SPIE CEO Kent Rochford to retire in February 2027

Kent Rochford has announced his intention to retire as CEO of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, effective on 13 February 2027. Dr. Rochford joined the SPIE staff as CEO in March 2018. Since that time, he has made significant contributions to the Society through his passion for excellence and visionary leadership, positioning SPIE for continued success on a global scale.

Notably, under Rochford’s leadership, the Society expanded event and publication activities, increased community support programs, built an endowment-matching program, and improved its public policy posture and impact. Additionally, he guided the organization through the global covid-19 pandemic and oversaw growth in Membership and the recent partnerships with the Embedded Vision Summit and The Lens.

Rochford became an SPIE member in 1989, presenting his first paper at SPIE Optics + Photonics in San Diego while a graduate student. He received his PhD from the Optical Sciences Center (now Wyant College of Optical Science) at the University of Arizona, followed by a research position at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado.

Over his career, he has held management roles in a start-up and a multinational corporate R&D lab, returning to NIST to serve as chief of the Optoelectronics Division and the Quantum Electronics and Photonics Division, and director for NIST-Boulder Labs and the NIST Communication Technology Laboratory. When he transferred to NIST headquarters, he served as the Associate Director for Laboratory Programs and Principal Deputy Director, and as Acting NIST Director.

“I’ve been fascinated with our field since discovering Fourier optics, which seemed like magic, as an undergrad and have been incredibly fortunate to stay associated with optics and photonics since then,” said Rochford. “The privilege to work with amazing SPIE staff and volunteers, and to carry out the role entrusted to me by the SPIE Board of Directors and Membership, has been the highlight of my career.

“SPIE excels at connecting and engaging people, and reconnecting with old co-workers and classmates and befriending so many new colleagues through our events and activities has been a wonderful gift. SPIE is a terrific organization and I’m excited for its next phase of growth and success,” he said.

Julie Bentley, President of SPIE, commented, “Kent’s leadership has strengthened SPIE in countless ways, from expanding our global community to guiding the Society through unprecedented challenges. His strategic vision — including thoughtful investments and acquisitions that broaden SPIE’s reach and impact — has positioned the Society for continued success. Kent’s integrity, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing optics and photonics have left SPIE stronger than ever. On behalf of the Board of Directors and our Members around the world, I thank Kent for his exceptional service and look forward to celebrating his many contributions in the months ahead.”

A Search Committee selected by the Board of Directors to develop and implement the search and recruitment process will be chaired by Jim McNally, SPIE Secretary-Treasurer.  “Kent has worked with the Board to provide ample time for a full and comprehensive search to select the best person as our next CEO,” said McNally, “SPIE is in a strong position, with an incredible and dedicated staff and talented senior leadership team to ensure a smooth and effective transition.”

As the search process progresses, updates will be posted at spie.org/ceosearch.