LeanBlog Podcast #44 – Ralph Keller, AME

By Mark Graban On May 21, 2008 Last updated Nov 26, 2017

Episode #44 of the LeanBlog Podcast is a conversation with Ralph Keller, the President of AME, the Association for Manufacturing Excellence. Today, we're discussing AME and their upcoming regional conference in San Diego, to be held June 9 to 11, 2008. You can also read Ralph's “Continuous Improvement” column in IndustryWeek (click here to subscribe for free).

MP3 File

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Mark Graban

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. His most recent book is the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus. His latest book has been released as an "in-progress" book, titled Measures of Success.

1 Comment

Mark Graban says 2 years ago

I’m sorry to pass along this announcement from AME:

AME mourns the loss of Ralph Keller, a beloved member of the AME community who died suddenly Sunday, September 18.

Ralph had been a member of AME for 15 years when he was asked to step out of retirement to become the President and Executive Director of AME. Ralph served as AME President from 2005-2010, leading the AME staff and vast community of volunteers while working toward the improvement of AME’s internal operations. Ralph also held a number of volunteer leadership positions at AME, having served as Regional President and Board member of the AME Institute.

A true believer in lean, Ralph wrote a regular column for Industry Week that was well regarded and is referenced to this day.

Ralph is remembered, not just for his professional contributions as a lean leader, but also for his focus on family and treating AME staff and volunteers with great respect and affection.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

If you know anyone who may not be on AME’s mailing list but who should be aware of this sad news, please pass this announcement along.