Organizations

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has promoted three directors to senior director: Karthik Obla, research and engineering; Kathleen Carr-Smith,

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has promoted three directors to senior director: Karthik Obla, research and engineering; Kathleen Carr-Smith, membership; and, Thomas Harman, regulatory affairs. Obla is responsible for directing the research efforts of NRMCA’s laboratory in College Park, Md., in addition to a number of other duties within the organization’s Engineering Department. Prior to joining the association, he was technical manager at Boral Material Technologies in San Antonio. Carr-Smith, who joined NRMCA in 2000, is responsible for the association’s producer membership, the associate members in the Materials and Manufacturers divisions, and communications/media planning. Harman joined NRMCA as its first director of safety compliance in 2002, with extensive industry experience at such companies as Martin Marietta Materials and Kaiser Sand & Gravel. A certified safety professional and member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, he is responsible for disseminating federal workplace rules and regulations to NRMCA members.

At its annual convention in early August, Florida Independent Concrete and Associated Products, Inc. (FICAP) elected its 2006-2007 Officer and Board of Directors. Officers are Sherry Griswold of Griswold Ready Mix Concrete, president; Mark Smith of Bell Concrete Products, vice president; Preston Sparkman of Quality Precast Co., secretary; and, Brad Coolidge of Inland Materials Inc., treasurer. Directors are Jeff Bishop and Steven Bishop of Maschmeyer Concrete Inc.; Fred Jahna, Jr. of Jahna Concrete Products; Tony Segree of Hicks Concrete Services; Gary Clements of Cement Products & Supply Co.; and, Preston Sparkman of Quality Precast.