DePue's welding career spans more than 20 years. A welder for 11 years at West Valley Nuclear, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and a welding inspector for 11 years, he is a certified New York State public school teacher. His additional certifications include Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI), Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and Level III in magnetic particle (MT), liquid penetrant (PT), and in visual testing (VT).

DePue received the CWI of the Year Award in 1999, and four Quality Achievement awards for work in the nuclear industry. "His experience and credentials are a wonderful addition to the AWS staff," says Ray Shook, Executive Director of AWS.

The American Welding Society is the largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied processes, including joining, brazing, soldering, cutting, and thermal spray. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, USA, AWS serves almost 50,000 members in the United States and around the world. In 2005, the AWS Welding Show ­ the premiere trade show for the welding industry ­ will take place April 26 through April 28 in Dallas, Texas, USA. For more information on AWS programs and publications, visit the Society's Web site, www.aws.org