Nita Patel, P.E., is Vice President, Engineering at Otis leading global research, design and development. She was previously Senior Director, Engineering at L3Harris leading multi-disciplinary teams in innovative product development where she was recognized for her significant technical contributions as L3 Engineer of the Year and New Hampshire Engineer of the Year.
Nita is Past President of the IEEE Computer Society and currently on Technical Activities Strategic Planning. She has gained extensive experience in technical leadership and IEEE governance through these roles and others such as IEEE Foundation Director, Vice President IEEE-USA, IEEE MGA leader and Eta Kappa Nu Board Member. She continues mentoring IEEE WIE Summits since establishing the IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Conference in 2014 when serving as IEEE WIE International Chair.
Outside of IEEE, Nita is an active volunteer leader within Toastmasters International and Senior Tournament Director for the United States Chess Federation.
IEEE Computer Society President (2023) & Board of Governors (2022-2024)
IEEE Foundation Director (2019-2022)
IEEE Women in Engineering International Chair (2013-2014)
IEEE-USA Vice President of Communications and Public Awareness (2010-2012) & Board Member (2008-2010)
Outside of IEEE, I am active with Toastmasters (Toastmasters of Manchester, Amoskeag Better Communicators and Millyard Toastmasters) and am active as a tournament organizer and Senior Tournament Director for the United States Chess Federation.
I received my MS Computer Engineering (1998), BS Electrical Engineering (1995) and BS Mathematics (1995) from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
2021 Toastmasters' Dave Rosvall Award
2017 Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Government or Non-Profit (Bronze Stevie Award)
2017 Woman of the Year - Government or Non-Profit (Silver Stevie Award)
2017 Toastmasters Shirley Kelly Award
2014 IEEE MGA Larry K Wilson Transnational Award
2014 L-3 Engineer of the Year
2011 New Hampshire Engineer of the Year
2010 Toastmasters District 45 Division Governor of the Year
2010 IEEE MGA Leadership Award
2008 IEEE-USA Professional Achievement Award
2003 RSIS President’s Award for Technical Excellence
2003 National Weather Service OS&T Systems Engineering Center Special Citation