What You Don't Know About John Mitchell

Title: President/CEO, IPC - Association Connecting Electronics Industries.
Association/members: Global organization in 64 countries representing 3,600 members in all facets of printed board and electronics assembly.
Board makeup and meeting schedule: 10 board of directors and five board members, who are officers. Four meetings – two in person, two on the phone. 
Biggest revenue generator: Thankfully, not one single one. We have standards development, training and certification, conferences, trade shows, and market research that are equal contributors. Membership dues make up 10% of revenue. 
Challenges: When we started 60 years ago, there were just six printed circuit board companies. So constantly staying up on the latest changes in various aspects of electronics and keeping members informed. It’s a bit daunting at times. 
Projects most proud of: When I got here in 2012, I changed the structure to better align with the mission. We set up a new “member success” division and reaffirmed the standards and tech group. Also elevated the government relations group. 
Foray into associations: Started off as an electrical engineer and then got an MBA. Worked internationally in the corporate sector and went to work for Golden Key International Honour Society. Also received doctorate in education. When the IPC opportunity came, it utilized my engineering, business, international, nonprofit, and training and education background. 

Hometown: Macomb, Ill. 
Current home: Milton, Ga. 
Travel schedule: Three weeks out of month to DC, Chicago, Asia and Europe. 
Schools: BYU, Pepperdine and University of Georgia.
First job: Detasseling corn.
Job in another life: Talk show host or stand-up comedian.
Person (living or dead) to meet: Albert Einstein or Steve Martin
Daily habit: I use the beginning of the day or end to plan or review, exercise and read. 
Favorite book: Read the Book of Mormon and Bible daily. Outside of scripture, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.
Favorite movies: Lord of the Rings; The Muppet Christmas Carol (during the holidays).
Favorite vacation: Branson, MO, for family reunion – 36 of us in one big cabin for Christmas. 
Bucket list: Visit Tibet and climb its mountains. 
Family: Married 22 years; five children (20, 18, 14, 11, 10). Oldest is in Latvia on a mission. 
Hobbies: Running, basketball, reading for business and personal growth, entertainment, movies, and family card and board games.
Startling fact: While at Bose, worked with Ferrari and got to go on the test track at 260 kilometers per hour (161 miles per hour). Also part of team that brought GPS systems to the US through Acura in 1992.