Our February Member of the Month is ASNE President, RADM Tony Lengerich, USN (Ret.). Membership Manager Michelle asked him a few questions about his enthusiasm for ASNE -- check out his responses below.

Michelle - Why is becoming a member of ASNE important?
Tony - Let me turn that question just a bit. The question I often get is "What's in it for me?"; to which I reply; What are your career plans? If your ambition is to be a future leader in the business of providing our nation with the world's most capable naval systems, then you need to connect with today's leaders. You need to be see and be seen. Being good at your "daytime job" is important, but what sets you apart is who you are and what you do outside of office hours. What ASNE offers is an opportunity to work closely with current leaders; to observe first hand how they handle complex issues; how they build successful teams and how balance the demands of work and family. Most importantly, ASNE provides its members the opportunity to be seen and be helped in their careers in an environment that greatly complements their day-to-day work environment.

Michelle - What about ASNE makes you most proud?
Tony - Where to start! Our sections are the heart of ASNE; we have great leaders in every section and terrific members. Our committees on the national and local level are staffed by wonderful volunteers who work hard to bring relevant programs to our members and the naval/maritime community at larger. I must mention the members of our national council (past and present) who continue to shepherd ASNE forward; restructuring our internal processes and taking bold steps to assure ASNE's future. And, I am very proud of our headquarters staff, who bring their enthusiasm and talent to the office every day. The collective result of their hard work is a refreshed ASNE, with a modern look/feel and a robust digital presence. All these folks are positioning ASNE for it's next 130 years of successful service and I am in awe of their commitment and efforts.

Michelle - What would you say is the best part about the ASNE Community?
Tony - This one is easy; our members! I could fill a book with the advice, encouragement and new ideas that I've been privileged to receive from so many of our members. A great mentor of mine told me that leadership is as much about listening as it is about directing. Being a good listener isn't easy for me, but what I've learned is that there is a huge amount of knowledge and experience resident in the ASNE community. Being a member of the ASNE community is like having the key to world's most extensive library of hard-earned wisdom.

Michelle - What does being the President of ASNE mean to you?
Tony - When I accepted the nomination, I had the naïve notion this was one of those responsibilities I incurred when I was promoted to Flag rank in the US Navy; to "give back". How wrong I was! Being president of an organization that is totally committed to the advancement of the skills of its members and survives only by the willingness and energy of it's membership, is an extraordinary privilege. The president's role is to simultaneously imagine the future; manage the present and honor the past. The president's job is to accomplish all three, with a small staff and an army of volunteers. Nothing could be more challenging, or more rewarding.

Nominate a Member of the Month

Have someone you'd like to nominate as Member of the Month?  Please direct nominations to Michelle Redmon, mredmon@navalengineers.org.