American National Standards Institute Names New Chief of Strategic Initiatives
News related to:American National Standards Institute · 2 min read
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has appointed R. Douglas Leonard Jr. as chief of strategic initiatives, effective October 1, 2026. This new role will focus on advancing ANSI’s strategic priorities during a period of rapid change in standards, conformity assessment, and emerging technology.
Leonard has served as executive director of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) since 2021. In this new position, he will work closely with Laurie E. Locascio, Ph.D., NAE, the president and CEO of ANSI, to ensure the Institute remains at the forefront of innovation and change.
In his new role, Leonard will leverage his extensive experience in standards, conformity assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Locascio noted, "Doug brings a rare depth of experience across these critical areas, and his strategic perspective will be invaluable as we shape the future of the Institute."
Effective October 1, Warren Merkel, currently the vice president of engagement and strategy at ANAB, will serve as the interim executive director. Merkel, who joined ANAB in November 2021 after a career at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has a strong record of leading complex stakeholder environments. Locascio expressed confidence in Merkel's leadership, stating, "Warren brings deep policy expertise and a proven ability to lead, ensuring that ANAB continues to deliver the excellence and integrity its clients and the global market depend on."
Leonard's appointment comes at a time when ANSI faces significant challenges and opportunities. Locascio highlighted the evolving landscape, saying, "ANSI plays an essential role in enabling trusted innovation and U.S. competitiveness at a time when both matter more than ever. Doug's strategic perspective will help us navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities."
During his tenure at ANAB, Leonard helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth and diversification, strengthening its position as one of the world's leading accreditation bodies. His leadership has been instrumental in ANAB's efforts to meet the demands of a rapidly changing standards landscape, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
Merkel, on the other hand, has a background in standards services and a deep understanding of the global conformity assessment community. At ANAB, he has led the Engagement and Strategy Department, focusing on strengthening the organization's relationships with government agencies, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
The American National Standards Institute, founded to enhance global competitiveness and the quality of life through voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, continues to evolve to meet the demands of the modern world. With Leonard and Merkel at the helm, ANSI is well-positioned to continue its leadership role in shaping the future of standards and conformity assessment.