Sharon directs all IPC market research studies and statistical programs. She is responsible for expanding and globalizing many of these programs since she joined IPC in 2003. She also spearheaded the cooperative statistical efforts of the World Electronic Circuits Council (WECC) organizations, which now share data on the PCB industry and publish global statistics for their members. She develops IPC’s Executive Market & Technology Conferences and facilitates IPC’s long-range planning process. Sharon is a regular speaker at industry events, including IPC’s annual Executive Summit and the APEX Expo Show.
Previously, she worked at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for 15 years in various management positions in marketing, strategic planning and business development. While at UL, she was a recipient of a General Manager’s award for new product development and won several national communication awards for UL’s annual report.
Sharon earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 2000 with concentrations in economics, marketing and strategy. Her B.A. degree is from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Sharon's primary outside interest is music. She sings with Chicago Master Singers and the Elgin (IL) Opera.
My thoughts on ...
What I think about some of the emerging EMS markets or regions
The served available market for EMS in North America has a lot of growth potential due to the large unpenetrated portion of the total available market (including what OEMs could, but do not yet, outsource). Many EMS companies in Asia have penetrated their total available markets to a greater extent and evolved into ODMs. This evolution is still in its infancy in North America.
What I think about low-cost manufacturing
"Low-cost" positioning in any industry can be perilous. I believe the EMS industry thrives on having a core competency in manufacturing, which implies excellence in operational efficiency and quality of output.
A book I recommend to others or am currently reading
Brain Rules by John Medina
If I could travel back in time and witness any event one would be
It's hard to choose just one, so let me offer two scenarios of the same type: the life of Jesus or the life of Muhammad - arguably two of the most influential "events" in history. It would be fascinating to compare the reality of their life and work with the teachings of Christian and Muslim religions today.
One of my favorite quotes
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein
Some of the countries I have visited for work or play
I have visited China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, India, and most countries in western and central Europe. Canada has been one of my favorite vacation destinations. I am planning my next vacation to the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg.
A helpful travel tip I often use
When packing, I roll up my clothes instead of folding them. This keeps them from wrinkling.
One of my favorite toys as a child
The piano
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