After four years at EMS as Quality Manager, Robert Goodney will retire this November!
We caught up with Robert about his greatest achievements at EMS and to get his advice for our new Quality Manager, Dion Dawson — who we also spoke to about her plans for this future role.
To say Robert has vast experience in quality assurance and management would be an understatement. Since 1987, he’s worked as a Quality Manager in industries such as computer services, aerospace, and electronic manufacturing. With this extensive experience behind him, Robert has brought valuable knowledge to his role at EMS.
When asked if there was anything that surprised Robert about working at EMS, he told us the level of teamwork from our fantastic staff sets us apart; the team’s willingness to learn and improve was his biggest surprise.
Of course, the last couple of years have had their ups and downs, and the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the team working from home. Robert cites that period as the most challenging at EMS — especially not being able to provide support on-site during the initial planning for ISO 13485.
Despite the pandemic throwing a spanner in the works, EMS gained ISO 13485 accreditation in March 2021, and this globally recognised standard is one of Robert’s proudest achievements with us.
Dion, Robert’s successor, is also an extremely experienced quality professional, having worked in quality for over 15 years! Working across several industries, Dion has gained insight into aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food and batteries as a development scientist and analytical chemist. She even worked on the mid-infrared instrument on the famous JWST satellite and SABRE engine!
Building on Robert’s legacy
We asked Robert what his top tip for Dion is as she takes over the Quality Manager role. His advice? Focus on process management to make it more proactive. Dion has already had the opportunity to absorb much of Robert’s wisdom over the last couple of months, as she told us:
‘Robert has immense knowledge and experience covering all aspects of quality, built from many years working in the industry. I have highly valued his input… and it will be a big pair of shoes to fill once he has left’.
With Robert’s guidance under her belt, Dion is keen to get stuck into the role and her future with EMS and looks forward to building on the excellent work that’s already been started at the company.
Despite her broad experience, Dion is adjusting to EMS’ specialist software packages, which are different to what she’s been used to. As we all know, though, time and experience are the best teachers, and we know Dion will master the role in no time!
As for the best thing about working at EMS, Dion said:
‘The best thing about EMS is the people I’m working with and our lovely customers and suppliers. There is a real team spirit that is invaluable for ensuring we produce the best product moving forward’.
We couldn’t agree more — we really do have a great team, customer base and community of suppliers.
From all of us here at EMS, we wish Robert a happy retirement and thank him for his incredible work over the last four years. And we want to wish Dion a warm welcome and the best of luck in her new role! To learn more about EMS and the electronic manufacturing solutions we offer, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
