ESi is pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Cline, PE, to Vice President of Regional Operations. In this role, Keith will lead ESi's Western Region, drawing on a deep understanding of the firm's people, operations, and business built over nearly a decade as Regional Operations Manager of the firm’s Seattle office.

Keith is a metallurgical engineer with more than 30 years of experience in failure analysis, laboratory testing, consulting, and manufacturing. He investigates metallic, plastic, and composite materials across structural, transportation, aerospace, industrial, and plumbing applications, specializing in fasteners and welded joints, heat treatment, and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). His analytical work includes optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Keith pairs this technical depth with significant business leadership. He spent 14 years at MDE Inc. in Seattle, serving as both President and Principal, before ESi acquired MDE in 2016. Since then, he has served as Regional Operations Manager of ESi's Seattle office while maintaining an active consulting practice.

Throughout his time at ESi, Keith has played an important role in the success of the Seattle office and built strong relationships across the firm. His extensive knowledge of ESi's laboratory capabilities, and his commitment to collaboration among consultants, laboratory teams, and operations staff, position him to guide the Western Region as it continues to grow and deliver for its clients.

"Keith's technical expertise, business experience, and operational leadership make him a great fit for this role. He understands ESi's culture, our people, and what makes our organization successful. I'm confident he will build on the Western Region's strong foundation while bringing his own ideas, perspective, and leadership style to the position."

Brigid Loftus, Chief Operating Officer

Keith succeeds Hans Iwand, PE, Principal and Vice President, who previously led the Western Region. Hans joined ESi in 2009 and advanced from Senior Managing Consultant to Practice Group Director and Principal, then to Vice President in 2020. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, including leadership roles at Union Pacific Railroad and Rail Sciences, Inc., Hans became a recognized authority in metallurgical failure analysis and rail investigations. Hans will continue to serve as ESi's Chairman of the Board. ESi thanks Hans for his many years of leadership and the significant contributions he has made to the firm, the Western Region, and its people.

“I remember Keith during a multiparty inspection in Nebraska. Keith and Mike Stevenson seemed very close which led me to believe that it was inevitable that MDE would join ESi.  I can’t tell you how happy I was not only for Keith’s expertise, but also that of the firm coming to ESi. I wish Keith the very best in his new role and am more than confident that he will excel!”

Hans Iwand, PE, Principal, Chairman of the Board

Keith Cline, PE, holds a Bachelor of Materials Engineering from Auburn University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Washington, Oregon, and Alabama. He continues to contribute to the field through technical publications and presentations. Keith's promotion reinforces ESi's commitment to strong regional leadership and continued growth in failure analysis, materials testing, and multidisciplinary investigation services.