SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2017 — Quality Assurance Specialist William Meyer was selected as runner-up for inspector of the year in the 2017 American Society for Quality awards.
The ASQ Inspection Division Dr. C. L. (Chuck) Carter International Inspector of the Year Award is presented annually to the top quality inspector from around the world through nominations from private corporations, military personnel and government sectors.
Even with a second-place finish, Meyers’ sees just being recommended for the award as an accomplishment. “I felt honored that my supervisor nominated me for the award,” he said. “Just being nominated is a win for me.”
The recognition highlighted his quick transition in becoming a key member of Defense Contract Management Agency Seattle’s quality team. “With award nominations coming from all over the world, it is very competitive,” said David Merrill, Seattle quality assurance team supervisor. “Although he has only been with DCMA for 18 months, Meyer has become an integral part of the team.”
The team’s diverse mission — ranging from work on the NASA Orion program and various satellite systems to smaller end-item contractors — benefits from the experience and training Meyer’s brings to the table.
“He is a major contributor to the quality team and his years of experience in the private sector have given him a unique perspective,” said Merrill.
Along with his work portfolio, Meyer’s educational resume includes five academic degrees, multiple certificates in business administration and project management, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and multiple ASQ certifications.
According to Merrill, much of the Seattle team’s work is on critical products, and Meyer’s technical certifications have allowed him to determine and focus on product examinations, process reviews and quality system audits in areas of higher risk.
Michael Shields, executive director of DCMA Quality Assurance, says the agency continues to outperform industry peers participating in industry level certification and professional development training programs. “This is certainly an indication of the knowledge, experience, expertise and professionalism DCMA personnel bring to the table each and every day,” he said.
Although the agency doesn’t officially endorse non-government organizations, it does encourage participation in professional development programs like the ASQ. DCMA is an enterprise member of the society with almost 50 percent of the workforce participating in membership.
For questions regarding ASQ membership or certification, contact
Dawn Smith at dawn.c.smith@dcma.mil. Additional information can be found at
ASQ.org.