The Society of Broadcast Engineers has named its new executive director.
Michael Downs will begin work Monday. He succeeds Jim Ragsdale, who stepped down in October after 3-1/2 years.
“Downs has 27 years of experience in non-profit management at an international level,” SBE said in the announcement.
“Since 2012 he was the director of conventions and meetings of Kiwanis International, a global service organization. Previous to that, he worked for 10 years as chief staff executive of Key Club International. During his time with Key Club, the organization posted year-over-year growth in membership. His professional experience includes an extensive background in strategic plan development and deployment.”
His relevant professional certifications include Certified Association Executive, Certified Meeting Professional, Certified Event Designer and Digital Event Strategist.
Downs — who lives in the Indianapolis area where SBE is headquartered — is a past president of the Indiana Society of Association Executives and past vice-president of the Indiana Chapter of Meetings Professional International.
The announcement was made by SBE President Ted Hand. Vice President Kevin Trueblood led the search committee. The organization has about 3,800 members. (Read about the organization’s priorities for 2025.)
SBE’s first full-time executive director was John Poray, who left in 2020 after 28 years (and earned his own bobblehead).
