Park Ridge, Illinois (September 8, 2023) ─ The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the technical society serving individuals, companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector — today announced that Edward P. Salek, CAE, STLE executive director, is retiring effective January 2, 2024, after serving the organization for the last 27 years. Rebecca Lintow, CAE, current STLE director of professional development, will succeed Salek. Effective October 1, 2023, Lintow will become the new STLE executive director and Salek’s title will be transitioned to outgoing executive director.
“Today, STLE is stronger than ever due to Ed’s steady-handed leadership, publication expertise and strategic vision,” said Ryan Evans, Ph.D., STLE's immediate past president and chair of the search committee (The Timken Co.). “Our society is excited to work with Rebecca as she transitions to leading our 2023-2026 strategic plan objectives as executive director. Rebecca brings proven leadership, management, educational and professional development experience and an expansive professional network to this role. These qualities will be instrumental to the success of STLE as our field is poised to make major contributions to sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Salek joined STLE in September 1996 and has been the organization’s executive director since May 1997. During his tenure, he directed the development and implementation of an evergreen strategic planning process that has sustained membership and provided the STLE community with new programs and services. As executive director, Salek also represented STLE and the tribology and lubrication field by frequently attending meetings with local affiliates, related associations, corporate members and publishers.
“STLE is a remarkable organization, and I am proud of what we have accomplished during the past 27 years,” said Salek. “This transition comes at a time of unique opportunity for the tribology and lubrication engineering field. And Rebecca, working with our leadership team and staff, will enable STLE to make the most of those opportunities in the years ahead.”
Lintow joined STLE’s staff in October 2021 as director of professional development. She obtained her B.S. in management from Benedictine University and has over 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in various management roles. Lintow previously worked for the AED Foundation as director of sales and development and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago as senior director of engagement.
Lintow’s primary responsibility as STLE director of professional development was directing members and volunteer committees in the development and execution of continuing technical education programs. She was also responsible for STLE membership, section relations and certification programs.
Lintow said, “I’m pleased to have been selected to serve as STLE’s next executive director. It's an honor to follow Ed in this role and continue the organization’s mission of ‘perfecting motion.’ I look forward to working closely with STLE’s staff, leadership team and volunteers to continue the society’s 80-year legacy of fulfilling its ‘connect, learn, achieve’ value proposition.”
STLE President Hong Liang, Ph.D. (Texas A&M University), added, “STLE’s leadership and membership combine diversified personnel, expertise and markets. Rebecca’s appointment further enhances the strength of STLE, and our board of directors looks forward to a smooth transition into a new era.”
About the Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE)
The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is the premier technical society serving the needs of over 13,000 individuals and 250 companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE members are employed by the world’s leading corporations, academic institutions and governmental agencies dealing with science and technology. STLE supports these distinguished technical experts with various professional education and certification programs. STLE is a professional technical society providing robust resources in technical research, education and professional development delivered through programming, courses, events and periodicals on topics most important to you: safety, energy usage, maintenance, natural resources, wear and productivity.
Tribological advancements can improve productivity, profitability, sustainability and safety across several industries, including manufacturing, metalworking, transportation and power energy. Membership is available to those interested in staying current with the latest technologies, advancing their careers and making new professional connections worldwide. STLE membership is a low-cost investment with high professional rewards. For more information or to join today, visit www.stle.org.
