IEEE Life Fellow Manfred “Fred” J. Schindler has won the election to become the 2027 IEEE president-elect. Following a rigorous balloting process by the organization’s global membership, Schindler will first serve a one-year term as president-elect before officially stepping into the role of IEEE president on 1 January 2028. His extensive background in both corporate leadership and deep volunteer service within the technical community positions him to guide the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
Schindler, who was nominated by the IEEE Board of Directors for the prestigious position, secured 16,421 votes in the closely watched election. His opponent, Senior Member David Alan Koehler, mounted a strong campaign, pulling in 13,874 votes from voting members across various technical societies and geographic regions. While these totals reflect the outcome of the ballot, the results remain technically unofficial at press time and will become official pending the formal acceptance of the IEEE Teller’s Committee report by the IEEE Board of Directors during its upcoming meetings in November.
Bringing decades of industry experience to the presidency, Schindler is an internationally recognized expert in microwave semiconductor technology. Currently working as an independent consultant, he provides critical technical expertise, strategic due diligence, and comprehensive project management services to a diverse roster of clients. Throughout his professional career, he has been at the forefront of technological innovation, playing a pivotal role in leading the development of advanced microwave integrated-circuit technology from initial laboratory demonstrations all the way to high-volume commercial products deployed around the world. His contributions to the field are well-documented, comprising numerous technical publications and a portfolio of 11 patents that underscore his practical and inventive approach to engineering.
Schindler’s corporate leadership pedigree includes holding key executive and managerial positions at several prominent technology companies. He previously served as the chief technology officer of Anlotek, and he lent his leadership to Qorvo and RFMD as the director of their Boston design center. Prior to those roles, he built a solid foundation in industrial research and development as an applications manager at IBM, an engineering manager at ATN Microwave, and a laboratory manager at Raytheon. These diverse experiences across different corporate environments have given him a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing technology professionals today, from early-stage research to large-scale manufacturing and commercialization.
In addition to his impressive corporate and technical credentials, Schindler has maintained a deep, multi-decade commitment to the IEEE community, serving as a dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years. His leadership journey within the organization includes holding several high-profile governance and operational roles. Most recently, he served as the 2024 vice president of IEEE Technical Activities, where he oversaw a vast array of societies and technical councils. Prior to that, he completed a term as the Division IV director for the 2021–2022 years. His commitment to fostering international technical exchange and professional development is further evidenced by his tenure as the chair of the IEEE Conferences Committee from 2015 to 2018, as well as his service as the president of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTTS) in back in 2003.
Recognition of his tireless service and contributions to his technical home societies includes several high honors. The IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society awarded him its Distinguished Service Award in 2018, following his receipt of the N. Walter Cox Award in 2015. Beyond his administrative and committee work, Schindler has also shared his insights through writing. Since 2011, he has authored an award-winning micro-business column that regularly appears in IEEE Microwave Magazine, offering practical wisdom to engineers navigating the intersection of technology and business.
Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the future strategic direction of the broader organization, Schindler also led the 2025 One IEEE to Enable Strategic Investments in Innovations and Public Imperative Activities adhoc committee. This initiative reflects his focus on aligning the organization’s vast resources to support emerging technological innovations while fulfilling broader public service imperatives. Furthermore, his lifelong dedication and impact have been recognized through honorary memberships, including being named an IEEE–Eta Kappa Nu honorary life member and an MTTS honorary life member. As he prepares to transition into the role of president-elect and eventually assume the presidency in 2028, Schindler brings a wealth of experience, a history of collaborative leadership, and a profound understanding of the global engineering and technology landscape.
