The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced this week that aerospace engineering alumnus James O. Ellis, ‘ 70, and civil engineering alumnus John R. Huff, ’68, have been elected to the prestigious organization, joining more than 2,000 members and 211 foreign associates worldwide. Ellis, Huff and their fellow 2013 inductees will be officially honored in October, when the NAE convenes its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Ellis is the president and chief executive officer for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations in Atlanta, GA, and serves on the board of directors of Lockheed Martin. He is a retired four-star admiral and former commander, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Ellis was recognized by the NAE “for leadership in advancing safe nuclear power plant operations throughout the world.” Ellis holds a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech.

The current chairman and retired CEO of Oceaneering, Inc., Huff was recognized by the Academy for his contributions to the development of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for deep-water explorations. Huff originally supported the development of the vehicles as a means to improve the extraction of oil and gas deposits. But he quickly recognized their value in other enterprises. The ROVs that Oceaneering, Inc., developed have been employed to explore the Titanic, the wreckage of the Challenger capsule, and even the remains of the H.L. Hunley, a Civil War-era submarine.

“We are delighted that the National Academy of Engineering has recognized two Georgia Tech graduates for their outstanding contributions to engineering and as leaders in their fields,” said Gary S. May, dean of the College of Engineering. “The College of Engineering takes great pride in its alumni and their achievements following graduation from Tech.”

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer, according to NAE president Charles M. Vest. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, engineering literature," and to the "pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."

For more information visit the NAE website.