International Council on Systems Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

International Council on Systems Engineering has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, global operations, regional chapter management, and program development.

Dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary systems engineering practices, International Council on Systems Engineering fosters a global community through professional networking, educational resources, and the creation of high-impact industry standards for complex problem-solving.

Leadership Roles at International Council on Systems Engineering

  • President Elect - Channy Laux
  • President - Glenn Townson
  • Chapter President - Mike VandenBoom
  • President - Craig Hayenga
  • President - Patrick Hale
  • President, Program Committee Chair - Chin-An Cheng
  • Director At Large - Kenneth Wadman
  • Director At Large - Veronica Crichton
  • Channy Laux - President Elect

    Channy Laux, the President Elect at International Council on Systems Engineering, prepares for future organizational leadership by aligning long-term strategic goals with the evolving needs of the global systems engineering community. Laux coordinates with current leadership to ensure seamless transitions in governance while promoting the adoption of interdisciplinary principles across diverse industrial sectors. By analyzing emerging trends in systems approaches, the President Elect identifies opportunities for expanding membership value and enhancing the visibility of the discipline. Channy Laux drives initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of technical innovation. Through active engagement with international stakeholders, the President Elect strengthens the foundation for future growth and operational excellence. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the board to refine the mission and maintain the high standards expected by the membership base.

    Glenn Townson - President

    Glenn Townson, the President at International Council on Systems Engineering, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the organization. Townson oversees the implementation of programs designed to connect systems engineering professionals with essential career-advancement opportunities and educational resources. By managing high-level relationships with global partners, the President ensures that the organization produces state-of-the-art work products that define industry best practices. Glenn Townson drives the expansion of the global community, focusing on the dissemination of systems approaches to complex, real-world problems. The President maintains rigorous oversight of organizational health, ensuring that all initiatives align with the not-for-profit mission of fostering professional development. Through consistent engagement with the board and executive committees, Townson secures the resources necessary to enhance the visibility and impact of systems engineering on a worldwide scale, ultimately driving the long-term success of the entire membership.
    Glenn Townson

    Mike VandenBoom - Chapter President

    Mike VandenBoom, the Chapter President at International Council on Systems Engineering, manages regional operations and local member engagement to support the broader organizational mission. VandenBoom facilitates networking events, technical workshops, and professional development sessions that bring systems engineering principles to local practitioners. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Chapter President ensures that members have access to the tools and knowledge required for successful systems realization. Mike VandenBoom drives local initiatives that align with global standards, effectively translating high-level strategies into actionable community programs. The Chapter President coordinates with the central leadership to share best practices and promote the visibility of the discipline within the regional market. Through consistent outreach and member support, VandenBoom strengthens the local network, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for engineers seeking to improve their technical capabilities and professional standing within the global systems engineering community.

    Craig Hayenga - President

    Craig Hayenga, the President at International Council on Systems Engineering, focuses on the operational scaling of the organization and the refinement of its core service offerings. Hayenga leads the development of strategic frameworks that support the realization of successful systems across various industries. By overseeing the integration of new educational platforms, the President ensures that members receive high-quality training and networking opportunities. Craig Hayenga drives the expansion of the organization's influence, targeting key sectors where systems engineering principles can solve complex, large-scale problems. The President works closely with the board to monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies to maintain the organization's status as a leader in the field. Through rigorous management of internal processes, Hayenga ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the needs of the global community, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence for all members.

    Patrick Hale - President

    Patrick Hale, the President at International Council on Systems Engineering, leads the organization's efforts to standardize and promote systems engineering practices on a global scale. Hale manages the strategic partnerships that allow the organization to reach a broader audience of professionals and academic institutions. By focusing on the creation of high-value content and professional development programs, the President ensures that the organization remains the primary authority for systems engineering knowledge. Patrick Hale drives the implementation of long-term goals that enhance the visibility of the discipline, particularly in sectors facing complex integration challenges. The President coordinates with the board to ensure that all activities remain consistent with the not-for-profit mission of fostering a global community of practice. Through active leadership, Hale secures the resources and support necessary to advance the field, ensuring that the organization continues to provide essential value to its members and the broader engineering industry.

    Chin-An Cheng - President, Program Committee Chair

    Chin-An Cheng, the President, Program Committee Chair at International Council on Systems Engineering, oversees the planning and execution of major technical programs and conferences. Cheng directs the committee responsible for curating high-quality content that showcases the latest advancements in systems engineering. By managing the program lifecycle, the President, Program Committee Chair ensures that all events provide significant value to attendees through networking and knowledge sharing. Chin-An Cheng drives the development of technical tracks that address current industry trends, ensuring that the organization remains relevant to the evolving needs of its members. The President, Program Committee Chair collaborates with other leaders to integrate these programs into the broader organizational strategy, focusing on maximizing the impact of each initiative. Through meticulous planning and execution, Cheng ensures that the organization's events serve as a primary platform for the dissemination of systems approaches and the professional growth of the global community.

    Kenneth Wadman - Director At Large

    Kenneth Wadman, the Director At Large at International Council on Systems Engineering, contributes to the governance and strategic direction of the organization by providing oversight on key interdisciplinary initiatives. Wadman evaluates the effectiveness of current programs and recommends adjustments to ensure that the organization continues to meet the needs of its diverse membership. By participating in board-level decision-making, the Director At Large helps shape the policies that govern the dissemination of systems engineering practices. Kenneth Wadman drives efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of technical work products, ensuring that these resources remain relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The Director At Large collaborates with other executive leaders to align operational goals with the overarching mission of advancing systems approaches. Through this role, Wadman supports the long-term sustainability of the organization, focusing on initiatives that enhance professional growth and industry-wide recognition for systems engineers.

    Veronica Crichton - Director At Large

    Veronica Crichton, the Director At Large at International Council on Systems Engineering, provides critical guidance on the development and promotion of systems engineering standards. Crichton oversees the alignment of organizational work products with current industry requirements, ensuring that members have access to the most advanced methodologies available. By engaging with various committees, the Director At Large facilitates the exchange of knowledge and the creation of collaborative projects that enhance the discipline's visibility. Veronica Crichton drives initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the engineering community, recognizing that varied perspectives are essential for successful systems realization. The Director At Large works with the executive team to identify emerging challenges in the field and develops strategies to address these issues through education and advocacy. Through this leadership role, Crichton supports the organization's mission by ensuring that all programs are both impactful and accessible to the global membership base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding International Council on Systems Engineering Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads International Council on Systems Engineering?
    International Council on Systems Engineering is led by Channy Laux (President Elect), along with executives such as Glenn Townson (President) and Mike VandenBoom (Chapter President).
    Who is part of International Council on Systems Engineering’s executive team?
    The executive team of International Council on Systems Engineering includes leaders such as Channy Laux (President Elect), Glenn Townson (President), Mike VandenBoom (Chapter President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does International Council on Systems Engineering have?
    International Council on Systems Engineering has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in International Council on Systems Engineering’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of International Council on Systems Engineering includes roles such as President Elect, President, Chapter President, President, President.