Paul Torpey Received Honorary Membership in ASME

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2011 – Paul J. Torpey, a resident of Greenport, N.Y., was honored by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) for his outstanding leadership in the electric utility research field that significantly advanced modern power systems, and for enlightened and insightful activities in engineering societies that improved the quality of the profession.  He received Honorary Membership in ASME.

First awarded in 1880, the founding year of the Society, Honorary Membership recognizes a lifetime of service to engineering or related fields.  The award was conferred on Mr. Torpey during ASME’s 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, held in Denver, Nov. 11 through 17. Torpey began his career at Bell Telephone Labs in New York where, during the 1960s, he was instrumental in adapting aircraft derivative gas turbines for emergency power backup for the nation’s telecommunications network.

In 1970, he accepted a position at Consolidated Edison Company of New York, where he helped establish one of the first electric utility research departments.  As research manager/director, Torpey initiated projects in environmental control, advanced energy conversion, robotics and energy conservation/renewable resources.  During this period, he also played a key role in the formation of the Electric Power Research Institute and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation (ESEERCO). 

Named administrator of ESEERCO in 1974, Torpey guided the organization during its transformation from a nuclear research group into a broad-ranging research consortium to pursue all aspects of electric energy R&D on behalf of New York State’s electric utilities.  His responsibilities included establishment of the mission and goals, program development, budgeting, staffing and overall management of the enterprise.

In 1976, Torpey resumed his duties at Con Edison before subsequently returning to ESEERCO in 1988 as its executive director.  Under his leadership, ESEERCO grew into a $20 million operation by the early 90s.  At its peak, the corporation’s portfolio reached nearly 300 projects while maintaining a long-term overall benefit-cost ratio of 3 to 1; and, through 1998, royalty income totaled $1.2 million. Torpey retired as executive director in 1999.

An ASME Fellow, Torpey’s early participation was in the Society’s Gas Turbine Division.  He served on the Research Board (1974-78), where he was instrumental in identifying opportunities for ASME-sponsored research.  During his tenure as vice president of research (1984-88), ASME’s research portfolio was greatly expanded, staff was recruited and more intensive volunteer involvement was established.  A number of important research studies were carried out for the federal government at the request of the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.  Torpey became a member of ASME’s Board of Governors in 1989 and served until 1993.  He conceptualized the Leadership Development Intern Program and the Three Year Integrated Financial Plan; and was deeply involved in drafting ASME’s new vision and mission statements and in gaining board approval to internationalize ASME’s name and mission.

As the 113th president (1994-95) of ASME, Torpey stressed the theme of innovation and lifelong learning to enable today’s engineers to cope with rapidly changing conditions in the workplace.  He encouraged and supported the development of ASME’s electronic network, the forerunner of its web site asme.org, and the creation of new financial benefits for the membership.  He also presided over the first ASME International Presidential Workshops and established a special Task Force of the Board of Governors to streamline the board’s committee structure.  He received ASME’s Centennial Medal and Distinguished Service Award.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.