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History of ISSSP
ISSSP was founded in 1997 in Scottsdale, Arizona in response to the unprecedented growth and
adoption of Six Sigma. While general quality management organizations had been prevalent
during this time, there was a noticeable need for an organization that spoke to the specific
issues of the practice of Six Sigma.
During its early years, ISSSP honed its membership offerings for a community of complimentary
members representing more than 12,000 professionals. Information gathering and communications
served as the focus of this early period, through which the enduring ISSSP mission and value
offering would be developed.
Spring of 2000 marked a significant milestone for the establishment of ISSSP with the launch
of its web site. This event was followed by the first full-time staff hiring and the designation
of an Executive Director. In June, the Affiliate Program was rolled out to the community,
featuring charter affiliate organization Breakthrough Management Group (BMG), currently the
Premier Affiliate Sponsor of ISSSP. Today, there are more than 36 companies boasting an
affiliate status with ISSSP.
In the Fall of 2000, ISSSP introduced its first schedule of Focused Sessions.
These monthly programs addressed topics such as ISSSP Q&A, MiniTab Advanced Features,
Six Sigma Versus Lean and Process Mapping and Simulation. The early focused sessions
laid the groundwork of a unique and dynamic community forum for which ISSSP would later
become well known. The First Annual Six Sigma Leadership Conference took place in
October of 2000, with more than 75 members attending the first event of its kind
in Las Vegas, featuring representation from duPont, McKesson, and other notable industry
leading Six Sigma companies.
Spring 2001 marked ISSSP's first regional symposiums in San Francisco and Atlanta
focusing on the development of practitioners. Fall of the same year, ISSSP officially became an independant
organization, led by Roxanne O'Brasky as President, along with the addition of
full-time staff members. In October, the Second Annual Leadership Conference took
place and recognized its first Six Sigma Leadership Award recipient in revered
industry icon, Larry Bossidy.
Embracing its ever-growing expanse of service offerings and aspirations for continued
growth, ISSSP introduced its newly developed Membership Program. In response to the rapid
adoption of Six Sigma within the healthcare industry, the organization introduced its Corporate
Sponsorship pilot program in February, followed by its enhanced Symposium format,
supported by its Corporate Sponsors. By May, ISSSP had established a leadership team
with a fully functioning staff structure to support the organizations growing role
and community offerings. June 2002 brought the Third Annual Six Sigma Leadership
Conference and the recognition of honored guest Jack Welch as the Second Six Sigma Leadership
Award recipient.
Now the Society is ready to expand ISSSP's role in ensuring its
mission to continue creating value for its membership.
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