July 11, 2013 (Arlington, VA) – The American Composite Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is proud to announce its newly elected leadership as Jay Merrell, vice president of Norplex-Micarta and IDI in Noblesville, Ind., begins his two-year term as chairman of the board. Rounding out the executive committee are Lori Luchak of Miles Fiberglass & Composites, immediate past chairman; Jeff Craney of Crane Composites, chairman elect/treasurer; Kevin McDonald of PPG Industries, Inc., vice chairman; Jake Axel of Axel Plastics Research Labs, Inc., secretary; and Leon Garoufalis of Composites One, LLC, supplier at large.
Merrell has served as chair of ACMA’s Finance Committee and Government Affairs Committee, participated in the association’s National Lobby Day since 2008 and been a member of the Political Action Committee since 2010. He was elected to the ACMA Board of Directors two years ago and served as president elect/treasurer. During his two-year term as chairman of the board, his goal is to help the association grow the marketplace through its Composites Growth Initiative (CGI) committees, educate members on best practices and influence regulatory and legislative issues that impact composites.
“The benefit and beauty of ACMA is you are not alone,” he says. “You meet other people with similar ideas and problems, and you work together as a group to further the composites industry. Through the strength of many, we have accomplished much. We will continue to work together to open new markets for composites through our Composites Growth Initiative and to secure the future of our industry on Capitol Hill.”
Luchak completes her service as chairman of the board and now will act as immediate past chairman.
“It has been an honor to lead the ACMA board, which represents a great organization” she says. “It’s an experience I will never forget. We have a great opportunity to help save energy through lightweight products, rebuild America’s infrastructure and develop new materials and processes that will further U.S. competitiveness.”
