The American Concrete Pipe Association has named Steven Hawkins, AIA, CSI, as its new staff president. He arrives with 20-plus years in roles suiting the appointment, most recently serving as director of Marketing and Membership at the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, Chantilly, Va. Prior to ICPI, Hawkins was vice president and marketing director for the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Schaumburg, Ill.; and, director of market development at Applied Systems Associates, a Pennsylvania-based reinforcing steel software specialist.
“Steve is an excellent choice to continue the strong momentum the ACPA has gained over the last few years,” says Chairman Branimir Kovac (Thompson Pipe Group). “His innovative approach, experience leading and advancing other organizations, and forward-thinking mindset will prove integral to the success of our producer and associate members.”
“Seeing [ACPA’s] vision of growth, the support and buy-in from its members, the involvement of its committees, and the talent of the supporting staff is inspiring,” adds Hawkins. “I look forward to spending time listening to the industry stakeholders regarding what can be done and what actions we can take to continue to influence and build a more resilient and sustainable future with our products.”
“I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from prominent leaders in engineering, design, construction management, and other industry associations over the years,” he continues. “These collaborations will provide valuable context to our shared mission of market share growth for concrete drainage and sanitary products. The industry has challenges to meet and opportunities to seize in areas like leveraging new technologies, improving workforce development, research, safety, and contributing to carbon-neutrality goals.”
Hawkins has a B.A. in Architecture and an M.A. in Communications Studies from the University of Kansas, plus an Executive MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects, Construction Specifications Institute, and Society for Marketing Professional Services.
NW PIPE TALLIES GENEVA PIPE COMMITMENT
Northwest Pipe Co., a major player in engineered pipeline systems for water infrastructure, is solidifying its concrete market commitment with more than $18 million in capital improvement projects for Utah-based Geneva Pipe and Precast Co. It recently invested in a new batch plant, mixer and controls package between Geneva’s St. George and Salt Lake City operations, and is negotiating with major suppliers to equip a new automated concrete pipe and drainage structures facility.
“Our precast concrete business continues to gain strength and our order books are currently at all time high levels,” says Scott Montross, chief executive officer of Vancouver, Wash.-based Northwest Pipe. “Over the past few years, one of our primary focuses has been to grow through diversification into the precast concrete market, which led to the acquisition of Geneva. We are well positioned for future growth, supported by infrastructure needs in the United States.”
In addition to reinforced concrete pipe, utility, stormwater, and sanitary sewer solutions, Geneva recently started producing sanitary sewer structures with Perfect-branded lining, protecting the concrete from microbial induced corrosion when exposed to municipal and industrial wastewater. The capital expenditure plans for Geneva Pipe follow Northwest Pipe’s October 2021 acquisition of Houston-based Park Environmental Equipment, which produces water supply and water pollution control components and systems.