Gary R. Johnson named 2014 IEEE Fellow

Words: Art FoxGary R. Johnson, currently President of Mortar Net Solutions, Inc. in Burns Harbor, Indiana USA, and former Chairman, President and CEO of Sawyer Research Products, Inc. (now Sawyer Technical Materials, LLC) in Eastlake, Ohio USA, has been named an IEEE Fellow by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers effective 1 January 2014. He is being recognized for “leadership in growth and manufacturing processes of quartz.” Johnson’s research team created products and processes that improved the performance of many everyday electronic products relying on precise timekeeping and frequency control, such as mobile telephones, computing hardware, global positioning system (GPS) enabled systems, and sensors for advanced inertial control systems.

The IEEE Grade of Fellow is conferred by the IEEE Board of Directors upon a person with an outstanding record of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest. The total number selected in any one year cannot exceed one-tenth of one- percent of the total voting membership. IEEE Fellow is the highest grade of membership and is recognized by the technical community as a prestigious honor and an important career achievement.

Johnson first worked in frequency control at the former CTS Knights and joined Sawyer, the leading producer of quartz crystal material, in 1979. He held marketing and technical executive positions before becoming President in 1990 and Chairman and CEO in 1993. Under his leadership, the technical team achieved breakthroughs in both the science of growing quartz and its high volume production. They accurately described the cause of critical crystal defects and discovered a new explanation of their formation. Their work resulted in significant improvements to the manufacturing processes that made improved single crystal quartz widely available.

Johnson holds BS Electrical Engineering and MS Industrial Administration degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. He was a member of the Technical Program Committee of the International Frequency Control Symposium from 1989 to 2009, including four years as its chair. He was General Chairman of this symposium four times and has held other leadership posts in IEEE.

Since 2001 he has chaired International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 49 (Piezoelectric, dielectric and electrostatic devices and associated materials for frequency control, selection and detection). More than 80 international standards have been developed and issued during his tenure.

The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for advancing technology for humanity. Through its 400,000 members in 160 countries, the IEEE is a leading authority on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics.

Dedicated to the advancement of technology, the IEEE publishes 30 percent of the world’s literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields, and has developed more than 900 active industry standards. The association also sponsors or co-sponsors nearly 400 international technical conferences each year.

If you would like to learn more about IEEE or the IEEE Fellow Program, please visit www.ieee.org.
About: Featured
Different Career Paths for Masons

Becoming a mason is a skilled trade that has been an integral part of construction for centuries. As a mason, you not only build structures but also lay the foundation for a variety of career paths that can enhance your professional journey. My journey a

By: Kent Huntley
About: Featured
Read More
Essential Masonry Maintenance Tips

Known for its durability, strength, and timeless appeal, brick’s low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to save on maintenance costs or those in extreme climate zones. While brick requires minimal upkeep in comparison

By: Tim Leese
About: Featured
Read More
The Importance of Safety Footwear on Masonry Jobsites

Masonry work is a trade built around craftsmanship, strength, and precision. However, it's also a profession that comes with risk. From falling bricks and collapsing walls to sharp debris and rough, uneven surfaces, masonry job sites can be hazardous for

By: Andrew Moffatt
About: MAP Partner
Read More
Heidelberg Materials' "Low Carbon Masonry Construction" Webinar Recapv

Heidelberg Materials is a prominent player in the building materials industry. Specializing in heavy building materials, they have a global footprint with a significant presence in North America. Their products include cement, slag, fly ash, and aggregate

By: Justin Stengel
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →