W. Frazier Pruitt
Manufacturing & Quality Professional | Author | ASQ Member Leader
Turning technical understanding into better decisions and lasting improvements.
I work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business performance. I’m especially interested in how organizations tackle difficult problems, make sound decisions, and bring people together to turn those decisions into lasting results.
My career began in hands-on manufacturing and quality inspection before progressing into engineering and management. That experience taught me something important: technical solutions matter, but lasting improvement depends just as much on people, judgment, and the systems that support their work.
My professional work
I currently lead supplier incoming quality and plant quality for Advanced Optics and Systems at Corning Incorporated. Previously, I held quality management and engineering leadership roles at Southco, Guardian Industries, and IEC Electronics.
My background combines a bachelor’s degree in electrical–mechanical engineering technology from Rochester Institute of Technology with MBA degrees from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and Alliance Manchester Business School.
Writing and sharing what I’ve learned
I’m coauthor, with Douglas C. Wood, of Principles of Quality Costs, Fifth Edition (ASQ Quality Press, 2026). The book explores how organizations can better understand, manage, and improve the costs associated with quality.
I’ve also written for Quality Progress and other professional publications on problem-solving, technical communication, emerging technologies, and organizational improvement. Through writing and speaking, I aim to connect sound quality principles with the practical challenges facing organizations and their leaders.
About the book | Read my articles | Speaking and presentations
Professional leadership and service
I’m an active member leader within ASQ, currently chairing its NextGen Global Committee. My earlier service includes chairing the Rochester Section, contributing to Society-level governance and financial stewardship, and participating in U.S. technical advisory work on international quality standards.
Beyond ASQ, I’ve served in financial oversight and advisory roles with Reliant Community Federal Credit Union and contributed to the Greater Rochester Quality Council through Day of Quality activities and Performance Excellence Award judging.
I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from ASQ as a 2021 40 Under 40 honoree and from the Rochester Engineering Society as its 2024 Kate Gleason Young Engineer of the Year.
I remain committed to learning, sharing what works, and helping people and organizations become more effective.