I often speak of AME as a family, and I truly mean it. Since becoming CEO in 2020, I’ve witnessed our AME family stand together through many challenges, some unimaginable. What makes this organization unique is our connection: not just for a season, but throughout our personal and professional journeys.
Many of you have shared that the AME International Conference feels like a family reunion. I love hearing that. Some of our members began their careers with AME and are now, several decades later, mentoring the next generation of lean and continuous improvement leaders. That legacy is powerful.
On a personal note, over the last five years, you have been my support family. You stood by me through the loss of my twin sister, my mother, and my stepfather, and I will never forget your kindness.
As a family, it’s always difficult to share sad news. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of two of our colleagues.
Our friend, Maryse Bourdages, passed on July 27, 2025. Maryse served on the AME Mid-Atlantic Regional Board and was a valued volunteer and a member of the first cohort of our AME Emerging Leaders program.
She was a respected leader at Lallemand and NAB for decades. Her colleagues at Lallemand shared a message that captures her spirit so well: “Her unmistakable ‘take charge and leave me alone, I’ll take care of it’ attitude is something the team will always remember and deeply appreciate. She was trusted implicitly because we knew, without a doubt, that she was always up to any task.”
Maryse embodied leadership, dedication and reliability. She made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know and work with her. I personally admired and respected her greatly. Please know that AME is working closely with our Emerging Leaders team to create something meaningful to honor her memory.
Last week, we also lost a cherished long-time AME family member, Dave Hess. Former AME National Board chair Phil Roether shared, “Dave was a quiet but strong AME advocate. His contributions to the association were significant. I feel blessed to have had the privilege to work with so many great people, like Dave, who have given freely their time and talents for the AME.”
Sara O’Hara, AME senior conferences & events manager, said, “I have such fond memories of Dave, especially seeing him in that bright green ‘ASK ME’ vest while coordinating the volunteers at the conferences. And of course, watching him and Pat dancing so beautifully on the dance floor, showing all of us how it’s done. He will be dearly missed, but his kindness, energy and joy will be remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Our hearts go out to his wife, Pat, and the entire family. Maryse and Dave will both be missed by their AME family.
I hope to see you all during the first week of October in St. Louis at our AME family reunion — the AME St. Louis 2025 International Conference. If you haven’t registered, now is the time! Register before August 31 to save up to 20% with Last Chance Pricing. Finally, don’t forget to make your reservation at the Marriott St. Louis Grand.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
