The Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) has appointed Neal J. Couture, CAE, FASAE, as its next president and chief executive officer, following a comprehensive global search by the organisation’s Board of Directors.
Couture brings more than 25 years of experience leading professional associations, credentialing organisations and educational enterprises. His career has included significant work at the intersection of procurement and association leadership.
Most recently, Couture served as chief executive officer of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), a global association representing more than 35,000 members and certified professionals across 120 countries. During his tenure, he grew annual revenue 85.7%, established ASNT’s first international operations in India and the Middle East, created a $5 million foundation endowment and launched a proprietary AI platform trained on the profession’s body of knowledge.
Former ASNT CEO Moves to ISM
Couture’s experience at ASNT places his appointment in focus for the nondestructive testing community, particularly given his leadership of an organisation representing NDT professionals and certified personnel globally.
During his earlier career, Couture spent 12 years as executive director of the National Contract Management Association. He also served as associate dean of finance and administration at Boston College and launched a graduate degree in government contracts law and business at the George Washington University Law School.
He began his career as a contracting officer with the U.S. Air Force, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and industry. Couture holds a Master of Education and Human Development from George Washington University and is a Certified Association Executive and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives.
“As the Board considered ISM's next chapter, we remained focused on what matters most: our members, the profession, and the future of supply management,” said Stacey Taylor, MBA, Chair of the ISM Board of Directors. “Neal brings a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and member engagement. His vision aligns closely with ISM's mission, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to elevate the profession, strengthen our community, and ensure ISM remains the leading voice for supply chain excellence worldwide.”
Couture to Assume ISM Role in October
Couture will assume the role on October 1, 2026, and will work with Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who has served as interim CEO, during the transition.
The appointment comes as supply chain professionals face technological change, workforce shifts, global economic uncertainty and increasing demand for strategic leadership. ISM remains focused on research, certifications, professional development, market intelligence and community connections for supply management professionals and organisations.
“I am honored to join ISM at a time when supply management is increasingly central to how organizations create value, manage risk and compete in a global economy,” Couture said. “For more than 110 years, ISM has been a trusted source of insight, professional development and leadership for the supply management community. I look forward to working with our members, partners, volunteers and staff to strengthen the profession, expand its influence, and help organizations build more resilient, innovative and competitive supply chains.”
The ISM Board also expressed gratitude to Fogel-Monnissen for her leadership during the transition, noting her role in maintaining the organisation’s core programmes and global community while preparing for its next phase.
