As of April 2023, Alan Thomas is officially the new CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), replacing Bob Chalker. The latter is retiring after a distinguished career of nearly 40 years, including 13 years with AMPP.
Prior to accepting this role, Thomas served as CEO for GRIDIRON, LLC. In that capacity, he oversaw the acquisition and total integration of a lower middle market SaaS company, which doubled the size of the business.
In 2014, Thomas launched Array Coating Technology, LLC, a full-service industrial blasting, coating, powder coating, and metal finishing company focused on the subsea oil and gas sector, where he cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders and customers. A past International Facility Management Association (IFMA) executive vice president and chief operating officer, he also was responsible for developing strategic alliances and channel partners globally for the international nonprofit.
Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a master’s in business administration in finance from Tulane University. He also is a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for six years and received the U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal for distinguished leadership and exceptional performance of duty.
“Alan is an accomplished executive with an admirable leadership track record of over 20 years in CEO roles in the association field and several business entities,” says Amir Eliezer, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors and member of the CEO selection committee. “Alan thoroughly understands our industry and AMPP’s mission and will continue a values-based leadership approach that will benefit our members.”
In this exclusive podcast interview with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, Thomas shares more insight on his past career experience and the process leading to his appointment. Other discussion topics include his initial priorities as CEO; key takeaways from the recent AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; background on his leadership style and personality; and much more.
The complete episode, which was taped in May 2023, can be listened to below. Tune in!
Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.