AMPP Interview Series

Based in Edmonton, Canada, Dr. Harry Tsaprailis is the protective coatings subject matter expert (SME) at energy infrastructure company Enbridge. In this member profile with CoatingsPro Magazine, “Harry T” shares his perspective on important industry priorities entering 2023, along with the role of AMPP in addressing those challenges and enhancing his career growth.

Drs. Ryan Katona, Erin Karasz, and Rebecca Schaller with Sandia National Laboratories join our CORROSION journal podcast to discuss their recent invited critical review, “A Review of the Governing Factors in Pit-to-Crack Transitions of Metallic Structures.” Based on an open access review , this discussion provides key takeaways and insights from the authors.

Now 74 years old, Phil Fouche has traveled the world for decades as a Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Instructor and as a CIP subcommittee member. Today, Fouche holds an AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential and continues to educate the next generation of coatings professionals across many countries and continents. In this “member profile,” we explore highlights and lessons learned f...

Jeremy Sukola, water and wastewater market manager at coatings, linings, and fireproofing manufacturer Carboline , joins our podcast to discuss key industry trends, feedback from the marketplace, and much more.    Discussion topics include lessons learned over Sukola’s distinguished career; education initiatives, technical development, and other resources available from Carboline to address market...

The 2023 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo will be held next March in Denver, Colorado, and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is actively gearing up for its annual flagship event for the corrosion control and protective coatings industries. Greg Muha, director of conferences, exhibits, and sponsorships, tells us about what to expect in Denver and why there will be some ch...

In a collaborative discussion, Joe Mazzella and Tom Hayden of Engineering Director, Inc. ( EDI ) join Enbridge’s Keith Parker to discuss the group’s engineered, integrated approach to external corrosion management (IECM). Topics explored on the IECM-themed podcast include the roles of machine learning, data governance, and the importance of building an observable system. More information on their...

Traditional high-performance coatings provide a strong cohesive film. But at times, this can unintentionally contribute to the undercutting effects of corrosion, leading to failures that could lead to a full rehabilitation or replacement. In response, Induron Protective Coatings has developed a unique line of ceramic epoxies that are formulated to provide strong corrosion protection through high f...

Roland Anderson, business development director at monitoring solutions company Axess Corrosion , explains how the group’s patented Janus range works to reduce risk. With integrated alarm systems available to measure process corrosion, erosion, wall thickness, and more, Anderson elaborates on feedback from the field; trends in the marketplace; unique needs for oil and gas clients; and much more.

Dr. Poorwa Gore, Director of AIChemy and an Associate Editor with CORROSION journal, joins our podcast to give advice to students considering a career in corrosion research. This includes short-term research projects, presenting and networking at conferences and events, and keeping your research organized.   For more information, contact: Poorwa Gore, poorwagore@gmail.com .

Bob Chalker, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance ( AMPP ), discusses his decision to retire in July 2023 and what the path forward looks like for the corrosion and coatings organization.  Topics include motivations for the decision; the process of naming a replacement; highlights from Chalker’s 13-year tenure at AMPP and NACE International; and the legacy he leaves behi...

Coatings industry leader and consultant Alison B. Kaelin ( ABKaelin, LLC ) joins us to discuss proposed changes to  OSHA’s Lead Standards  for General Industry and Construction. Topics include the expected timeline and its implications for U.S. coatings professionals; what companies should be doing now to prepare; the role of engineering controls and new technologies (PPE, equipment, and materials...

In our latest member roundtable, longtime member Stephanie Decker discusses recent updates to AMPP's Coating Inspection Program (CIP) with Alicia Yust, senior manager of learning and development, and Pam Nicoletti, senior director of global operations.

Phil Scisciani, coating specialist and owner of  Specialty Coatings & Consulting, Inc. in Pittsburgh, shares his advice, lessons learned, and feedback from the field after four decades in the industrial coatings market. Topics include industry trends and emerging technologies; memorable projects; workforce development challenges; and how associations like AMPP and its members can help.

Ed Kruft, CEO of American Innovations (AI), shares his insight on trends in the compliance solutions market. Topics discussed include feedback from the field and evolving needs by AI’s customers; advances in remote monitoring technologies for cathodic protection; how private companies and industry associations, like AMPP, can work together to accomplish shared goals; and what the future may look l...

Jim Kunkle, Manager of Engineering Specifications for North America at AkzoNobel’s International Protective Coatings, joins our “member profile” series. Topics include how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of our industry; what changes may be temporary, and which appear to be more permanent; key technology trends to watch for over the next decade; and how industry co...

In collaboration with industry stakeholders, the external corrosion prevention team at Enbridge is developing a unification of corrosion monitoring and mitigation strategies, with a goal of minimizing and effectively managing external corrosion risks. Known as IECM, more information is available in the April, June, and August print issues of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine. For a deeper look a...

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3) recently introduced H.R. 8033 , the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act, to the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation requires corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country. As part of our exclusive conversation, Garamendi explains the origins...

Bob Baughman, CEO of HUVRdata , shares how industrial market trends led to the founding of a new company with a purpose-built inspection data management platform. Created in the cloud, the mobile-connected HUVR platform is designed to enable the aggregation, analysis, and automation of visual and quantitative inspection data from any device, sensor, robot, or field technician. Topics include feedb...

Sam Navarro, vice president of business development and marketing at industrial solutions provider IPC Industries, joins our “member profile” series. Topics include industry trends; strategies for the future; what associations like AMPP, NACE, and SSPC have meant to Navarro’s career; and how he’s personally working with students in his local community to try and address a growing craftworker short...

Warren Brand, respected coatings industry consultant and longtime contributor to CoatingsPro Magazine, joins our podcast with information on his latest consulting company, the Alternative Response Method ( ARM ). Using specific tools and practices common to any endeavor in need of strategic thinking, ARM is designed to teach organizations and leaders about how to more intentionally approach their...

Kevin Kipp, co-owner of Hardig Industrial Services, recently joined our podcast to reflect on his award-winning career and share some lessons learned for others in the industry. Topics include the evolution of the coatings field and how having a holistic understanding can help contractors; the role of industry associations, trade publications, and social media in Hardig’s success; advice for the n...

In this episode, longtime AMPP member Stephanie Decker asks questions sent in from members to CEO Bob Chalker. Topics include leadership nominations, volunteer opportunities, Communities of Interest, and much more.

Tom Higginbotham, manager at PPG Industrial Coatings and chair of the AMPP Education Committee, explains the latest Coating Inspector Program (CIP) updates from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). Topics include new features of the updated courses; feedback from members and others in the industry; how AMPP is addressing concerns related to the legacy NACE International...

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Intech Contracting, LLC performs inspection support and rehabilitation work for highway bridges, as well as structural steel fabrication and erection work, for commercial and industrial clients. For over a decade, a key player in their growth has been Brad Wilder, bridge painting division manager.  In this episode, Wilder shares advice and perspective on his road to s...

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) member Stephanie Decker sits down with AMPP CEO Bob Chalker for an in-depth conversation about AMPP’s social media presence and its approach to negative comments. Other topics include the role of AMPP customer service, as well as answering member questions regarding the AMPP Ethics course and professional development hours (PDHs).