Frank G. Law Award
2006
CAPT James L. McVoy, USN (Ret.)
For outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society through dedicated service as set forth in the following:
Captain Jim McVoy’s innumerable contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on the Society. As both a volunteer and as the Society’s chief staff executive he threw himself into every facet of ASNE operations with enthusiasm and an unmatched commitment to improve the Society in every possible way. As the first Executive Director of ASNE, Captain McVoy not only improved the Society’s management and administrative systems, he also devoted considerable time and effort to enhancing the stature of the Naval Engineers Journal, while serving as its editor. Among his many volunteer activities, he authored a number of technical papers, including one that won the Jimmie Hamilton Award; served actively on the History Committee; provided active support in a variety of ways to nearly every ASNE Day for decades, and served for many years as honorary Chaplain for the Presidents Club and other Society functions.
Captain McVoy’s inspirational leadership of a small staff of paid employees and a group of willing volunteers guided ASNE successfully through a period of rapid expansion in membership, sections growth and technical achievement. His foresight and management skills led the society through a difficult period of modernization to move the Society’s financial, technical and administrative functions from manual records into the computer age on a limited budget.
He dealt effectively with rapidly growing changes in government oversight of non-profit organizations, as well as the changes in volunteer needs and attitudes, with insight and flexibility. He saw the need for organized programs to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Society and took action to bridge the transition from a club for naval engineers to a modern, professional organization providing technical development opportunities as well as social interaction between young engineers and seasoned experienced professionals and leaders in the sea services.
For more than forty years Captain McVoy has been both a consummate engineering professional and a stalwart champion of ASNE. Among his many contributions to a vibrant life for the Society, the most important may have been his skill in recruiting volunteers to take on monumental tasks without feeling put upon or overstressed. He contributed greatly to the social fabric of the Society, encouraging inclusion of family members at meetings and providing opportunities for young people to meet and talk with professional naval engineers. His many years of dedication and support to ASNE have been an inspiration and encouragement to others. He has never failed to answer the call and in every instance, has provided the finest in service to the Society. He has volunteered with energy, determination, dedication, and, above all, heart. He is most fitting to receive the Society’s 2006 Frank G. Law Award.