IPC Mourns Loss of Former Vice President of Industry Programs, Tony Hilvers

It is with sadness that IPC announces the passing of Tony Hilvers, former IPC vice president of industry programs, on Tuesday, February 6. Hilvers left IPC in 2012 after 29 years of service.

During his long tenure, Hilvers was responsible for the association’s market research, government relations and environmental policy, meetings and professional development departments.

In addition, he was responsible for industry segments including the PWB and EMS Management Councils, the PWB Suppliers Council, the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers (SMEMA) Council, the Solder Products Value Council, and associated events, including IPC APEX EXPO. While he was vice president of industry programs, IPC APEX EXPO was named one of the top 25 fastest-growing U.S. trade shows in attendance by Trade Show News Network.

While serving as director of educational services and marketing communications, he formed the EMS Management Council and published the first market research study on the EMS industry in 1984. Hilvers was also instrumental in launching IPC Printed Circuits Expo, IPC APEX Conference and Exhibition and the co-located IPC APEX EXPO and worked with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association to launch the HKPCA/IPC International Printed Circuits and Assembly Fair.

Said David Bergman, IPC’s vice president of standards and technology and long-time colleague of Hilvers, “I had the privilege of working with Tony for nearly 30 years. I did sales visits, traveled internationally, collaborated, supported and was supported by Tony and his team. I always admired his ability to listen to a group of business leaders, figure out a program to solve a problem they were faced with, and then convince others that this program was worth their support. Tony’s passion for the industry and his natural sales ability facilitated his creation of many new programs for IPC.”

IPC extends its sincere condolences to Tony’s family, friends, and former work colleagues.