BANNOCKBURN, IL -- After 29 years, an IPC icon is departing.

Tony Hilvers, longtime vice president of industry programs, has resigned from IPC, effective July 6.

During his long tenure, Hilvers helped establish the Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry Management Council and promoted the term of EMS to designate and professionalize the industry. He worked closely with the PCB Suppliers Council and the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association Council to found the IPC Printed Circuits Expo and Apex trade shows. He also worked on IPC’s first certification program for IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, which has resulted in more than 100,000 certifications based on IPC standards worldwide.

IPC named Ed Trackman, vice president for special projects, as interim liaison for the SMEMA Council, Solder Products Value Council and Government Relations Steering Committee, and Dave Torp liaison for the Printed Electronics Management Council.