In the ever-evolving landscape of quality management, where innovation meets unwavering commitment, the ASQ Fellows community stands as a beacon of excellence. Each year, we celebrate the election of exceptional individuals who have not only advanced the profession through their expertise and leadership but also embodied the Society’s mission to “Make Good Great.” It is with great pride that we announce the Class of 2026 ASQ Fellows—trailblazers whose contributions span industries, academia, and beyond. These seven distinguished professionals have been recognized for their profound impact on quality practices, education, and ASQ’s global network.

As newly elected Fellows, you join an elite cadre of over 500 peers dedicated to fostering operational excellence, ethical standards, and collaborative progress. Your elevation reflects not just years of service but a lifetime of influence that inspires us all. We extend a heartfelt welcome: May this honor propel you toward even greater horizons within our community.

Below is a list of our 2026 Fellows, along with their official citations, which highlight the remarkable achievements that earned them this distinction:

Eduardo Vega, For advancing quality across industries and countries; for leadership within ASQ; for contributions to national and state quality award programs in Mexico and the U.S.; and for a lasting commitment to mentoring, problem-solving, and developing people through the principles and practice of quality.

Douglas Wood, For advancing quality management thinking through leadership, international instruction, influential publications; for leadership within ASQ, and key roles in the Quality Management Division; contributions to State quality award programs; and a commitment to mentoring and teaching problem-solving. He has made an impact on the profession and exemplifies ASQ’s mission and values.

Roger Merriman, For exemplary leadership at Textron Aviation, combined with his extensive teaching experience and innovative contributions to flight testing and quality engineering, and for his commitment to process excellence and mentoring future professionals.

Rhonda Farrell, Dr., For demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing quality and innovation principles within ASQ and beyond for multiple decades. Her empowering leadership traits, dedicated mentorship, and excellence mindset have significantly impacted the quality community, making her a deserving candidate for the distinguished recognition as an ASQ Fellow.

Zubair Anwar, For outstanding contributions to digital quality evolution globally as a Thought Leader, for implementing Quality and Six Sigma systems in the Middle East and Pakistan, for facilitating professional and academic quality education globally, for valuable services to ASQ, TCC, Training division, Customer Supplier Division, Service Quality Division and Innovation Division and for helping the organizations in capacity building worldwide

Shrikant Mehta, For exemplary achievements and leadership across a broad spectrum of quality management and operational excellence areas; for excellence in design and deployment of governance and performance measurement frameworks; for inspirational commitment to furthering Quality Thinking and for creating tangible impact through ASQ community activities.

Scott Cornish, For his active and valuable membership in the ASQ South Jersey Section 508. He has been a member of the SLC and holds two positions. We know his background and he has extensive experience in quality in three different industries.

These citations barely scratch the surface of the collective brilliance of this new class of Fellows. Still, they underscore the diverse ways in which these individuals have shaped our field—from cutting-edge technologies to inclusive leadership.

Now, as Fellows, the real adventure begins – We invite you to dive into the myriad engagement opportunities that define our community:

Think Tanks – Join focused, Fellows-led Think Tanks that address some of our profession’s most pressing and emerging challenges. These collaborative forums bring together diverse expertise to generate insights on innovation, the voice of the Fellows, advancement to Fellow status, sustainability, quality in education, strategic leadership, and social responsibility. The discussions intend to generate results that help to shape ASQ priorities and support the broader quality community.

Speakers Bureau – Share your experience and perspective as part of the ASQ Fellows Speakers Bureau. Fellows are invited to present keynotes, webinars, panels, and chapter programs for sections, divisions, and conferences worldwide. This is a powerful platform to amplify your voice, inspire practitioners at all career stages, and advance quality thinking across industries and regions.

Quality Standards – Contribute your knowledge to the development, review, and interpretation of quality standards and best practices. Fellows play a vital role in strengthening the rigor, relevance, and global adoption of standards by serving on committees, providing expert feedback, and helping translate standards into practical guidance for organizations striving for excellence.

Networking – Engage and collaborate with other ASQ Fellows in our dedicated myASQ online community and our new ASQ Fellows LinkedIn network. These spaces foster ongoing dialogue, peer support, and collaboration—whether you’re exchanging ideas, mentoring others, forming project teams, or simply staying connected to the pulse of the profession worldwide.

Becoming a Fellow is more than an accolade—it’s a call to action. We are thrilled to have you among us and eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives you’ll bring. Reach out to the ASQ Fellows Group to connect, contribute, or simply share your journey. Here’s to making great even greater—together.

About the ASQ Fellows Forum: This column is for all Fellow members to advance the quality profession through leadership, education, and innovation. Learn more at asq.org/communities/forums/fellows.