Why I Admire Walt Downing’s Volunteerism

Volunteering is the lifeblood of professional communities, offering individuals the chance to contribute, grow, and collaborate with amazing people. Engaging with the IEEE community has been instrumental in shaping my career since my early days as a student member. Over the years, as I transitioned to a full member and later to a senior member, I witnessed firsthand how volunteering can lead to personal growth and foster meaningful connections in my life and the lives of others.

I have had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated volunteers, and a few of them have left a lasting impact on me. One is Walt Downing of San Antonio. An IEEE life senior member, Downing is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Southwest Research Institute, which conducts scientific discovery, technology development, independent testing, and analysis for its clients. Based in San Antonio, SwRI works on autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, and space exploration, among other projects.

Collaborating with Walt as an editor and writer for the IEEE Systems Council has been a highlight of my experience with IEEE. I interviewed him for a video I narrated, “IEEE Systems Council: Charting a Course for the Future on its 20th Anniversary.” I’ve watched him in action and admired his unwavering commitment to advancing our field and supporting others.

As president of the council from 2022 to 2024 and now chair of the IEEE Lone Star Section, which covers central and southern Texas, Walt embodies the spirit of leadership and collaboration that makes IEEE special. What inspires me to share his story is not just his achievements but also the profound impact he has made on countless members of our community.

I’ve also worked with him as the chair of the section’s history committee. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently dedicates time to mentor and uplift others, showcasing the true essence of community engagement.

Exploring the history of the IEEE Lone Star Section, in Texas, with Walt Downing

Inspired by the Apollo 11 mission to the moon

Growing up in San Antonio, Walt says, he was inspired by technology from an early age. His father, who worked at the Kelly Air Force Base, now Port San Antonio, allowed him to see aircraft up close, sparking his fascination with aviation and aerospace.

It was as a senior in high school watching the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969 that truly ignited his passion for engineering, he says. The historic event fueled his dream of contributing to significant technological achievements and solidified his desire to pursue a career in a field that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Those early influences combined to shape his journey, he says, and motivated him to follow a path where he could make a meaningful impact through engineering.

Early career success

Walt’s journey as an engineer began with his involvement in a cooperative education program at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, where he says he gained valuable experience working part time at Kelly Air Force Base while studying electrical engineering. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in EE in 1973, he accepted a position as an instrumentation and controls engineer in the petrochemical division of Brown & Root, now part of KBR, in Houston. After five years, he returned to San Antonio to work at the SwRI.

The nonprofit research organization played a crucial role in shaping his career, he says. It focuses on advanced technology and scientific research for NASA and other government-agency clients.

That environment, he says, allowed him to embrace challenges when developing microprocessor-based systems and automated testing technologies.

RELATED: Reflecting on Leadership: An Interview with Walt Downing

Within a few years, he was managing a section specializing in automated test equipment for avionics. He helped expand the work into avionics research and development, ultimately leading to his promotion to vice president. In 1998 he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer, a role that enabled him to influence a variety of technical advancements, particularly in automated testing. He worked on early applications of microprocessors for testing systems, including projects for the Minuteman missile and avionics upgrades for legacy aircraft such as the A-10, F-16, and B-52.

As COO, his role allows him to set standards for reliability and efficiency in engineering, he says.

Reflecting on his career, Walt identifies pivotal moments that shaped his path, such as his decision to leave Brown & Root for the SwRI.

“Managing a new section that grew into a division was a critical step in my career,” he says.

Former society president

Walt’s involvement with IEEE began in 1981 through his participation in IEEE AutoTestCon, an annual conference for the aerospace and military automatic test industry. The experience sparked his passion for contributing to the engineering community, he says.

He has held a number of IEEE volunteer roles over the years, including serving as president of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society, where he’d previously served as secretary and vice president of technical operations. During his term as president, he adapted to changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic—which led to new ways of connecting with members.

“We started delivering our distinguished lecturers program online—which became immensely popular,” he recalls. In the program, experts in their field talk to the society’s chapters about their work.

“Get connected and stay connected to the professional community. Never stop learning about new technologies.” —Walt Downing

He is a past president of the IEEE Systems Council and a member of its administrative committee. He is a member of the IEEE–Eta Kappa Nu honor society as well.

He also has served as a program evaluator for ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

“Active engagement with IEEE maximizes the value of my membership,” he says. “My involvement has expanded my network globally, creating opportunities to build relationships with other professionals and showcase my skills beyond my workplace.”

Inspiring the next generation

Walt says his motivation for volunteering in the early stages of his career was to advance professionally. Now, however, he says he finds fulfillment in maintaining the connections he’s made within the technical community. His legacy, he hopes, will be one of positively influencing young engineers and technologists to advance their careers.

He advises young engineers to get involved with the key conferences in their technical fields of interest.

“This engagement not only enriches your career but also keeps you connected to the evolving landscape of engineering,” he says.

“Get connected and stay connected to the professional community,” he suggests. “Never stop learning about new technologies.”

That kind of mindset, he says, can help prevent obsolescence while opening doors to new opportunities and technical credentials.

Walt’s experiences with IEEE illustrate the transformative power of involvement.