LEADERSHIP
|
SCOPE
VISION 2035: STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT
In November 2021, the ASNT Board of Directors launched the
2021–2026 Strategic Plan, a bold framework focused on six pillars:
expanding and improving certification, increasing membership
value, supporting workforce entry and advancement in NDT, advo-
cating for the profession, growing globally, and enhancing research
and scholarship support.
Over the past four years, many of these objectives have been
accomplished, while others have evolved or been removed in
response to changing circumstances and lessons learned. For
example, ASNT shifted its certification focus to address long-
standing concerns with SNT-TC-1A, based on feedback from
members and the industry. This shift exemplifies ASNT’s commit-
ment to engaging stakeholders and staying responsive.
As work under the 2021 plan continues, the Board has initiated the
next phase of strategic development: Vision 2035. This new 10-year
strategic plan began in January 2025 and is slated for completion
by October, with a public unveiling at ASNT 2025 in Orlando. While
long-term planning may seem out of step in today’s fast-moving envi-
ronment, the Board believes it is essential for the sustained growth
and relevance of ASNT and the NDT profession. At the same time, we
remain committed to adaptability in the face of change.
The first step in crafting Vision 2035 is gathering a comprehensive
understanding of our stakeholders’ priorities, challenges, and oppor-
tunities. Though our Board members are well-connected within the
profession, we are committed to a structured, inclusive data-gathering
process to uncover blind spots and gain diverse insights. In May,
ASNT Board members and staff managers will be conducting inter-
views and surveys with a broad array of stakeholders. This includes
ASNT members, nonmember NDT professionals, researchers, educa-
tors, service providers, manufacturers, OEMs, regulators, equipment
suppliers, and even members of the public and media—everyone with
a stake in the quality and safety of NDT.
The insights gained from this effort will inform the development of
Vision 2035, helping the Board identify goals and strategies that reflect
the evolving needs of the NDT community. This data-driven approach
will ensure the plan is both grounded and visionary, allowing ASNT to
continue providing value and advancing safety across industries.
If you are contacted to participate in this process, we encourage
you to share your perspective—whether as an individual or on behalf
of your organization. Your input is vital to shaping a strategic direction
that benefits the entire NDT ecosystem and contributes to a safer
world.
This update is part of ASNT’s Board Transparency Project, an initia-
tive to keep members informed about the governance and strategic
direction of the Society.
NEAL J. COUTURE, FASAE, CAE
ASNT CEO
NCOUTURE@ASNT.ORG
While long-term
planning may
seem out of step in
today’s fast-moving
environment, the
Board believes it
is essential for the
sustained growth
and relevance of
ASNT and the NDT
profession.
M AY 2 0 2 5 • M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N 53

In my previous articles, I shared how ASNT was preparing for our very first Hill
Day—and on 11 March 2025, it finally happened! I am so excited to share that
it was an incredible success. More than 40 ASNT members and staff traveled
to Washington, DC, to represent the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry and
meet directly with lawmakers and their staff on Capitol Hill. Over the course of
the day, we held more than 100 meetings with Congressional offices—all with
one goal: to introduce NDT, educate lawmakers about what we do, and high-
light NDT’s essential role in keeping people safe.
WHAT DID WE
TALK ABOUT?
Our meetings at the Capitol were
centered around why NDT matters.
We shared a one-pager with every
office that explained how NDT plays
a critical role in ensuring the safety,
reliability, and longevity of our nation’s
infrastructure. We talked about how
NDT is essential across a wide range
of industries—including aerospace,
nuclear, energy, manufacturing, and
more.
One thing that really stood out in
our conversations—and is no surprise
to anyone—was how little awareness
there is about NDT. That’s exactly why
Hill Day is so important. We introduced
NDT to staffers who had never heard of
it before, and once they understood it,
they could see the connection to infra-
structure, public safety, and workforce
development.
Another topic that resonated was the
decline in federal research investment in
NDT over the last 15 years. As materials
SCOPE
ASNT’S FIRST HILL
VOICES HEARD IN
BY GARRA LIMING
More than 40 ASNT members and
staff traveled to Washington, DC,
to represent the nondestructive
testing (NDT) industry and meet
directly with lawmakers and their
staff on Capitol Hill.
54
M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • M AY 2 0 2 5