The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has announced the appointment of R. Douglas Leonard Jr. as chief of strategic initiatives, effective October 1, 2026. In this newly established position, Leonard will work closely with ANSI President and CEO Laurie E. Locascio, Ph.D., NAE, to drive key strategic priorities and strengthen the Institute’s leadership as the standards, conformity assessment, and emerging technology landscape undergoes significant transformation.
Leonard has served as executive director of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) since 2021. Effective October 1, Warren Merkel, currently ANAB’s vice president of engagement and strategy, will serve as ANAB’s interim executive director.
“Doug brings a rare depth of experience across standards, conformity assessment, and stakeholder engagement. ANSI is evolving to meet the moment—from the rise of AI and quantum computing to shifting global dynamics that are reshaping how standards create value. Doug’s strategic perspective will be invaluable as we shape how the Institute serves industry, government, and the standards community in the years ahead.”
-Locascio
“Warren brings deep policy expertise, a strong record across the global conformity assessment community, and a proven ability to lead across complex stakeholder environments. His leadership will ensure that ANAB continues to deliver the excellence and integrity its clients and the global market depend on, and I have full confidence in ANAB’s continued strength through this transition.”
–Locascio
A respected leader in the conformity assessment community for more than two decades, Leonard served as president and chief operating officer of the Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (L-A-B) before joining ANAB. During his tenure as ANAB’s executive director, he helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth and diversification, strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
Merkel joined ANAB in November 2021 as vice president of policy, following a career at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he served as chief of standards services in the Standards Coordination Office. At ANAB, he leads the Engagement and Strategy Department, strengthening the organization’s engagement with government agencies, regulators, scheme owners, and the broader conformity assessment community.
“ANSI plays an essential role in enabling trusted innovation and U.S. competitiveness at a time when both matter more than ever. I am honored to help shape the Institute’s next chapter and look forward to working with Laurie and the ANSI team on the strategic initiatives that will define its impact in the years ahead.”-Leonard
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity. Its membership comprises businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations.
The Institute represents and serves the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
