The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, recently installed members in new roles on its board of directors. These individuals took office immediately following the group's annual meeting held at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Garden, Fla., at which the changes to the executive committee were confirmed.

David Fink of WL Plastics was instated as Chairman of the Board, a two-year appointment, and part of a six-year commitment in various leadership functions, to the association. Three new board members were also elected at the meeting namely Peter Zut of Krauss-Maffei, Vice Chairman; Jim Johnson of McElroy Manufacturing, Advisory Council Chairman; and Doug Keller of LyondellBasell, Treasurer. The Past Chair is Patrick Collings of Lane Enterprises, who will conclude his final two-year period of service obligation.

Working with division chairs, the association’s president and legal counsel, all of whom also serve in Board capacities, the full group governs PPI. 

"As our country's infrastructure faces significant challenges, PPI, its board and all members are committed to helping address imminent and critical needs," PPI President Tony Radoszewski, CAE, said. "PPI is devoted to educating decision-makers about smarter solutions readily available now for installations.

"The plastics used have been in service for decades, and have continued to advance," Radoszewski continued. "They are proven better at conserving natural resources, saving budget expenses over life-cycles, and at achieving optimum performance levels. Persistently tested and improved, these plastic pipe options have steadfastly delivered to original system design requirements, and supply reliability while enhancing safety. The U.S., Canada and Mexico are all in dire need of pipe that is long lasting, economical and has a high degree of integrity. PPI’s board of directors understands and supports these demands and advocates for the use of various plastic pipe materials at the local, state and federal level."

Chairman of the Board Fink is a long-time PPI member who also serves on several committees within PPI and has worked within the industry broadly since 2008.

"PPI continues to be a great forum for the common good of the industry and a proponent for innovations in infrastructure," Fink said. "One of the board’s key goals is extending PPI’s educational outreach programs, where members serve as mentors, helping train the next generation of engineers. This powerful base will enable communities to go far beyond fixing leaky and harmful pipelines and implement sustainable, cost-effective, favorable solutions."

The chairs of the five PPI divisions participating on the board are: Building & Construction: Don Townley, Lubrizol; Corrugated Plastic Pipe: Greg Bohn, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Energy Piping Systems: Dane Chang of Dow Chemical; Municipal and Industrial: Heath Casteel of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Power and Communications: Yonas Kebede of Formosa Plastics.