Arlington, VA – [January 13, 2025] – The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is pleased to announce the Emerging Leaders Program class of 2025. This remarkable group of 22 rising leaders represents the future of the composites industry. Over the next year, these individuals will embark on a journey of professional growth, participating in exclusive programming designed to sharpen leadership skills, expand industry networks, and advocate effectively for the composites sector.
“The Emerging Leaders Program is an investment in the future of our industry,” said Cindy L. Squires, Esq., President & CEO of ACMA. “By equipping these talented individuals with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed, we are not only fostering their growth but also strengthening the composites industry as a whole.”
The Emerging Leaders Program is a cornerstone of ACMA’s commitment to recognizing and cultivating the next generation of the composites industry.
Through this annual initiative, participants engage in year-long programming aimed at achieving three key goals: developing and enhancing leadership skills, networking and building industry relationships, and advocating for the composites industry. This program is proudly sponsored by McClarin Composites and Champion Fiberglass, whose generous support helps ACMA provide this valuable initiative.
ACMA is proud to introduce the following individuals as members of the inaugural Emerging Leaders Program class of 2025:
- Andrew Clexton, Business Development Manager Lead, Avient
- Ahmed Arabi Hassen, Group Leader – Composites Innovation Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Aaron Sime, Pultrusion Operations Manager, Advanced Fiber Products
- Batoul Iskandar, Design Team Leader, BFG International
- Christopher Lamm, Sr Account Manager, Ashley Industrial Molding Inc.
- Cody A. Sheltra, Senior Research Manager, University of Maine – Advanced Structures and Composites Center
- Darren Simmie, Sales Manager – Composites, Orenco Systems
- Dylan Cousins, Materials Technology Engineer, Montana Advanced Composites
- Erik Antonio, Scientist – R&D, Omya, Inc.
- Edgardo M. Hernández, Ph.D., R&D Manager, AOC
- Emma Merrell, Infrastructure Market Manager, IDI Composites International
- Jacob Cartwright, Director of Engineering, McClarin Composites
- Marianne Clayton, Executive VP, IsoTruss Inc.
- Matt Hettinger, Process Engineer, Kreysler & Associates, Inc.
- Miguel Mendoza, Director of Operations, McClarin Composites
- Randy Leroue, Tooling Manager, Bestbath
- Sagar Doshi, Associate Scientist, University of Delaware – Center for Composites Material
- Scott Phillips, Marketing Manager, Vectorply Corporation
- Shen Wang, International Business Manager, Superior Industrial Solutions
- Stephen Pety, Composites R&D Engineer, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
- Trevor Lowe, Composites R&D Engineer, Composites One, LLC
- Vincent Smith, Research Mechatronics Engineer, Molded Fiber Glass Companies
The Emerging Leaders Program will continue annually, encouraging the development of new talent and ensuring the composites industry remains a hub of innovation and leadership. Visit acmanet.org/ELP for more information on the class of 2025 and additional updates.