Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1058015
50 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2018 Feature Interview by Barry Matties I-CONNECT007 I recently spoke with Mark Friedman, a member success advocate at IPC, about the current status of IPC's membership programs, the recent growth they've seen, and some hidden benefits of IPC membership that poten- tial members might not be considering. Barry Matties: Mark, you're a member success advocate at IPC, and your function surrounds membership. Tell me a little bit about what that title means. Mark Friedman: I support IPC's membership, so if they have any issues or inquiries, I make Mark Friedman on IPC Membership sure that they get the responses they deserve. We have several programs that members might not be aware of, and I guide them to the appro- priate individual who can help them out with their inquiries. Matties: How long has this position been at the IPC? Friedman: It's been there for about three and a half years. Matties: So, it's a newer position. Friedman: That's correct. Management realized that a lot of our members weren't getting the attention and support that they needed from a personal standpoint, so they created this position to enhance the member experi- ence. Matties: Is this a global func- tion? Friedman: Yes, we support members globally. Matties: Great. Can you tell us about your background? Friedman: I'm an electrical engineer with more than 30 years of sales experience in the semiconductor industry. Matties: How did you find your way to the IPC? Friedman: I had a colleague who worked with me in the semiconductor industry and