Since our incorporation in 1968, LIA has been guided by visionary leaders who have played a pivotal role in advancing the field of laser technology and safety. This page is dedicated to honoring the individuals who have held the prestigious position of LIA President. Their leadership, commitment, and contributions have been instrumental in shaping our organization's history and driving our mission forward. Each president has brought unique perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and excellence within the laser industry.
| Henrikki Pantsar | TRUMPF, Inc. | 2023 |
| Henrikki Pantsar | TRUMPF, Inc. | 2022 |
| Gilbert Haas | Haas Laser Technologies, Inc. | 2021 |
| Gilbert Haas | Haas Laser Technologies, Inc. | 2020 |
| Minlin Zhong | Tsinghua University | 2019 |
| Milan Brandt | RMIT | 2018 |
| Paul Denney | IPG Photonics | 2017 |
| Lin Li | The University of Manchester | 2016 |
| Robert Thomas | US Air Force Research Laboratory | 2015 |
| Yongfeng Lu | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2014 |
| Klaus Loeffler | TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH | 2013 |
| Reinhart Poprawe | Fraunhofer ILT | 2012 |
| Stephen Capp | LTC Holdings, Inc. | 2011 |
| Nathaniel Quick | AppliCote Associates LLC | 2010 |
| Rajesh Patel | Spectra Physics | 2009 |
| Andreas Ostendorf | Ruhr-University Bochum | 2008 |
| Bill Shiner | IPG Photonics | 2007 |
| Joe O'Brien | 2006 | |
| William Clark | Clark-MXR, Inc. | 2005 |
| Edward Metzbower | eamweld LLC | 2004 |
| William Lawson | New Tech Development | 2003 |
| Eckhard Beyer | Fraunhofer IWS | 2002 |
| Dana Marshall | 2001 | |
| Jyoti Mazumder | CLAIM, The University of Michigan | 2000 |
| Terry Feeley | RINS | 1999 |
| Sarah Christensen | 1998 | |
| David Sliney | Ohio State University | 1997 |
| Dave Farson | Ohio State University | 1996 |
| William Schwartz | 1995 | |
| Wendy Laurin | Photonics Spectra | 1994 |
| Robert Handren | Handren Associates, Inc. | 1993 |
| Larry Cramer | Continuum | 1992 |
| Leon Radziemski | Research Corporation | 1991 |
| C.M. Penney, Dr. | Purdue University | 1990 |
| Warren Stevenson | 1989 | |
| Michael Bass | University of Central Florida College of Optics and Photonics/ CREOL and FPCE | 1988 |
| Peter Baker | Laser Institute of America | 1987 |
| James Luxon | Kettering University | 1986 |
| Milton Chang | INCUBIC | 1985 |
| Bob Goldstein | 1984 | |
| Myron Wolbarsht | Duke University-Dept of Psychology | 1983 |
| Jack Aldridge | 1982 | |
| David Whitehouse | Whitehouse Assoc. | 1981 |
| Sidney Charschan | 1980 | |
| Robert Godwin | 1979 | |
| David Belforte | Industrial Laser Solutions | 1978 |
| Arthur Guenther | Univeristy of New Mexico/CHTM | 1977 |
| Bill Tiffany | 1976 | |
| Dave Edmunds | 1975 | |
| R. James Rockwell | 1974 | |
| Burton Bernard | 1973 | |
| James Smith | 1972 | |
| Gordon Gould | 1971 | |
| Mason Cox | 1970 | |
| Art Lubin | 1969 | |
| Art Lubin | 1968 |