The Portland Cement Association (PCA) announced the winners of the 2019 John P. Gleason, Jr., Leadership Awards. These awards honor PCA members who have exhibited leadership in advancing both industry programs and initiatives. The PCA announces the PCA leadership award winners annually.
“The Gleason Awards are an excellent way to show appreciation for individuals who have had a positive impact on our industry. This impact results in greater cooperation and association growth,” said PCA Chairman and Continental Cement President Tom Beck.
Presented at the PCA Fall Board and Committee Meetings in Kissimmee, Florida, the awards recognize exemplary efforts by individuals in the following categories: business continuity, market development and young leaders. The following are the 2019 Gleason Award winners and finalists in each of these categories.
Business Continuity
Recognizing positive contributions to support business operations, such as advocacy, research and standard setting and safety and health.
Winner: Curtis Lesslie, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Ash Grove Cement Co.
Lesslie has served as either Chair or Vice-Chair on PCA’s Environment and Energy Committee working on numerous environmental initiatives that benefit sustainability and continuity of cement manufacturing. He has promoted information sharing and benchmarking between companies and supported PCA’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee as well as the PCA-MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) alliance.
Finalists: Tim Matz, Senior Director of Environmental Affairs, Lehigh Hanson Inc. and Robert Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs, CEMEX.
Market Development
Honors leadership in shaping a favorable competitive marketplace through activities such as national and regional marketing and promotion, imaging and branding, federal and local advocacy, codes and standards, and work with academia.
Winner: David Gray, Market Manager, GCC of America
Gray has been a consistent example to industry professionals, customers, and industry associates on how promotion can be both a fun and rewarding experience. Working at the customer level, he has raised awareness of the potential gains for cement and concrete in a broad range of construction markets and helped companies and associations create successful promotion initiatives.
Finalists: Kirk McDonald, Vice President Cement Technical Services, CalPortland Company and Larry Rowland, Senior Manager, Marketing and Technical Services, Lehigh White Cement Company.
Young Leaders
Recognizing member company employees who demonstrate a high potential for success in leadership role. It also rewards those with a strong commitment to PCA and the cement industry.
Winner: Nathan Kimball, Vice President, Safety & Health, Lehigh Hanson Inc.
Kimball is an active member of PCA’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee. He has distinguished himself with committee members and staff for his insights on safety issues. His work with Mine Safety and Health Administration leaders through information exchange and engagement has helped advance the shared interests of the industry.
Finalists: Ed Griffith, Vice President Sales & Marketing, U.S., St. Marys Cement/VCNA and Desirea Haggard, Senior Environmental Manager, CalPortland Company.
For further information about the winners and finalists selected by the judges, please visit: www.cement.org/awards/
About the Portland Cement Association
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) was founded in 1916. It is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA members represent over 90% of U.S. cement production capacity with facilities in all 50 states. The association promotes safety, sustainability, and also innovation in all aspects of construction. They also foster continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and distribution and generally promotes economic growth and sound infrastructure investment.
