I’m Steven Bergeron, and I’ve spent more than four decades helping organizations make better decisions using data—not theory, not checklists, and not “SPC for show.”

I hold a BS in Chemistry from Georgetown and a Master's from UC Santa Barbara, complemented by leadership training at the Stanford Executive Institute. This background drives me to tackle problems analytically and focus on practical, real-world outcomes.

I began my career at IBM and Motorola, where I worked as a Process Engineer and Process Engineering Manager, applying experimental design and Statistical Process Control in demanding production environments. Over time, my ability to turn complex technical concepts into actionable strategies led me into senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Quality and Reliability Assurance by the time I turned 40.

Several high technology companies recruited me as their quality executive including Digital Equipment Corporation, Unitrode Corporation, Semtech Corporation, Conexant Systems, Inc., STEC, Inc., Pall Corporation, and Cree, Inc. As their Chief Quality Officer, my responsibilities included Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Customer Complaint Management, Reliability Assurance, Supplier Quality Management, Failure Analysis, and Chemical Compliance Management departments.

During my career, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) certified me as both a Quality Engineer and later as a Quality Manager. OMNEX recognized my proficiency in key automotive disciplines, including APQP, PPAP, DMEA, DVP&R, and VDA6.3 process auditing. Reliasoft certified my expertise in Accelerated Life Testing Analysis, Reliability Engineering & Life Data Analysis. Motorola University awarded me a Six Sigma Black Belt, while Pall Corporation qualified me as a Lead Facilitator in Lean Manufacturing.

My expertise includes international QMS standards (ISO, IATF, AS), Six Sigma, SPC, Lean transformations, and advanced product qualification (APQP) methodologies. I hold auditor certifications for leading QMS standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and AS 9100 from multiple organizations.

I’m proud to say that I was recognized by "Who's Who in Quality” and was an editorial advisor for selected articles in the "The Quality Observer." I was twice appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce to the National Quality Award Board of Examiners as a Malcolm Baldrige Examiner.

After more than 30 years as a Quality and Reliability executive, I founded QLRFocus, LLC, where I work with startups, small businesses, and global organizations to build effective quality systems, improve operational performance, and implement SPC programs that actually work. I’m known for being direct, collaborative, and deeply committed to evidence‑based decision‑making. Whether I’m auditing a global quality system, coaching engineers, or developing training programs, my goal is always the same: to help teams move beyond compliance and achieve lasting operational excellence.

I am now focused on this book with my intention to assist others on how to achieve the promise of Effective SPC Programs.