STLE Announces Leadership Succession Plan

Edward P. Salek, executive director of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the technical society serving individuals, companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector — is retiring effective Jan. 2, 2024, after serving the organization for the last 27 years. Rebecca Lintow will succeed Salek. As Lintow fills the STLE executive director role, Salek’s title will transition to outgoing executive director.

“Today, STLE is stronger than ever due to Ed’s steady-handed leadership, publication expertise and strategic vision,” says Ryan Evans, Ph.D., STLE’s immediate past president and chair of the search committee. “Our society is excited to work with Rebecca as she transitions to leading our 2023-2026 strategic plan objectives as executive director. Rebecca brings proven leadership, management, educational and professional development experience, and an expansive professional network to this role. These qualities will be instrumental to the success of STLE as our field is poised to make major contributions to sustainability and energy efficiency.”

Salek joined STLE in September 1996 and has been the organization’s executive director since May 1997. During his tenure, he directed the development and implementation of an evergreen strategic planning process that has sustained membership and provided the STLE community with new programs and services. As executive director, Salek also represented STLE and the tribology and lubrication field by frequently attending meetings with local affiliates, related associations, corporate members and publishers.

“STLE is a remarkable organization, and I am proud of what we have accomplished during the past 27 years,” Salek says. “This transition comes at a time of unique opportunity for the tribology and lubrication engineering field. And Rebecca, working with our leadership team and staff, will enable STLE to make the most of those opportunities in the years ahead.”

Lintow joined STLE’s staff in October 2021 as director of professional development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Benedictine University and has over 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in various management roles. Lintow previously worked for the AED Foundation as director of sales and development, and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago as senior director of engagement.

“I’m pleased to have been selected to serve as STLE’s next executive director,” Lintow says. “It’s an honor to follow Ed in this role and continue the organization’s mission of ‘perfecting motion.’ I look forward to working closely with STLE’s staff, leadership team and volunteers to continue the society’s 80-year legacy of fulfilling its ‘connect, learn, achieve’ value proposition.”