The Founding of the Metrology Institute
Advancing Measurement Science and Workforce Development
About the founder
Ken Racen, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Metrology Institute (501(c)(3) Nonprofit)
Ken Racen is the founder and CEO of the Metrology Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the science of measurement through technical education, professional certification, and workforce development. With more than four decades of experience in metrology, laboratory operations, and quality management systems, Mr. Racen has consistently focused on the intersection of precision engineering and public impact—ensuring that accurate measurement supports both industrial advancement and societal well-being.
Mr. Racen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Technology and Business, and maintains a broad portfolio of professional certifications. These include credentials as an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, Certified Calibration Technician, Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Specialist, and numerous training certifications through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), with emphasis on ISO/IEC 17025:2017. He also holds certifications in Advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Medical Device Safety Requirements (IEC 60601-1), and technical leadership.
As Vice President and co-owner of a regional metrology enterprise, Mr. Racen was instrumental in establishing one of the Midwest’s premier commercial calibration laboratories, with locations in both St. Louis and Kansas City. Under his leadership, the organization significantly expanded access to high-precision calibration services across Missouri and neighboring states, strengthening the region’s measurement capabilities and quality infrastructure. Complementing his leadership in laboratory and quality system development, Mr. Racen also designed and implemented METNAV—a metrology software platform created to enhance calibration laboratory operations through improved process control, data integrity, and compliance with industry standards.
Mr. Racen has held leadership roles spanning both laboratory management and quality systems development. Mr. Racen has contributed to the expansion and enhancement of calibration and metrology services throughout the United States. His efforts have emphasized accessibility, technical rigor, and the importance of developing a qualified workforce to meet the evolving demands of modern measurement science.
The founding of the Metrology Institute reflects Mr. Racen’s enduring commitment to educational equity and technical excellence. His vision is to democratize access to advanced metrology training, support workforce diversification, and reinforce measurement science as a foundational element of innovation, safety, and sustainable economic development.
My Vision
Advancing Metrology. Empowering Generations.
At the heart of every innovation, every life-saving breakthrough, and every piece of reliable technology is one constant: measurement you can trust. As Founder and CEO of the Metrology Institute, I believe metrology—the science of measurement—is a silent foundation that sustains safety, quality, and progress in our world.
My vision for the Metrology Institute is to create a lasting impact by building a national platform where education, equity, and excellence in measurement science converge. We are not only training future calibration technicians and metrologists—we are shaping the backbone of industries, empowering communities, and preparing a skilled workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Metrology Institute thrives through the generosity of those who understand the power of precision. Your support helps us expand access to hands-on technical training, create inclusive career pathways, and ensure that metrology continues to serve society with accuracy, integrity, and purpose.
Together, we have the power to elevate the science of measurement, drive economic growth, and ignite the passion of the next generation of metrology professionals. Your generous support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in a more precise, innovative, and empowered future.
Ken Racen, MBA
Founder & CEO, Metrology Institute
Make a Measurable Difference
Your donation helps us train and educate the next generation of metrology professionals, expand access to hands-on technical education, and build a more precise and equitable future.
Every contribution supports our mission to advance measurement science, strengthen our economy, and ensure safety and innovation across industries.