New board of directors

During its 2023 Annual Meeting, the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), formerly the National Association of Chemical Distributors, announced the results of its election for incoming Directors-At-Large to the Alliance’s Board of Directors. ACD also announced the winners of its annual awards, which includes the Distributor of the Year Award, Affiliate of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Employee of the Year Award.

Two at-large directors were elected at the 2023 ACD Annual Meeting. Directors-at-Large hold their positions for three years. 

The newly elected 2024 ACD Directors-at-Large are:

• Chris Ernst, Univar Solutions

• Jessica Fegan, Connection Chemical LP

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Ernst of Univar Solutions to the Board as Director-at-Large and congratulate Jessica Fegan of Connection Chemical for being elected for a second term,” says ACD President and CEO Eric R. Byer. “As we look to reflect the diversification underway in the chemical distribution industry through our new name and tagline, both Chris and Jessica have the experience and expertise to help usher in these exciting changes. We look forward to seeing their exceptional work on the Board of Directors.”

With the announcement of ACD’s rebrand, this year’s awards highlight the continued work of our members and affiliates in supporting chemical distribution experts as the industry grows and changes.

The Distributor of the Year and Affiliate of the Year Awards recognize ACD distribution and Affiliate members, respectively, who make significant contributions of time and talent for the betterment of the chemical distribution industry, who contribute special achievements in chemical distribution, or who provide outstanding service to fellow ACD members or Affiliates.

The ACD Lifetime Achievement Award signifies achievement over many years and acknowledges a unique dedication to colleagues and the work of the organization. Individuals who have been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award have shown initiative, imagination, drive, and a steadfast commitment to the mission and vision of the Alliance. 

The ACD Employee of the Year award honors an alliance employee who exemplifies the highest standards of ACD's mission and demonstrates exceptional service to both the membership and their colleagues within the association.

“ACD and its members have so many outstanding individuals who are worthy of recognition,” said ACD Chief Operating Officer Lucinda Schofer. “Our members have faced numerous challenges over the last few years, and we are proud to honor members who have not only overcome these difficulties but have excelled by upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and performance. It is incredible to have the opportunity to acknowledge these award winners for everything they have done and continue to do for the Alliance and the chemical distribution industry.”

2023 Distributor of the Year Award: Terry Aubry of EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc.

Terry Aubry is the director of Quality at EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc. based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. As an active participant of ACD, Terry has represented the Committees she chaired on the Board of Directors as well as a Chairing the Responsible Distribution for six years and now is the Vice Chair of the Membership Committee, She has been instrumental in driving performance and in raising the perspective of many Responsible Distribution code coordinators in programmatic decisions at the association. She has stepped up to deliver countless presentations for our members and consistently brings her knowledge and best practices from EMCO to the greater community by training our broader membership on a variety of issues.

2023 Affiliate of the Year Awards: Lynn Bergeson and Rich Engler of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

Lynn Bergeson, founder and managing principal of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. a Washington D.C. law firm, and Dr. Richard Engler, Director of Chemistry, have been, and continue to be, invaluable partners for the chemical distribution industry.

Lynn is an expert in technical guidance and strategic perspectives on critical priorities including Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), permitting, and many other environmental issues. Lynn is a knowledgeable source of accurate and helpful guidance that supports ACD and its membership by providing 30-minutes of pro bono counsel every quarter to any member seeking support, legal and compliance advice on a variety of environmental issues as well as legal and regulatory counsel to ACD in support of its regulatory advocacy and compliance programs.

Rich is a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has been a key advisor for nearly nine years alongside Lynn providing the Alliance with technical support and guidance on a variety of Toxics Substance Control Act (TSCA) issues. Rich has also been a frequent presenter at ACD Regulatory Workshops on TSCA and Chemical Data Reporting. Most recently, he provided ACD with invaluable counsel on the reinstated Superfund chemical taxes.

ACD Lifetime Achievement Award: Kurt Hettinga of Superior Industrial Solutions

Kurt Hettinga is the president of Superior Industrial Solutions and immediate past chairman of the Board for ACD. With a keen sense of responsibility to educating our state and national policymakers, Kurt has hosted the most Congressional site visits of the membership at his facilities and has been personally present at each one. This September, he conducted his 25th site visit welcoming Representative Rudy Yakym (IN-2) to Superior’s Elkhart, Indiana facility. Kurt has been in working in chemical distribution nearly 30 years and been an active participant, contributor, and leader within the Alliance for more than a dozen years. He has driven the Alliance to build stronger relationships up and down the supply chain as well as with local and National officials.

ACD Employee of the Year Award: Brian Callahan, vice president of Legislative Affairs

Brian Callahan joined ACD in 2021 as senior director of legislative affairs and was recently promoted to Vice President of Legislative Affairs. Brian spends his days navigating fundraisers, hearings, and meetings on Capitol Hill to advance the many causes of the Alliance. His leadership, profound policy expertise, and unparalleled knack for building relationships have been instrumental in advancing connections with Congressional representatives and ACD members advancing the legislative priorities of the chemical distribution industry.