F. Don Tan

(Nominated by IEEE Technical Activities)
Distinguished Engineer, NGSS
Irvine, California, USA
http://www.don-tan.org/

Dr. Don Tan has served as Distinguished Engineer, Fellow, Chief Engineer-PC, Program Manager, Senior Department Manager and Center Director at a US Fortune 500 corporation. Don earned his Ph.D. from Caltech and is an IEEE Fellow.

A prolific visionary technical leader in ultra-efficient power conversion and electronic energy systems, he has pioneered breakthrough innovations with numerous high-impact industry firsts and record performances that received commendations from the highest-level of US Government.

Don received the IEEE PELS Distinguished Achievement Award for Aerospace Power and the IEEE McMurry Award, JESTPE Prize Paper Award, AAEOY Engineer of the Year Award, Distinguished Patent Award, and President Award for Innovation.

His technologies were licensed to major US and international companies. His national standards are used by the EPA’s EnergyStar Program. Don delivered 90+ keynotes/invited presentations globally. He received more than $30M external customer funding for R&D. He serves on several national, IEEE and international awards/selection committees.

Statement

IEEE TAB’s key thrusts are to promote technical excellence and prestige. IEEE/TAB members deliver numerous conferences and publications that distinguish IEEE as a global powerhouse for professional engagement/technical innovations. I will provide effective leadership for IEEE/TAB for enhanced values for all IEEE/TAB members, including:

  1. Invest in TAB’s future for potential upcoming interruption of TAB’s proven publication model, build effective, AI-driven tools for conferences and publications to strive for operational efficiency, and device effective programs for YP and industry members.
  • Develop disruptive (new) products/services that are IEEE analytics-based and AI-driven through an agile mobile infrastructure and increase industry participation by providing real value for their careers, recognizing engineering contributions/impact to society at large.
  • Pivot TAB for emerging technologies as the thought leaders in future technologies, streamlining workflow and enhancing transparency throughout the operation and provide leadership opportunities for diverse groups and regions, especially for those from industry and young professionals.
  • Enhance Society/Council collaborations with new ways of collaborating among S/Cs, particularly between small and large S/Cs and between our sister major OU’s of the IEEE; provide personalized services to our diverse constituents from large, medium and small societies and councils; and enhance the values for Young Professionals.

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities

(S’89-M’95-SM’98-F’07)

Dr. Tan’s accomplishments are through consensus/inclusivity and tough decision-making:

  • Leadership in transitioning Transportation Electrification Initiative to Transportation Electrification Community (7 societies, 15 associates) and to Transportation Electrification Council (18 societies, 5 partners)
  • As IEEE Fellow Committee Chair, led the implementation of the IEEE BoD’s improvements, among strong opinions (“Breathing into the fire”)
  • As Division II Director, revamped the IEEE Charter-of-Accounts with new financial management/reporting system (+Concur)
  • As Google/IEEE Little Box Challenge Chair ($1M award), ushered in a new model – developing technology through competition for national funding agencies
  • As Journal of Emerging & Selected Topics in Power Electronics founding Editor-in-Chief, launched in 2013, indexed in 2015, and 5.97 impact factor in 2018
  • As Power Electronics Society President, launched three publications and four conferences/workshops, ensuring PELS’ positions in emerging areas (doubled membership in a decade)

BOARD/COMMITTEES: IEEE Board of Directors, Division II Director, 2017-2018. Industry Engagement Committee, Vice-Chair, 2022, 2024-Present. IEEE Fellow Committee Chair 2022-2023; Fellow Advisory/Oversight Subcommittee Chair 2024-Present. IEEE Conduct Review Committee, 2021-2023. IEEE Transportation Technologies Field Award, Member/Chair, 2017-2019. TAB/PSPB Products, 2016. TAB Awards/Recognition, 2015. Technical Activities Board, 2013-2014, 2017-2018, 2024-Present.

AD-HOCS: Global Warming (CCIRCC), 2022. Data Business Strategy (IEEE App, Data Port, etc.), 2022-Present. IEEE President-Elect Campaign Pilot, 2022-2023. NextGen Finance, 2020. New Membership Model, 2019. IEEE/TAB Financial Transparency, 2016-2020.

STEERING COMMITTEES: eGrid (eT&D) Chair, 2015-2022. EECE/ECCE-Europe/ECCE-Asia, 2010-2018; PEDG; Inaugural WiPDA Honorary General Chair; PwrSoC Founding Steering Chair; WoW Steering Chair, 2014-2020.

POWER ELECTRONICS SOCIETY: President, 2013-2014; Vice-President Operations, 2008-2012; Vice-President Meetings, 2000-2004; Distinguished Lecturer, 2001-2004; APEC (fourth largest IEEE conference) General Chair, 1996-2001; LA Chapter Chair/Vice-Chair, 1996-2001.

Transportation Electrification Council: President 2024-Present; Distinguished Lecturer, 2024-Present. 

EDITORSHIP: IEEE JESTPE Founding Editor-in-Chief, 2013-2018. Guest Editor-in-Chief: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2016; IEEE Transactions in Industry Applications, 2015.

Standards: DoD/IEEE Joint Working Group – IEEE 1515/1573, Chair 1997-2004. IEEE-SA Balloting Groups, IEEE-std-1515/IEEE-std-1573 Chair.