ASNT Announces CEO Transition

(COLUMBUS, OHIO) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) announced today that Neal J. Couture, FASAE, CAE, will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective 12 October 2026, to pursue a new professional opportunity. The ASNT Board of Directors has formed a CEO Succession Committee and has formally launched a search for the organization's next chief executive.

"Neal leaves ASNT a stronger, more global, and more forward-looking organization than the one he inherited. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his years of service and leadership to this Society and this profession. ASNT's work continues without interruption, and our staff team is strong and deeply capable," said Jason Riggs, ASNT President.

Couture has led ASNT since 2019. During his tenure, the Society established ASNT India and the ASNT Foundation, launched ASNT 9712, and earned markedly greater respect within the global NDT community. He created ASNT's advocacy program, which has grown to include an annual Capitol Hill Day mobilizing dozens of NDT professionals, introduced a free Associate membership, oversaw the build-out of ASNT's education and training programs, and refreshed ASNT's brand and identity, among many other accomplishments.

ASNT will share further information as it becomes available.

About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chennai, India.

Media Contact: 

Garra Liming 

Director, Public Relations & Government Affairs 

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) 

614-274-6003; govrelations@asnt.org