American Welding Society names new president

Michael A. Krupnicki

The American Welding Society board of directors has installed Michael A. Krupnicki as AWS president for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024. The decision was made after the untimely death in August 2023 of President Dennis K. Eck.

“Mr. Eck’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to our organization were invaluable,” commented Krupnicki. “His presence will be deeply missed. We ask that the welding community continue to keep the Eck family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Krupnicki has been involved in AWS leadership for close to 40 years, starting as a board member of the AWS Rochester Section and holding increasing roles and responsibilities, including District 6 director from 2015 to 2020. He has been a member of the AWS Foundation Grants Committee, Districts Council, Communications Council, and Standards Council. In 2015, he became a member of the AWS board of directors and was elected in 2018 to serve as vice president beginning in 2020.

Krupnicki began his career in his father’s welding supply business at age 18. While working, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at St. John University and an MBA at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He grew the family business and also founded a cryogenics distribution company, then sold both businesses to concentrate on educating the next generation of welders. He serves as an adjunct professor of business and engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology and also is the founder and owner of the Rochester Arc + Flame Center, a private welding school that provides vocational and professional training in welding, metal smithing, and the glass arts and offers courses to the public and local colleges.