The Portland Cement Association (PCA) announced the winners of the 2019 John P. Gleason, Jr., Leadership Awards, honoring members who have exhibited leadership in advancing industry programs and initiatives.
“The Gleason Awards are an excellent way to show appreciation for individuals who have had a positive impact on our industry, resulting in greater cooperation and association growth,” said PCA Chairman and Continental Cement President Tom Beck.
The following are the 2019 Gleason Award winners and finalists in each of the program’s categories.
Business Continuity
Recognizes 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. Lesslie has served as 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 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; and Larry Rowland, senior manager, marketing and technical services, Lehigh White Cement.
Young Leaders
Recognizes member company employees who demonstrate a high potential for success in leadership roles and a strong commitment to PCA and the cement industry.
- Winner: Nathan Kimball, vice president, safety and health, Lehigh Hanson. Kimball is an active member of PCA’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee and has distinguished himself with committee members and staff for his insights on safety issues. His work with MSHA leaders through information exchange and engagement has helped advance the shared interests of the industry.
- Finalists: Ed Griffith, vice president sales and marketing, U.S., St. Marys Cement/VCNA; and Desirea Haggard, senior environmental manager, CalPortland.
