Leadership That Breaks Barriers: Andy Chen’s Promise Kept

By: Qusi Alqarqaz, History Committee Chair and Editor of the History Column

For over four decades, Andy Chen and I volunteered with IEEE, united by one mission: advancing technology for humanity. Andy was based in Canada; I worked between the UAE and the USA. What connected us was the IEEE community itself—500,000 members built around purpose and service.

What makes this story special is that we didn’t truly meet and work closely until a few years ago—through the IEEE Systems Council. I began my journey with the Council as an editor and contributor to the History column, while Andy was elected to the Council’s predecessor leadership role.

When Andy was elected President of the IEEE Systems Council, I interviewed him just before his term began. In our first conversation, he shared his direction—and I promised I would return to see whether his commitments would translate into real, measurable progress.

Watch the first interview here.

As editor and writer of the Council’s History column—and later as History Committee Chair—my job was never only to document. It was to capture what leadership looks like under pressure: in decisions, in follow-through, and in impact that lasts.

In the second interview, Andy explained how he led efforts across complex regions like China and India—using conference strategy to expand despite the realities of government, academia, and industry. He faced resistance, but he moved forward: reserving resources for long-term value, securing the right people, choosing meaningful locations, and building communities and sections. He also strengthened collaboration through MOUs.

This is more than a leadership story. It’s a promise kept.

Read Andy’s article about his India trip.