NOV. 20, 2025, ASQLEX-Joint Sections meeting, Root Cause Analysis with AI case study live-John Serra

ASQ Lexington Section Meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025 @12-1pm EST

For this month’s Section meeting we are having a joint Louisville Section and Lexington Section meeting with Lexington arranged live webcast with John Serrano from the Huntsville, AL Section.

Speaker – John Serrano         Lexington Section Host- Steve Ross

John Serrano bio:

John holds a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in industrial Engineering from University of Alabama in Huntsville.   With over 25 years of experience in engineering field, he specializes in enhancing complex man -machine systems and processes. 

Currently, John serves as a Senior Staff Mission Assurance Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation.  

John is ASQ Certified in CRE, CQE, CSSBB, CSQP, Certified CIT for cables and Harnesses, and AS9100, ISO9001, and CMMI auditor.

John is an active member leader of ASQ Huntsville Section 1503 and has presented at ASQ WCQI and Lean Six Sigma Conferences.

Title of presentation: Root Cause Analysis with AI case study live with John Serrano

This ASQLEX 0911 section monthly meeting is a live webcast joint Louisville and Lexington sections meeting that begins at 12PM EST on Thursday, November 20.   If you plan to attend, please email reservation to Mark McDonald (Mmcdonald@hendrickson-intl.com) by noon Tuesday, November 18.  For the November meeting, we will have extended invitations to all ASQ Sections in the East South Central Region.  In addition, we have extended an invitation to Maritimes, Canada section 0411 and all other sections.

The Zoom virtual Meeting link for this live webcast meeting is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89721707373?pwd=RkCKXr88FMKSZGgHTEgLbO2bviaBeg.1 and will also be sent out to those who register with Mark McDonald.    Note: A 0.1 RU will be given for section meetings that you attend. However, please use the email registration so that the Section has an attendance record for sending our RU credits.  When you join the zoom meeting mute your computer microphone during the presentation.  

Door Prize: A random number is selected from the people attending the section webinar meeting. The winner will be able to choose a book or standard from the ASQ Quality Press with member cost of $50 or less.   Keith Allen, Treasurer, will purchase item and send to member mailing address.  In October 2025, congratulations to Bob Cook, who won the door prize.

Meeting Agenda:

11:50 -12:05 pm Log in and Section welcome, webinar and speaker intro

12:05 – 1:00 pm Presentation and then Q&A with members.

Section Leadership is proposing we have about 5 minutes of member engagement before we start our webcast. 

CONGRATULATIONS to ASQ LEXINGTON SECTION 0911

On WINNING the 2024 PEP BRONZE LEVEL AWARD!!!

Presented at WCQI to John Simson, Section Chair on May 4, 2025

Future-Proofing Your Auditing Career by Steve Ross

The landscape of quality auditing is rapidly changing. As outlined in Rosemarie Christopher’s “Future-Proofing Your Auditing Career,” the role of the auditor is evolving from a checklist-driven compliance enforcer to a dynamic, consultative advisor. Modern auditors are expected to be not only subject matter experts and quality leaders but also trusted advisors and influencers of authority within their organizations and industries. Traditional degrees and static skillsets are no longer sufficient. Employers now prioritize demonstrable skills, practical experience, and continuous upskilling—often validated through certifications and ongoing professional development. The new workplace values adaptability, initiative, and the ability to create tangible value across diverse industries.

Four Core Competencies for the Modern Auditor

1. AI Literacy

·        Strategic Use of AI: Auditors must harness AI for predictive risk profiling, smart document review, and immersive training simulations. While AI excels at pattern recognition, it cannot replicate human judgment, creativity, or the ability to assess resilience and teamwork.

2. Conflict Mitigation

·        Collaborative Approach: Shift the audit narrative from punitive to constructive. Auditors should engage in open dialogue, treat auditees as partners, and frame audits as opportunities for improvement and education.

3. Innovative Thinking

·        Beyond the Checklist: Apply critical thinking to identify systemic issues and process misalignments that automation may overlook. Auditors must connect the dots across processes, using holistic observation to uncover risks and opportunities.

4. Solution-Based Selling

·        Value Creation: By recommending and implementing technology-driven solutions (such as AI-powered predictive maintenance systems), auditors can drive operational efficiency, enhance compliance, and position themselves as indispensable partners in organizational growth.

Actionable Recommendations for Career Development

·        Continuous Learning: Obtain relevant certifications and stay current with industry trends.

·        Cross-Industry Expertise: Broaden knowledge across regulatory frameworks and sectors.

·        Public Speaking & Engagement: Develop communication skills to influence and educate stakeholders.

·        Mentorship: Act as a mentor and educator to foster a culture of quality and innovation.

The future of auditing belongs to those who embrace change, leverage technology, and position themselves as strategic partners. By mastering AI literacy, conflict mitigation, innovative thinking, and solution-based selling, auditors can transcend traditional roles and become catalysts for organizational success and growth.

Content a mixture of AI review of PPT and Steve Ross personal notes from the session I attended at the Audit Conference this fall.

2025 Lexington Section 0911 Officers and Chairs-

Chair – John Simson, jcsimson@gmail.com

Secretary – Steve Ross,  Steve@alezan.net

Treasurer – Keith Allen, kdever0@gmail.com

Membership Chair – Steve Ross, Steve@alezan.net

Nomination Chair- Mark McDonald,  mmcdonald@hendrickson-intl.com