Al Sommer
Al Sommer
“Here at Del West, we encourage and expect open and creative minds – from the executive suites to the factory floor. After thirty years in business, we know what it takes to make products that are not only durable and cost-effective, but on the cutting edge of their industries.”
Al Sommer is chairman and CEO of the board of Del West Engineering, Inc. As CEO, he reports on the activities of the corporation to the board of Directors, which he also chairs. At Del West, he provides strategic vision and direction for the corporation. He also he coordinates the activities of the company’s divisions and acts as a consultant for the company’s technical personnel on matters relating to materials engineering.
He assumed his current job titles in 1980. He joined the company in 1973, when it was a two-man consulting firm for the aerospace industry. Prior to that, he worked as an engineer for North American Aviation and other aerospace companies.
Sommer has a bachelor’s in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in mineral engineering from Columbia University and a PhD in material science from Columbia University. A former teacher and researcher at UCLA, he is a member of the executive board of UCLA’s Chancellor’s Associates.
Sommer is married with two grown children. He enjoys running in 5K races, skiing, reading and completing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.
