We at NAPT are pleased to announce that our own Charles Ellis was recently awarded the Measurement Science Conference's highest award, The Woodington Award for Professionalism in Metrology.
This award is sponsored as a memorial to the late Andrew J. Woodington. The award’s sole purpose is to honor an individual who personifies the highest level of professionalism and dedication to the measurement community. The award is given to someone who consistently demonstrates dedication, unquestioned competence, and commitment to the metrology community.
As many in the metrology community know, Mr. Ellis exemplifies professionalism in metrology, has noteworthy professional achievements, is international recognized as an expert in metrology proficiency testing, represents the highest level of professionalism and dedication to the Metrology community, has been involved in metrology for over 40 years and a longtime supporter of the Measurement Science Conference. The Woodington Committee is extremely proud to award Mr. Ellis the 2022 Woodington Award.
Charles began his career in metrology during his time in the military and like many of us in the metrology community, got his indoctrination into metrology at Lowry Air Force base in Denver Colorado, attending numerous courses within the PMEL Program. During his time in the military. He served as an enlisted and then as an officer. After leaving the military, he worked in the private sector of the metrology industry where he continued his deep passion for metrology, he has made it his lifelong profession.
Charles had the foresight to identify the need for independent proficiency testing for metrology laboratories in the U.S., so he started the National Association for Proficiency Testing (NAPT) over 25 years ago. NAPT still serves the metrology community today by providing tools and services to calibration and testing laboratories across North America.
Charles is the founder of NAPT, and although semi-retired, he still provides guidance and technical assistance to the association by serving as NAPT’s Technical Manager. Charles continues to share his knowledge and work ethic with NAPT staff and NAPT participants when needed.
The importance of quality measurements and of continued education of the metrology community is a fundamental part of working with Charles. One of his favorite sayings, which we hear him share all the time, is to “You need to understand the measurement.” This speaks to how important it is for metrologists to fully grasp what they are doing and why they are doing it in order to ensure the validity of their results. Charles firmly believes that proficiency testing is vital to demonstrating technical competence and the ability to make quality measurements.
While NAPT staff are very proud of his accomplishments, we know Charles is very humbled by this award, and is honored to be chosen as a Woodington recipient.
When interviewing Charles, he stated “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with so many great organizations and so many calibration labs over the last 41 years. I have had thousands of unbelievable conversations, mostly about improving the measurements, with so many fellow metrologists over the years. Being able to assist so many metrologists in improving their measurements has truly been a rewarding career. The acknowledgment by my peers truly leaves me speechless.”