Nita patel, PE, PMP, DTM
Collaborative leader, qualified engineer, exceptional communicator and innovative problem solver
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)
- · Streamlined operations and governance to improve organizational efficiency
- · Established the Diversity & Inclusion Fund and Emerging Tech Fund to support strategic initiatives
- · Spearheaded cross-society collaboration to launch the SustainTech Leadership Forum
- · Advanced Computer Society's strategic goals through targeted experimentation and increased member engagement
IEEE Foundation Director (2019-2022)
- · Led the strategic planning committee to advance organizational vision and direction
- · Developed comprehensive framework for broader engagement, program execution, and educational initiatives
- · Guided financial sustainability efforts and resource allocation strategies (e.g., helped launch a global giving campaign, exceeding initial fundraising targets)
IEEE Women in Engineering International Chair (2013-2014)
- · Executed comprehensive business strategy positioning IEEE WIE as the premier global resource for women in technology
- · Transformed financial model from membership-dependent to diverse revenue streams
- · Founded the IEEE WIE International Leadership Conference and chaired for five consecutive years (grew conference attendance from 400 to 1,500+ participants while generating significant annual surplus)
- IEEE Computer Society Second Vice President (2016) & Board of Governors (2014-2016)
- · Implemented enhanced training programs for chapter leaders to improve local engagement
- · Led development of innovative member engagement model and introduced tiered membership structure
- · Launched volunteer-driven Member Visitor Program (MVP) to strengthen community connections and revitalized the Distinguished Visitors Program (DVP) to increase technical knowledge sharing
IEEE-USA Vice President of Communications and Public Awareness (2010-2012) & Board Member (2008-2010)
- · Reimagined IEEE-USA Annual Meeting by integrating technical workshops, industry partnerships, and expanded volunteer participation
- · Launched the first IEEE-USA in Action online newsletter to enhance member communications
- · Established and led IEEE-USA as the lead society for Engineers Week (eWeek)
- · Authored four eBooks on Technical Presentations and led the creation of 24-volume IEEE Women in Engineering eBook series
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.