Tempe – September 11, 2026 -- Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the world's largest professional association for supply chain and procurement, has appointed Neal J. Couture, CAE, FASAE, as its next president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2026.
ISM Board completes global search to select next leader
The ISM Board of Directors selected Couture following a comprehensive global search to guide the organization's next phase of growth, member value and global professional impact. Stacey Taylor, MBA, Chair of the ISM Board of Directors, said Couture's track record of leadership, innovation and member engagement aligned closely with ISM's mission.
Couture grew prior association's revenue 85.7 percent
Couture most recently served as CEO of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, a global association with more than 35,000 members and certified professionals across 120 countries. During his tenure there, 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.
Career spans 25 years across procurement and association leadership
Couture brings more than 25 years of experience leading professional associations, credentialing organizations and educational enterprises. He previously spent 12 years as executive director of the National Contract Management Association, served as associate dean of finance and administration at Boston College, and launched a graduate degree program in government contracts law and business at 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.
Appointment arrives amid workforce and economic pressures on supply chains
The appointment comes as supply chain professionals face rapid technological change, workforce shifts, global economic uncertainty and growing demand for strategic leadership. Founded in 1915, ISM serves more than 200,000 practitioners in more than 100 countries through certifications, market intelligence and the ISM PMI Reports.
Couture will work closely with Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who has served as interim CEO, during the transition period.