William Andrew Hanley (1886 – December 13, 1966) was an American mechanical engineer, business executive in Indianapolis, and 60th president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1940-1941.[1]
Hanley was born in Greencastle, Indiana in 1886 to Michael T. Hanley and Catherine (Connell) Hanley.[2] After attending Saint Joseph's College, he obtained his BSc from Purdue University in 1911.[1] He had started as apprentice at the Republic Steel Corporation and then at Broderick Boiler Company, before going to the Purdue University. After graduation he joined the Eli Lilly and Company, a manufacturing company of medicinal products. He worked his way up from supervisor, and head of the engineering division to director.[1]
In 1940-41 he served as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 1937 the Purdue University awarded him the honorary doctorate in engineering.[2]