A message from the Chair (Trifon Liakopoulos)

s my two-year term as Chair concludes this March, I reflect on a six-year leadership journey that began in the Vice President role and progressed through President to Chair. PSMA's structured succession pathway (Vice President, President, Chair) remains one of our greatest governance strengths, providing continuity, stability, and the ability to think strategically beyond a single term

Over the past two years, our focus has been clear: aligning PSMA's technical excellence with measurable impact and long-term relevance. We implemented a structured framework for evaluating and approving special projects, introducing defined KPIs to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. This shift moves PSMA from simply supporting valuable technical work to deliberately connecting that work to industry needs and organizational growth

In partnership with the Marketing Committee, we also launched a strategic marketing initiative. While it did not produce immediate answers, it surfaced foundational questions that had not been systematically examined in decades: How do we evolve from individual participation toward meaningful corporate alignment? How should membership tiers reflect value to large organizations? How do we elevate PSMA's visibility at the executive leadership level? These discussions represent an important cultural shift, positioning PSMA to become not only technically relevant, but strategically indispensable.

Recognizing the rapid transformation across our industry driven by AI, electrification, and global supply dynamics, we established a new AI/ML Committee to ensure PSMA keeps pace with technological evolution. In parallel, we modernized our bylaws to formalize officer succession, synchronize Board and officer service cycles, and clarify election and vacancy procedures. These governance updates strengthen leadership continuity and institutional resilience. 

Through disciplined fiscal stewardship and a strong post-COVID rebound of APEC-generated revenue, PSMA now holds one of the strongest cash positions in its history. We view this not as a milestone, but as a strategic opportunity, to invest thoughtfully in initiatives that expand visibility, deepen corporate engagement, and accelerate sustainable growth.

This progress reflects true teamwork. President Renee Yawger, Vice President David Chen, Treasurer Tim McDonald, and Executive Director John Horzepa have been exceptional partners. I am especially grateful to Tim, whose senior experience and steady counsel consistently provided perspective, discipline, and wise guidance during complex decisions. Together, the Executive Team has built a unified vision centered on growth, modernization, and measurable impact, an alignment that will continue to drive momentum in the years ahead.

I am especially proud to see Renee step into the role of Chair as the first woman to lead PSMA in its 40-year history. Her leadership reflects both the strength of our succession model and the evolution of our organization. I would also like to congratulate and welcome Ada Chen, recently elected as Vice President, also the first woman to serve in that position. PSMA enters its next chapter with a leadership team that honors our legacy while expanding the perspectives shaping our future.

While stepping down as Chair, I remain deeply committed to PSMA's mission. I look forward to continuing to support the organization as a member of the Advisory Board and as Co-Chair of the AI Committee, helping ensure that the strategic initiatives we launched continue to mature and deliver value.

The foundation is strong. The leadership pipeline is clear. The momentum is real. The next chapter begins with confidence.

Trifon Liakopoulos, Ph.D.
PSMA Chair 2024-2026
Founder and Managing Partner,
Eneira LLC.

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