Dobbins: ACMA has accomplished a lot, and it’s not because of any one person – no chairman, no committee chair, no staff person. Yes, one member of the team is moving on. But the sign of great teams is they can have people leave and bring in others and the team continues to be successful. Thanks to our board, ACMA has a clear vision of where we need to go and a strong strategic plan for how to get there. Through the work of our committees and staff, we have a strong operational plan to execute on the vision for the organization. We’ve got a top-notch search committee put together by ACMA Chair Scott Balogh with members of the executive committee. Because ACMA is considered such a plum job in Washington, there will be a bevy of really good candidates coming forward.
Q: What are your fondest memories of serving as president of ACMA?
Dobbins: My fondest memories involve people. They center around time shared with board members who are passionate about this organization, with committee volunteers who labor – sometimes in obscurity – to help grow this industry and with staff colleagues working toward delivering on the vision that our leadership has for ACMA.
A lot of that culminates in our annual awards ceremony. In particular, I think last year’s ceremony was very meaningful to everybody when we recognized the pioneers of this industry in addition to our Lifetime Achievement Award, Hall of Fame Award and Outstanding Volunteer Award winners. When we step back and recognize those who have contributed to the growth of this very important industry, it’s so gratifying. It was also gratifying that John Busel, vice president of the Composites Growth Initiative, received the Hall of Fame Award. The entire staff is proud that one of our own was given such a prestigious award.
Q: Any other parting message?
Dobbins: The composites industry is such a great industry! It starts with products that enable so much good. And because composite products are so innovative, the mindset of the industry is very innovative. We have some very creative problem-solvers in the composites industry.
ACMA is a fabulous organization to represent the industry. A very lucky person is going to succeed me, and I have every expectation that with our crackerjack staff and strong leadership from the board, ACMA will continue to grow and thrive. If the industry stays together, focuses on driving research and development and then works together to open markets – particularly aerospace, automotive, infrastructure and vertical construction – the composites industry will continue to grow way above GDP.
The staff of Composites Manufacturing magazine, and all of ACMA, offer heartfelt thanks to Tom for his unwavering dedication to the organization and its people. While we are assured the association will continue to thrive, we will miss Tom’s upbeat demeanor in the office and wish him the best at the Aluminum Association.
