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SAE President Elected to National Academy of Engineering

24 February 1999

SAE President Elected to National Academy of Engineering

    WARRENDALE Pa., Feb. 24 -- The National Academy of
Engineering (NAE) has elected Ronald K. Leonard, retired director, John Deere
Worldwide Tractor and Component Engineer and 1998 President of the Society of
Automotive Engineering as one of its 1,984 U.S. members.
    Leonard was cited for his contributions to the design and manufacturing of
cotton harvesters, lawn and garden machines and agricultural tractors.
    Election to the NAE is one of the highest professional distinctions given
an engineer.  Academy membership honors those who have made important
contributions to engineering theory and practice, including significant
contributions to the literature, and to those who have demonstrated unusual
accomplishments in the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology.
    Leonard worked on advancements in mechanized cotton harvesting machines
for John Deere in the late '60s and early '70s.  In 1973, he transferred to
Deere's Horicon Works where he worked on such products as lawn and garden
tractors, riding mowers, and power equipment such as snowblowers and tillers.
    In 1986, Leonard was named Director, Worldwide Agricultural Tractor &
Component Engineering Center in Waterloo, Iowa.  In that position, he was
responsible for the worldwide design and development of John's Deere's largest
product line -- agricultural tractors.
    A member of SAE since the mid-60s, Leonard became president of the nearly
80,000 member organization in February, 1998.  He concludes his term of office
at this year's International Congress & Exposition in Cobo Center, Detroit,
Michigan, March 1-4.