Beyond the Award: ISA's Growth Signals a Seismic Shift in Automation

DURHAM, N.C. – July 06, 2026 – The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced today it has been named a ‘2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit’ by GreatNonprofits, marking its third consecutive year receiving the distinction. While such accolades are noteworthy, for the executive investor, the real story lies beneath the surface. The award serves as a public validation of a much more significant trend: the explosive growth of an organization that sits at the epicenter of the global automation industry. Since 2021, ISA has seen its membership swell by 50% and, more strikingly, its revenue skyrocket by 84%, reaching a record $21 million in 2025.

This isn't just a story about a successful nonprofit; it's a powerful signal about the trajectory of the automation sector itself. The forces driving professionals to ISA in record numbers are the same ones reshaping global industry, creating both immense challenges and opportunities for investors and corporate leaders.

"We are proud to be named a 2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit, and to celebrate our third year in a row with this special distinction," said Claire Fallon, ISA CEO and executive director. "It is inspiring to see our dedicated volunteers and members celebrating and spreading the word about this meaningful momentum."

That momentum is undeniable. A closer look reveals an organization that has become an indispensable resource in an industry grappling with unprecedented change.

A Barometer for an Industry in Overdrive

The surge in ISA's key metrics is not happening in a vacuum. It directly mirrors the acute pressures and demands within the global automation landscape. The industry is currently facing a perfect storm: a widening skills gap, a wave of retiring experts, and a relentless pace of technological advancement. Recent reports indicate that as many as 85% of companies struggle to fill critical technical roles, a problem compounded by the fact that over a quarter of the current manufacturing workforce is nearing retirement age.

This is where an organization like ISA transforms from a professional society into essential infrastructure. For nearly eight decades, it has served as the connective tissue for automation professionals. Today, its role is more critical than ever. The 15,586 professionals trained by ISA in 2025—an 11% increase year-over-year—are not just numbers on a report; they represent companies actively seeking to upskill their workforce to remain competitive. The demand for ISA's certifications, such as the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), reflects a market that desperately needs a reliable benchmark for talent.

As one member, an engineer early in their career, noted, ISA provided crucial access to "industry standards, training, credentials, and a network of colleagues and mentors." This sentiment is echoed across the community, with many describing the organization as a "force multiplier" for their careers, providing a structured path for navigating an increasingly complex field.

The Power of Community and Credibility

The GreatNonprofits award is unique in that it is determined not by a panel of judges, but by crowdsourced reviews from those with direct experience. While some industry watchdogs note that community-sourced awards can be influenced by supporter mobilization, the sheer volume and consistency of positive sentiment for ISA point to a genuinely engaged and loyal base. The testimonials go beyond mere satisfaction, often describing the organization in deeply personal terms.

"What began as a way to stay connected to the automation world has grown into a true family," shared one long-time volunteer. Another praised the society for creating a forum that is "approachable and collaborative, especially for younger professionals trying to grow their network."

This cultivation of community is a strategic asset. In a specialized, high-stakes field like automation, the ability to connect with peers and mentors is invaluable. The friendships that "go far beyond mere networking," as another member put it, create a sticky ecosystem that fosters loyalty and continuous engagement. This strong community fabric is the engine behind the organization's sustained growth and a key reason it has successfully navigated its fourth consecutive profitable year—a rarity for many professional societies.

Setting the Standard in a Digital World

While community is its heart, ISA's brain is its unparalleled role as a global standards developer. This is perhaps its most significant contribution and a core driver of its influence. In an era of increasing digital integration and cyber threats, standardized frameworks are not just best practices; they are a matter of operational security and economic stability.

ISA is the steward of the crucial ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards, the world's leading framework for securing industrial automation and control systems. As operational technology (OT) becomes increasingly connected to IT networks and the cloud, the threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure has become a primary concern for both corporations and governments. ISA's expertise and leadership in this domain place it at the center of one of the most important conversations in modern industry.

Furthermore, the society is not resting on its legacy. In 2025, it launched Mimo, an AI-powered large language model trained on ISA's vast proprietary library of standards, technical papers, and training materials. This innovative tool, which was recognized with a Gold TRENDY Award for Best Product Launch, demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy. By leveraging AI to make its deep well of knowledge more accessible, ISA is adapting to the very technological shifts its members are tasked with implementing, ensuring its continued relevance for decades to come.

As ISA's leadership team implements its 2025-2027 strategic plan—focusing on growing core business lines like training and standards, increasing corporate partnerships, and sharpening its technical focus—it is clear this growth is by design. The organization's recent success is a direct reflection of its alignment with the powerful currents of digital transformation, making it a vital institution for professionals and a key bellwether for the entire automation sector.