ISM® Names Neal J. Couture, CAE, FASAE, President and CEO

Association and credentialing leader with deep procurement experience to guide ISM's next chapter

TEMPE, Ariz., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Institute for Supply Management^® (ISM^®), the world's first and largest professional association for supply chain and procurement, named Neal J. Couture, CAE, FASAE, its next president and chief executive officer. Following a comprehensive global search, the ISM Board of Directors selected Couture to guide the organization's next phase of growth, member value and global professional impact.

Couture brings more than 25 years of experience leading professional associations, credentialing organizations and educational enterprises, with a career built at the intersection of procurement and association leadership. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, a global association representing more than 35,000 members and certified professionals across 120 countries. During his tenure, he grew annual revenue 85.7 percent, established the organization's first international operations in India and the Middle East, created a $5 million foundation endowment and launched a proprietary AI platform trained on the profession's body of knowledge.

"As the Board considered ISM's next chapter, we remained focused on what matters most: our members, the profession, and the future of supply management," said Stacey Taylor, MBA, Chair of the ISM Board of Directors. "Neal brings a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and member engagement. His vision aligns closely with ISM's mission, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to elevate the profession, strengthen our community, and ensure ISM remains the leading voice for supply chain excellence worldwide."

Earlier, Couture spent 12 years as executive director of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), served as associate dean of finance and administration at Boston College, and launched a graduate degree in government contracts law and business at the George Washington University Law School. He began his career as a contracting officer with the U.S. Air Force, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and industry. Couture holds a Master of Education and Human Development from George Washington University and is a Certified Association Executive and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives.

Couture will assume the role October 1, 2026, and work closely with Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who has served as interim CEO, during the transition.

The appointment comes as supply chain professionals face rapid technological change, workforce shifts, global economic uncertainty and growing demand for strategic leadership. ISM remains focused on the research, certifications, professional development, market intelligence and community connections professionals and organizations need to build capability and make informed decisions.

"I am honored to join ISM at a time when supply management is increasingly central to how organizations create value, manage risk and compete in a global economy," Couture said. "For more than 110 years, ISM has been a trusted source of insight, professional development and leadership for the supply management community. I look forward to working with our members, partners, volunteers and staff to strengthen the profession, expand its influence, and help organizations build more resilient, innovative and competitive supply chains."

The Board also expressed deep gratitude to Fogel-Monnissen for her steady leadership during the transition. Her focus kept ISM's core programs and global community thriving while setting a strong foundation for our next chapter.

Read more about Couture and ISM's leadership team at ismworld.org.

About Institute for Supply Management^® (ISM^®)
Institute for Supply Management^® (ISM^®) empowers supply chain professionals at every stage of their careers through world-class education, globally recognized certifications, a professional community and the market-moving ISM^® PMI^® Reports. Founded in 1915, ISM serves more than 200,000 practitioners in more than 100 countries. Learn more at ismworld.org.

Contact: Jessica Boyd, 480.752.6276, ext. 3085
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SOURCE Institute for Supply Management