PCA Names 2019 John P. Gleason Jr. Leadership Award Winners

Skokie, Illinois (Oct. 4, 2019)—The Portland Cement Association (PCA) hasannounced the winners of the 2019 John P. Gleason Jr., Leadership Awards, honoring PCA 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. 

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 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. & 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 Inc. 
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 & 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 roles and a strong commitment to PCA and the cement industry
Winner: Nathan Kimball, Vice President, Safety and Health, Lehigh Hanson Inc.
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 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 and Marketing, U.S., St. Marys Cement/VCNA & Desirea Haggard, Senior Environmental Manager, CalPortland Company.

For more information, visit cement.org/awards/gleason-awards-winners.