Kent B. Rochford, Ph.D., is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of optics, spanning both technical and scientific individual contributions and a high-impact career in executive-level leadership roles advocating for scientific research and education.
Kent earned both a master’s and a doctorate in optical sciences from the University of Arizona. Today, he serves as the chief executive officer for SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, where he drives the society’s mission to advance emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, and career and professional growth. In 2019, during Kent’s leadership of SPIE, the society funded the SPIE Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences as part of its commitment to supporting its stakeholder education community.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Kent rose to the challenge at SPIE, managing tough financial pressures while ensuring both that society staff were supported and that the optics and photonics community continued to be offered meaningful opportunities for technical education and professional development.
Prior to SPIE, Kent had an extensive career in top management positions at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His scientific contributions have resulted in more than 60 technical publications. His professional engagements also include serving as a member of the board for Photonics21, a lifetime member of SPIE, a fellow of Optica and the Chinese Optical Society, and a senior member of IEEE.
