Significant Sig John Pomeroy Leads Industry Changes

John E. Pomeroy ’63, throughout his career, has contributed to the profound change in the international competitiveness of domestic electronics manufacturers and was a driving force in the establishment of the National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) through the consistent and unrelenting application of Sigma Chi values.

Significant Sig John Pomeroy ’63

A Pioneer in His Industry

After completing his military service in the U.S. Army’s air defense artillery command in 1967 at 26 years of age, John began his career of six decades of exploding technical challenges and developments in the worldwide circuit board industry.  John joined a division of Houdaille Industries as leader of its numerical controls division. In very rapid succession he assumed growing leadership responsibilities within the parent company. In 1975 he joined Excellon Industries (Torrance, CA) as its president, and he became president of Universal Instruments (Binghamton, NY) in 1985. The balance of his career reflects constantly growing executive leadership roles with the highly regarded Dover Technologies/Dover Industries, a NYSE and Fortune 500 corporation. This chain of increasing leadership responsibility and achievement in technology-based enterprises demonstrated John’s expertise, versatility, commitment, and impact in an increasingly complex and vitally important industry.

Collaborating with senior executives of the principal domestic electronic manufacturers, John was instrumental in creating the National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI). This organization represented over sixty companies engaged in electronics manufacturing to create measures and methods to compete effectively with international electronics manufacturers while still competing domestically. As a recognized leader in circuit board manufacturing John was invited by Steve Jobs, Founder & Chairman of Apple, and his manufacturing team to discuss “future electronic manufacturing possibilities.” Apple was searching for ideas in miniaturization for its future: iBooks, iPads, and Apple phones.

Nick Fritsch ’63, John Pomeroy ’63, and Jim Lopeman ‘63 meet near John’s home in Southern California for lunch to recognize John on being named a Significant Sig. Doug Wilton ’63, John’s principal sponsor for Significant Sig honors, was there in spirit.

Purdue Contributions

John earned a degree in electrical engineering at Purdue where he pledged Sigma Chi as a freshman and remained an influential brother throughout his undergraduate year. He served as President of the Office of Student Government Services and became a member of the Order of the Iron Key; the highest honor Purdue gives to undergraduates. This elite group of undergraduates served as policy and practice advisors to the university’s administration.

John’s Legacy

John’s character and his dedication to working at and through his career commitments have undoubtedly engendered a host of award-worthy improvements in the lives of communities where he has served. When in Binghamton, NY, John worked with the University of Binghamton to strengthen its engineering program.  His modest public profile reflects his selfless approach to community as well as industry well-being.  Jim Lopeman ’63 stated, “I know John to be a man of great accomplishments, stalwart spirit, and unfailing brotherhood”.

The Role of Sigma Chi in His Life

As an undergraduate, John was a role model – admired and respected by the entire undergraduate chapter.  His campus wide leadership resulted in his selection as an Iron Key, adding to the stature of Delta Delta as one of the most admired fraternities on the Purdue campus.  John has articulated in strong and emotional terms how the lessons and experiences of Sigma Chi influenced his life and career, and how honored and pleased he is to receive recognition as a Significant Sig.