How Volunteer Leadership Fuels Advancement in Maintenance & Reliability

In his inaugural address to the United States on Jan. 21, 1961, President John F. Kennedy famously urged, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

This powerful statement challenged every citizen to move beyond the sidelines and take ownership of the nation’s progress. The same spirit can—and should—be applied within the maintenance and reliability profession today.

Over the past decade I have spoken with leaders across our industry, in corporate facilities, and in local communities. A common theme has emerged: we all want our organizations to advance, yet the initiatives remain unfulfilled because they lack dedicated volunteers who bring energy and resources to the table.

Without committed volunteers, even the best ideas fail to materialize. We need more people willing to step forward, ensuring that the initiatives we propose truly address the challenges we face.

Today I see a small, dedicated cohort from leading companies who volunteer their expertise within the maintenance and reliability community. Their contributions are invaluable, and their dedication will continue to shape our industry.

One standout example is Jack Nicholas, a lifelong advocate for professional excellence. I first met Jack nearly a decade ago while helping develop the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals’ (SMRP) Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) exam. Over the years, Jack has become a trusted colleague and friend through his volunteer service on the SMRP Certifying Organization (SMRPCO) committee.

Jack’s unwavering commitment to rigorous, high‑standard certification processes has helped establish the CMRP exam as the gold standard for maintenance and reliability professionals worldwide.

His dedication, along with that of many volunteers, inspires me to invest additional time and effort in these worthy causes. We still have many ideas that need development and implementation; they will only succeed if we mobilize the necessary energy and engagement.

Consider how you can contribute further within your organization and community. Your volunteer work will be rewarding, and the learning experience will benefit both your professional growth and personal development.