CNC Software Names New President
Meghan Summers-West follows the steps of her father, company chairman Mark Summers.
Posted: April 13, 2015
“This is an acknowledgement of all I have worked for and desired since I can remember. It’s also, more importantly, the beginning of the next 30-plus years for Mastercam and CNC Software. I am honored and excited to take on this role and to continue to work with the sincerest and smartest people in our industry – you and our dedicated and loyal worldwide reseller network and our bright, innovative customers."
Meghan Summers-West has been appointed president of CNC Software, Inc. (Tolland, CT), the developer of Mastercam® CAD/CAM programming software for CNC machine tools. Former president, now chairman, Mark Summers made the announcement to all 139 employees on Thursday, April 2, at the company’s headquarters in Tolland. Its educational division staff, located in Gig Harbor, WA, participated in the celebratory announcement via teleconference.
“As many people close to the Summers family know, this transition has been almost 32 years in the making. My daughter Meghan was born the same year that my brothers and I officially launched Mastercam and established our company in 1983,” explained Mark Summers. “As a father, I am proud. As a business owner, and to all of you who have contributed so much of yourselves to make this company successful, I am wholly confident in this decision. For the majority of you who have watched Meghan grow up in these offices and have been impressed by her warm and direct leadership style, her curiosity and willingness to learn, her product knowledge, and her overall intelligence, I know that you are certain, too, that the future of our flagship product and our organization is in very capable hands.”
Summers also said that, with the rapid consolidation of many CAD/CAM companies, this decision represents a continuation of the company’s deep, personal dedication to Mastercam and to its global customer base. He emphasized that appointing Meghan also demonstrates that the company remains a private entity. This is important for both employees and customers as it represents the least amount of potential change for the company. “We answer to our customers rather than a board of directors, and we intend to stay that way. Today is a very happy day,” he said.
Meghan Summers-West also spoke to the crowd. “Today is two things. It’s an acknowledgement of all I have worked for and desired since I can remember. It’s also, more importantly, the beginning of the next 30-plus years for Mastercam and CNC Software,” she said. “I am honored and excited to take on this role and to continue to work with the sincerest and smartest people in our industry – you and our dedicated and loyal worldwide reseller network and our bright, innovative customers.
“Mastercam plays a vital role in changing lives for the better. It’s used in all facets of industry, from helping to make life-saving medical devices for the human body to parts for planetary exploration, expanding our knowledge of the universe. It boosts personal and industrial productivity, supporting our global economy as a whole. Mastercam for educators and students helps train future machinists, engineers, and programmers – people who create, solve problems, and enjoy good incomes and satisfying careers. It touches almost every person in every place in some way. We are changing the world, one feature at a time. As such, my intention – with your valuable contributions – is to continue to evolve our software by anticipating manufacturers’ and technology teachers’ needs and wants for decades to come.”
Ms. Summers-West has served as the operations manager at the company since 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Bentley College, MA, and an MBA in Management at Hawaii Pacific University. In 2014, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers named her one of the “30 Under 30 Future Leaders of Manufacturing”. She serves on the Young Professionals Group for HVCC, the local food pantry and human services agency. She also participates in the School to Business Partnership as well as interview days and career fairs at several local schools. She resides in Vernon, CT, with her husband and their two children.
Current executives at CNC Software will continue in their leadership roles. Brian Summers is vice president. Gary Hargreaves is vice president – business development and Rich Norton, corporate controller. Mark Summers will also be involved in the daily operations of the company.
The most recent analysis of CAM software seats produced by CIMdata, Inc. shows that CNC Software’s Mastercam is the world’s most widely used CAM software for the 20th straight year. With over 200,000 installed seats worldwide, Mastercam has nearly twice the installed base of the closest competitor.
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