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IEEE names executive director and COO
Jessica Perry//September 23, 2022
Sophia Muirhead will become executive director and chief operating officer of IEEE.
The Piscataway-based worldwide technical professional organization announced the elevation Sept. 22. Muirhead takes up her new roles Jan. 1, 2023.
She joined IEEE in 2019 as general counsel and chief compliance officer.
“I was attracted to IEEE … because it is a mission-based organization designed to benefit the public interest, its members, and serve a greater purpose, so I am truly honored and excited to be selected as IEEE’s next executive director and COO,” Muirhead said in a statement. “I am looking forward to collaborating with IEEE’s leadership, members, and staff to further IEEE’s mission around the world.”
President and CEO K. J. Ray Liu commended Muirhead for her track record in that regard, specifically highlighting her record working with the board of directors.
“Her breadth of experience will enhance the board’s continuing work to provide a professional home for our members, and to serve the engineering and technology community worldwide,” he said in a prepared statement.
Before IEEE, Muirhead served as senior vice president and corporate secretary at The Conference Board, a global business membership organization. She was also the group’s first chief legal officer in its more than 100-year history, according to IEEE. The organization cited her achievements in establishing new practice areas and capabilities, finding new pathways to growth, and acting as a catalyst to transform effectiveness.
She is also a member of the board of trustees of The Hunter College Foundation, where she serves on the Audit, Pre-Law, and Pre-Business committees.
IEEE has more than 400,000 members in over 160 countries. According to the organization, it publishes nearly a third of the world’s technical literature in electrical engineering, computer science and electronics.
