AWS elects 2011 president-chairman of the board

John L. Mendoza, a 36-year veteran of the welding industry, has been named as the 2011 president and chairman of the board of the American Welding Society (AWS), Miami.

"My goal is to challenge our sections and members to raise the issues that are important today by focusing on the image of welding in the future, and this can only be done through education and certifications," said Mendoza. "The most career-enhancing decisions I ever made were to keep advancing my education through achieving various certifications, and it is certifications that serve to keep an individual employed even during tough economic climates."

Mendoza has been an active member of AWS for more than 15 years. Before being elected AWS national vice president in 2008, he served more than six years as director for District 18.

Mendoza worked for CPS Energy for nearly 36 years, beginning as a welder’s helper in 1973. He earned his AWS certified welding inspector credentials in 1992, his AWS certified welding educator credentials and craft instructor certification in 1996, and certified training manager credentials in 2001. After retiring in February 2010 from CPS Energy, Mendoza currently works as a consultant for Lone Star Welding.