The candidates of the elected president discuss the key objectives

The IEEE annual electoral process begins in August, so be sure to check your mailbox for your ballot. To help you choose the elected president of the IEEE 2026, The Institute Publish the official biographies of candidates as well as a declaration describing what strategic objective of the IEEE resonates the most and why it is particularly significant to them. The candidates are main members of the IEEE, Jill I. Gostin and David Alan Koehler.

On June 27, the president of the IEEE, Kathleen Kramer, led the meeting of the forum of the candidates of the elected president of the IEEE 2026, where the candidates answered the urgent questions of the members of the IEEE. The event is available to look on demand.

A second forum will be held on August 4 at the International Geosciences and International Teledeteration Symposium of Geoscience and Remote Society of the IEEE, Brisbane, Australia. Registration to attend the Livestream is open.

Main member of IEEE Jill I. GOSTIN

Nominated by the board of directors of the IEEE

Photograph by Steven Miller

GOSTIN retired earlier this year as a principal researcher at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta. His work focused on sensor systems and software. It also served as a systems engineering, integration and test test in the software engineering and architecture division.

GOSTIN attributes its professional success to its publications; service and techniques prices; great experience in program management; and leadership of academic, industrial and government groups.

She has held several management positions of the IEEE, notably the vice-president of geographic activities of the IEEE and the chairman of its board of directors, and director of the region 3 of 2020-2021. She is a former president of the Ieee Atlanta section and the Atlanta section of the IEEE Computer Society.

GOSTIN has sat on the IEEE computer and the councils of governors of the IEEE AEROSPACE and Electronic Systems and was vice-president of finance of the executive committee of the main council. She also managed or a member of several units and organizational committees of the IEEE, locally and global.

His leadership was recognized in 2016 when georgia women in technology named him wife of the year. GOSTIN is also the IEEE Women in Technology Leadership 2025 prize recipient.

Strategic objective declaration

Strategic objective chosen: to empower technology professionals in their careers thanks to education, mentoring, networking and permanent commitment.

The priorities listed in my position aligned with the six objectives of the IEEE, but it is the one that resonates the most with me. This reflects both what members regularly say that they appreciate the most, and it align with my own desire to help others succeed.

This objective supports the members of the IEEE throughout their careers by helping them to connect, grow and give back to their community. Provide this kind of holistic support has shaped my professional and ieee trips. I focused on helping people to succeed, by connecting them with the right tools and resources, or by creating new ones when it did not exist.

The commitment is personal. What each member needs or values will vary and evolve over time. To remain interesting and relevant, the IEEE must offer diversified and flexible means to engage and adapt because the technologies and needs of the members need change.

I will make this objective progress by supporting:

● Personalized learning path for emerging technologies

● Tailor -made resources depending on the level of experience and geographic location

● Expanded professional development and mentoring programs that improve careers at all stages

● Multidisciplinary initiatives with local engagement opportunities

● Innovation competitions that inspire creativity and collaboration

These efforts allow members of contributors to their organization, their society and their profession. They release curiosity, allow growth and inspire new directions. When the IEEE helps members to learn and engage in new ways, this reinforces not only their career, but also the future of technology itself.

Main member of the IEEE, David Alan Koehler,

Nominated by the board of directors of the IEEE

Photograph by Steven Miller

Koehler obtained his baccalaureate in chemistry from the University of Indiana in Bloomington and a business mastery of the Wesleyan University of Indiana, in Marion. He works in the energy and energy industry and has almost 30 years of experience in the test of insulating liquids and management of analytical laboratories. He presented numerous technical presentations and published technical articles within the energy industry.

Active volunteer, he served in each geographic unit within the IEEE. His first management position was treasurer of the central section of Indiana. He was vice-president in 2022 of members and geographic activities of the IEEE (MGA), director of Region 4 of the IEEE 2019-2020, and 2024 Chairman of the Committee and the efficiency of the board of directors of the IEEE on the continuity and efficiency of leadership.

He sat on the board of directors of the IEEE for three terms. He was a member of the IEEE-USA board of directors, member and geographic activities and publication and products services.

Koehler is the recipient of the transnational price of the IEEE MGA Larry K. Wilson. He is an active member of power and energy and dielectric and electric insulation companies of the IEEE, as well as women in engineering. In 2019, he was inducted from the IEEE Honorary Society, ETA Kappa Naked.

Strategic objective declaration

Strategic objective chosen: to empower technology professionals in their careers thanks to education, mentoring, networking and permanent commitment.

I chose this strategic objective IEEE 2025-2030 as at the heart of our mission: technology technology for humanity. This objective has also proven to be precious in my career growth.

We live in a time when technology is evolving quickly, and it is important that the IEEE helps its members, volunteers and customers to stay up to date on the technology that interests them.

In order to achieve career success, individuals must focus on their professional development. The IEEE has programs in place to help those who need to improve their soft skills and leadership. You can be the most intelligent person of a team, but if you are unable to communicate your ideas effectively, you probably do not grow within your organization.

The IEEE also organizes incredible conferences and events on a global scale which allow individuals to network and engage with those who have similar technical interests. This helps to maintain new ideas and share best practices. When our members and our customers develop a solid network, it can open the door to mentoring and employment opportunities.

Life learning opportunities help strengthen collaboration and commitment between technologists. Individuals from various backgrounds are able to share different ideas and create stronger technical communities.

I firmly believe in science, technology, engineering and mathematical awareness activities so that members of the IEEE can promote and help develop the next generation of technologists. I intend to devote additional resources to make sure it happens more worldwide.