2004 Engineers and Technologist of Distinction honored
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 23, 2004) — Distinctive leadership in high
profile positions characterizes the careers of three Tennessee Tech University
College of Engineering graduates who will be honored at this year’s
Engineering Week Awards Banquet on Thursday.
Along with the annual awards for two Engineers of Distinction, TTU’s
College of Engineering will present its first Technologist of Distinction
award, created to annually recognize the distinguished career of a TTU
manufacturing and industrial technology department graduate.
Alice L. Cannella, plant superintendent for the
City of Chattanooga’s wastewater treatment facility; and Randy
G. Darcy, senior vice president and chief technical officer of General
Mills, will be honored as the 2004 Engineers of Distinction. Lem
McSpadden, owner of A+ Home Inspection Services, will receive the
university’s first Technologist of Distinction honor.
The two recognition programs honor alumni and others whose careers have
contributed to or reflected credit on the College of Engineering’s
academic program. The awards banquet serves as the culmination of Engineering
Week, a national week celebrated at TTU by highlighting engineering students
and faculty.
Alice L. Cannella
'78 B.S. Civil Engineering, ’72 B.A. Sociology
Cannella’s distinguished career reflects her commitment to public
service. With special expertise in design, development, construction and
operation of sanitary and combined sewer collection systems, her career
path led her to positions with the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Hamilton
County (Tenn.) government, Fyie Engineering and the City of Chattanooga.
Since 2002, she has served as plant superintendent over the regional
wastewater treatment facility serving the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton
County, and surrounding communities in the Tennessee-Northwest Georgia
area. In this role, she establishes operational and capital project priorities
for the wastewater system and provides administrative assistance. She
oversees a program with an annual operating budget of $17 million and
a five-year capital improvements program of $60 million.
A Registered Professional Engineer, a Certified Grade II Collection System
Operator, and a Grade IV Wastewater Operator in the state of Tennessee,
Canella holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from TTU,
in addition to two other bachelor’s degrees, one from TTU in sociology
and one from Middle Tennessee State University in fine arts.
Cannella is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Tennessee
Tech Engineering Development Foundation, the Tennessee Tech Engineering
Dean's Advisory Board and the Water Environment Federation.
Randy G. Darcy
'73 B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Darcy joined General Mills in 1987 as Director of Cereal Manufacturing.
Named the company’s senior vice president in 1994, he became responsible
for purchasing, grain merchandising, engineering, manufacturing and packaging.
His responsibilities expanded in 1998 to include all aspects of the General
Mills supply chain, including distribution and logistics. In 2003, he
was promoted to his current position as senior vice president and chief
technical officer with responsibilities for research and development,
quality and regulatory operations, and supply chain operations.
Prior to joining General Mills, Darcy was employed from 1973 to 1987
by Procter and Gamble within their manufacturing, engineering, sales,
and research groups.
Darcy graduated cum laude in 1973 from TTU, earning a bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering. He attended the university on an athletic
scholarship and captained the 1973 varsity golf team.
In addition to his General Mills’ leadership positions, he is a director
of Northwestern Corp., PTI (a joint venture with Dupont), and Nistevo,
as well as a member of the Dunwoody Institute Board of Trustees.
Darcy and his wife, Cathy, have a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Craig, and live in Wayzata, Minn.-more-
Lem McSpadden
’71 B.S. Industrial Technology
During his 30-year tenure at Fleetguard/Nelson, a manufacturer of heavy-duty
filtration and exhaust system products, McSpadden met numerous technological
and sociological challenges, including integration of a second company
and its product line into the company’s business plan. He was responsible
for leading a global cross-functional team of engineers, sales and marketing
personnel to achieve growth for specific customers, including JI Case,
John Deere and Peterbilt/Kenworth, on a global basis.
McSpadden joined Fleetguard/Nelson after graduating from TTU in 1971.
During his career, he held numerous positions with the company, including
sales training manager, senior account manager, and global account executive.
In retirement, McSpadden has exercised his entrepreneurial spirit by
creating a new company in Cookeville, A+ Home Inspection Services. A certified
inspector with American Home Inspection, he recently launched an additional
business – EnviroTENN – that specializes in mold inspection
and prevention.
McSpadden has devoted extensive energy assisting TTU’s College of
Engineering, particularly through his service to the Tennessee Tech Engineering
Development Foundation.
In 2003, McSpadden and his wife, Donna (business management, ’75),
were selected by the Tennessee Board of Regents as the first recipients
of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.
He and Donna, a senior consultant for DLM Associates, a medical management
consulting service, reside in Cookeville.-30-
--Karen Lykins
This information posted 3 March 2004