.
- International or global association experience.
