The American Welding Society (AWS) announced Feb. 23 the induction of its new president, Dennis Eck. He has more than 40 years of experience in the welding supply industry and has been active as a member and leader in the AWS Houston section and District 18 for 35 years, according to a news release. Eck was vice president of AWS from 2018 to 2022.

“Dennis has had a big impact on the growth of the American Welding Society,” AWS Executive Director and CEO Gary Konarska II said in the release. “His dedication to AWS, the welding industry and to bridging the generational gap in the skilled trades makes him an excellent role model and President for our organization.”

Eck was formerly Vice President and Partner of Houston-based National Alloy & Equipment, which was sold to Praxair in 2011. He retired from Praxair in 2020 and is now President and Owner of Diversified Services & Solutions LLC, serving as a consultant for independent welding supply retailers and small fabrication shops.

“I’m very excited to be President of the American Welding Society in 2023,” Eck said in the release. “I’m hopeful that AWS will continue to meet the needs of the industry, and that moving forward we will provide open doors, resources, and ways for each generation to relate and communicate better.”