Leadership Development in Industrial Automation: An ISA Success Story

Professional growth in industrial automation often begins with unexpected opportunities. This case study explores one engineer’s journey from casual networking to section leadership.

Unexpected Beginnings at Industry Event

In 2022, Krysta La Bruna attended the ISA Wilmington Section’s Shrimp Boil. She initially represented her company rather than seeking membership. The event featured networking with automation professionals and industry leaders. Consequently, this casual gathering launched her significant ISA involvement.

Rapid Advancement to Leadership Role

Section leaders quickly identified Krysta’s potential for automation leadership. She accepted the Membership Chair position shortly after the event. Her responsibilities included welcoming new members and maintaining community engagement. This demonstrated the ISA’s commitment to developing new talent in control systems engineering.

National Conference Professional Development

The 2023 Automation Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs provided crucial insights. Technical sessions covered advanced PLC and DCS applications. Career development workshops enhanced leadership capabilities. Furthermore, networking opportunities connected her with automation experts nationwide.

Expanding Responsibilities as Program Chair

In 2024, Krysta advanced to Program Chair with increased responsibilities. She coordinated technical presentations from industry experts. Additionally, she managed event planning and speaker selection. Her role included organizing the annual Shrimp Boil that began her journey.

Preparing for Section Presidency

Leadership transitions created opportunity for presidential succession. Krysta will assume the Wilmington Section presidency by summer 2026. This progression demonstrates ISA’s systematic leadership development approach. It ensures continuity in industrial automation advocacy and education.

Diverse Leadership Transforming Automation

The Wilmington Section now features unprecedented demographic diversity. Three women currently hold leadership positions on the board. According to ISA demographics, women represent only 18% of automation professionals. Therefore, this section demonstrates meaningful progress toward inclusion. They also strengthened connections with University of Delaware engineering students.

Industry Impact and Student Engagement

The section’s outreach efforts produced measurable results. One student member joined the section recently. Several others attended technical meetings and events. This engagement helps address the automation industry’s talent shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in automation jobs through 2032.

Author’s Perspective on Professional Development

From PLCDCSHUB’s viewpoint, ISA provides crucial professional development infrastructure. The organization bridges technical standards development and community building. Krysta’s story exemplifies how engagement benefits automation careers. For professionals seeking similar growth, PLCDCSHUB offers resources covering industrial automation standards and practices. ISA’s framework helps engineers understand complex control systems implementation.

Practical Benefits for Automation Professionals

ISA membership delivers tangible career advantages for control systems professionals:

• Access to latest industry standards for PLC and DCS systems
• Networking with experienced automation engineers
• Leadership development through volunteer opportunities
• Technical knowledge sharing across multiple industries
• Student transition programs into industrial careers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does ISA membership benefit industrial automation professionals?
Membership provides access to technical standards, networking events, and professional development opportunities that enhance control systems expertise.

2. What leadership opportunities exist within ISA sections?
Sections offer various leadership roles including membership chair, program chair, and ultimately section president for experienced volunteers.

3. How does ISA address diversity in industrial automation?
The organization actively promotes inclusion through outreach, mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives for underrepresented groups.