ASTM International Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe has presented its 2024 Award of Merit to Wayne Hodge, senior director of Engineering at Rinker Materials. The award and accompanying title of fellow is the highest recognition for distinguished service and outstanding participation in ASTM International committee activities. Hodge was recognized for 30-plus years of expertise lent to C13, both in leadership positions and as a background contributor on topics like box culverts and pipe design.
An ASTM International member since 2004, Hodge had been previously honored by the committee with the Merlin G. “IB” Spangler Award (2014). He assumed his current position at Rinker Materials in 2024, but has held various positions with the producer since 1993. In addition to ASTM, he is a member of the American Concrete Institute, American Concrete Pipe Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers.
The National Precast Concrete Association has named Darren Whorton as its first vice president of Technology. He is tasked with implementing strategies that include migration to the Cloud and overseeing NPCA’s data management while developing new policies to keep pace with evolving technologies. Whorton arrives with 20 years of association experience, supporting trade shows and conference tactics, operations and AV prowess.
Concurrently, NPCA has appointed Mandy Hazlett as vice president of Events, working side by side with Vice President of Meeting Services Denise Cutler. Hazlett previously spent nearly 20 years with the National FFA Organization as associate director of Events, planning annual and leadership conventions.
“NPCA looks forward to collaborating with Darren and Mandy, who together bring nearly 40 years of experience working in associations and working closely with members,” says NPCA CEO Nick Rhoad. “They will be an asset to NPCA by using their skills to continue strengthening the precast concrete industry while focusing on our members and growing the organization.”
The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute presented the inaugural PCI Marketing Awards during the 2024 PCI Committee Days in Nashville. Corey Greika, vice president/general manager at Coreslab Structures (INDIANAPOLIS) Inc. received the Marketing Individual Achievement Award, recognizing his work to educate owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and students about the benefits and advantages of using precast concrete components and structures to grow market share. Precast licensor AltusGroup was honored with the Marketing Company Achievement Award.
PCI also announced recipients of other annual honors, including Metromont LLC Senior Structural Engineer Karen Laptas, P.E., FPCI, Norman L. Scott Professional Engineer Award; and the PCI Precast Insulated Wall Panels Committee, Leslie D. Martin Certificate of Merit Award, recognizing the publication of Specification for the Design of Precast Concrete Insulated Wall Panels.
Tindall Building Systems, Moss Point, Miss. Separately, producer members across the country marked 2024 PCI Precast Days with plant tours and educational events. Among participants, Tindall Corp. Mississippi Division hosted U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-4), engineers and developers, plus Moss Point High School CTE students. The producer kicked off a Moss Point plant tour with an introduction to core operations, guests observing production of high-end architectural elements and long-line structural member fabrication. Along with the versatility of precast concrete solutions, they saw how maintaining a clean and efficient plant enhances workplace safety.
“PCI Precast Days provided a perfect platform for Tindall to showcase our ‘Engineered to Serve’ principles,” says Plant Engineering Manager Jake Weaver. “Our goal was to demonstrate the wide array of building solutions that can be achieved with precast, prestressed concrete. This event allowed us to engage with a diverse audience and educate them on the many ways precast concrete can be applied to construction.”
Also at PCI, Thomas Ketron has been named director of Sustainability. He will serve as staff liaison to the Sustainability Committee and its subcommittees, and work on behalf of the Institute with allied group counterparts. “I’m thrilled to join the PCI staff and its dedicated members in furthering our industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future,” he says. “I think this is a future where precast concrete will thrive, bringing more innovation, greater resource efficiency, and more reliable and resilient prefabricated solutions for the construction industry.”
Ketron most recently held sales roles with Gate Precast and NAPCO Precast in Texas and was principal of Firehorse Communications, a brand and marketing consulting agency for North American precast producers. He also served as director of Marketing and Strategic Communications for nearly two decades at Clark Pacific, a PCI producer based in West Sacramento, Calif. A LEED-Accredited Professional, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History and German Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.
The American Concrete Pavement Association has presented the 2024 Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award to Glenn Elder, who retired from American Highway in 2022 after a career that spanned tours of duty in marketing and sales roles for Contractors Steel & Accessories, Block Heavy & Highway, Dayton Superior and JC Supply. The award recognizes individuals or organizations for commitment, dedication, participation and leadership in the concrete pavement community. It is named for two longtime ACPA secretary-treasurers, their service spanning 1975-2007.
“Glenn was a valued member of the ACPA Board of Directors for many years and is considered a trusted advisor and friend. Once again, the members have chosen to honor a gentleman and a legend in our industry,” says ACPA CEO Laura O’Neill Kaumo.
“The more than 40 years of contribution, value, and fantastic personality that Glenn has brought to the entire concrete paving industry make him more than deserving of this award. Throughout my career I have considered Glenn a mentor, and our business relationship has grown into a personal friendship,” adds American Highway CEO Ron Meskis.
California-based hardscapes and outdoor living design specialist System Pavers has entered a partnership with the Seattle Seahawks’ Small Business Program, providing small- to medium-sized enterprises a unique platform to grow their brands in association with the team. Powered by Eleven Sports Media, the program puts the local community at its heart. Amid Seahawks gamedays and exclusive events, Small Business Partners benefit from brand exposure throughout Lumen Field, as well as on non-gameday digital inventory.
“Washingtonians are almost as fanatical about their outdoor living spaces as they are football. Seattle and the surrounding metro area is an incredibly strong market for us at System Pavers. I love how much local homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors playing cornhole, watching football and grilling with friends and family,” shares Chief Marketing Officer Cassi Hallam. “Our new partnership is more than just marketing; it’s a unique opportunity to grow our brand recognition in the Pacific Northwest with tailored support from a historic franchise with a passionate fanbase.”
System Pavers’ offerings align with the diverse outdoor living needs of the Pacific Northwest climate. From paver driveways and walkways to decking and outdoor kitchens, the company has the expertise to address a broad range of outdoor living needs and provide an elevated homeowner experience.