Mel Olken, Pioneer of Power Engineering, Dies at 92
Mel Olken, a foundational figure in the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) and a driving force behind the development of the field of power engineering, passed away on January 9, 2026, in New York, New York, at the age of 92.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Power Engineering
Born in 1934, Olken dedicated over 60 years to the electric power industry, leaving an indelible mark through his engineering practice, professional leadership and service to the IEEE PES. He graduated from the City College of New York with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and began his career at American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio. [4] There, he contributed to the design, construction, and operation of coal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants, eventually rising to the position of Manager, Electrical Generation. [4]
Leadership Within IEEE
Olken’s involvement with the IEEE spanned decades, beginning in 1958. He became a member of the PES in 1973 and quickly rose through the ranks as a dedicated volunteer leader. [2] In 1984, he joined the IEEE staff as Society Services Director for Technical Activities and, in 1990, became the Managing Director of Regional Activities. [2]
Founding Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief
A pivotal moment in Olken’s career came in 1995 when he was appointed the first Executive Director of the Power Engineering Society. [1] Under his leadership, the organizational structure of the PES was established. He held this position until 2002, after which he became the founding editor-in-chief of Power & Energy Magazine, a publication he led until December 2016. [1] [3]
Recognition and Awards
Olken’s contributions to the field were widely recognized. He received the PES Meritorious Service Award in 2009 and, in 2012, was honored with the prestigious PES Lifetime Achievement Award for his “broad and sustained technical contribution to the development of power engineering and the power engineering profession.” [1] He was also elected an IEEE Fellow in 1988 for “contributions to innovative design of reliable generating stations.” [2]
Legacy
Mel Olken’s legacy extends beyond his formal roles. He actively participated in a wide range of society activities, chairing committees for the PES Winter Meeting and consistently contributing to the advancement of power engineering. [1] His dedication and vision shaped the IEEE Power & Energy Society into the influential organization it is today.
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