The Asphalt Institute Foundation is an organization near and dear to my heart and an incredible asset to our industry. I’ve been involved with AIF in various capacities over the years, and now, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been elected to a new leadership position on the Board of Directors. For the next two years, I will serve as AIF’s Chair — engaging a group of asphalt professionals who are as passionate about enhancing our industry as I am. I’m also delighted to be working with Susan Tanner again, who is returning to AIF as the Director of Programs and Development.

The foundation exists to conduct strategic research and educational activities to advance and improve the liquid asphalt industry. We are strategically looking ahead to predict the impacts of new technology, political changes, and possible process impediments. This research has helped and will continue to help us shape our industry and is vital to the future of infrastructure. 

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working on the education programs at AIF, and I am excited to continue supporting these initiatives during my term. One of the early successes I’m proud of is the development and rollout of our Asphalt Modules, developed for college professors to use free of charge to teach classes about asphalt and asphalt materials. 

Initiatives, such as AIF’s internship program, expose students to asphalt and asphalt materials to generate excitement for the industry. Interns from member companies are invited to visit the Asphalt Institute’s headquarters for two days to get an overview of the asphalt industry, interact with a panel of industry experts and tour the Asphalt Institute labs. The interns are also invited to attend a future Asphalt Institute conference. In addition, the Bill and Shireen Kirk Scholarship Fund awards annual scholarships to students across the country who are interested in our industry. I’m excited to see how this next generation will advance asphalt innovations even more.

As a leading innovator, AIF is committed to driving sustainability, which aligns with Blue Tide Environmental’s mission. I am grateful to bridge both experiences and encourage colleagues to expand their expertise through organizations like AIF to positively impact the asphalt industry and environment.