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From the PANNDT 2025 Conference in Niagara Falls, Inspenet had the privilege of speaking with Neal Couture, CEO of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). His professional path, strategic vision, and commitment to the global NDT community have positioned him as a key player in the evolution of the discipline.
Editorial introduction
In an era where Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is facing the dual challenge of accelerating digital transformation and an urgent generational renewal, many professionals are wondering how to remain relevant, well-prepared, and connected to global innovation.
That’s where Neal Couture comes in. As CEO of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), Couture brings not only leadership, but a clear roadmap for those navigating this changing landscape. From advocating for NDT on Capitol Hill to pioneering AI standards and workforce development strategies, his voice represents a guiding light in uncertain times.
In this exclusive interview for Inspenet Brief, recorded during the PANNDT 2025 conference in Niagara Falls, we explore with him the core questions that concern the NDT community today.
If you are looking for clarity, direction, and strategic inspiration in the world of NDT, this conversation will give you precisely that.
Interview
Inspenet Brief: Neal, thank you for joining us at PANNDT 2025. What brings you and ASNT to this conference?
Neal Couture: This is our community. As one of the largest national societies dedicated to NDT, many of the attendees here are our members, customers, and certified professionals. Being here is essential—not just for visibility, but as part of our active commitment to the profession
IB: Could you share your professional journey and how you became the CEO of ASNT?
NC: My path has been somewhat unconventional. I didn’t come from the NDT world. I began my career as a military officer, then moved into the aerospace and defense industry. Later, I transitioned into association management and eventually academia—though I quickly realized I needed a faster pace. I joined ASNT in 2019, bringing an external perspective that I believe is helping us lead with a fresh and inclusive outlook.
IB: You took over the role just before the pandemic. How did that context impact your leadership?
NC: It was definitely a challenge. Two months after starting, I attended my first ASNT conference in Las Vegas and lost my voice before a key presentation. Shortly after, the pandemic hit, forcing us to quickly digitize all our educational offerings, adopt new technologies, and rethink how we connect with members. That moment of crisis became a catalyst for necessary transformation.
IB: Since joining, what do you consider your most significant contribution to ASNT and the NDT community?
NC: I’m especially proud of our expansion into government and policy advocacy. In 2024, we opened our Washington, D.C. office to begin direct conversations with lawmakers about the value of NDT. We launched our first “Fly-in Day,” bringing over 45 professionals to Capitol Hill to advocate for the field. These efforts are helping position NDT as a vital contributor to public safety and economic development.
IB: What have you discovered through this engagement with the federal government?
NC: The biggest realization is that very few people know what NDT is. I didn’t even know before joining ASNT. But once we explain it, interest grows quickly. There’s genuine curiosity and appreciation for the role NDT plays in safety, infrastructure, and industry. We’re also exploring how to access federal funding for research and workforce development.
IB: And at the state level?
NC: It’s more complex. There are 50 states, each with its own system. Our plan is to rely on our national member network for local outreach— knocking on doors, introducing NDT, and showing how state governments can support the sector.
IB: How would you describe ASNT’s current relationship with regulatory agencies?
NC: Very positive. We’re not political—we don’t endorse candidates or agendas. Our role is to educate. We offer technical knowledge to ensure that regulations are effective, not harmful. Agencies like the NRC appreciate this neutrality. We aim to be a reliable technical reference.
IB: What role does ASNT play within organizations like ICNDT and PANNDT?
NC: We’re active members. These networks are essential for sharing best practices, identifying emerging challenges like AI, and fostering global dialogue. In four years, ASNT will host the next PANNDT conference, which is a major step for our international presence.
IB: Speaking of AI and digital transformation, how is ASNT responding?
NC: Traditionally, standard-setting organizations move slowly—on 5 to 10-year cycles. But the world is moving faster. We recently released a draft standard for using AI in NDT. It outlines best practices and what to avoid. That’s our role—to guide the industry through change responsibly.
IB: The industry is also facing a generational challenge. How do we attract new talent?
NC: The real concern isn’t just attracting young people. According to a study by McKinsey we reviewed, the issue is demographic—there simply aren’t enough working-age people to meet demand across all sectors. We need deeper solutions, including automation, cross-training, and inclusive recruitment. Competing over a few graduates won’t solve it—we need national and global strategies.
IB: Lastly, what can the NDT community expect from the upcoming ASNT event in Orlando?
NC: It’ll be a celebration of the future of NDT. We’ll highlight emerging technologies, revise key standards like SNT-TC-1A, and focus on preparing the workforce for upcoming challenges. Plus, it’s at a Disney resort in Florida—the exhibit hall is almost full and registration is open. It’s an event not to be missed.
IB: Neal, thank you for being with us and for sharing such a clear, honest, and committed vision for the present and future of Non-Destructive Testing. It’s truly been an honor.
NC: The honor is mine. Thank you for giving me the chance to speak to the Inspenet community. I’m confident that together, we’ll continue to strengthen this profession across the globe.
IB: See you in Orlando.
This article was developed by specialist Neal Couture and published as part of the fifth edition of Inspenet Brief magazine August 2025, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.
