2023 SPE CAD Board of Directors – Candidate Bios

Candidate

Matthew Billiter

Education

B.S. Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, 2000

Professional Experience

I have worked for LANXESS Inorganic Pigments for 23 years is various sales and technical service roles. I have been the sales manager to the North America plastics industry since 2016. My current role includes both the sales manager for the North American plastics business as well and managing the LANXESS Inorganic Pigments business in Mexico.

Why I Want To Serve

I have now completed 2 terms on the SPE CAD Board of Directors and now feel very familiar with the members and the duties of the board. Serving on the board has helped my development in the plastics industry with new knowledge and contacts. I have become more active with board activities and would be honored to serve a 3rd term over the next 3 years.

Candidate

Karen Carlson

Education

BA, Biology
St Michael’s College, Colchester, VT

MAT, Secondary Science (Biology, Chemistry Certifications)
Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY

Professional Experience

I have more than 30 years of experience in the Pigment & Color industry with EMD Electronics / EMD Performance Materials Corp. (a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) as a Key Account Manager. During my tenure with EMD I have supported the Plastics, Coatings and Printing application areas for decorative and functional pigments.

Prior to joining EMD, I was an Adjunct Professor in the Biology Department at Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY

Why I Want To Serve

I have enjoyed my past three years as a member of the CAD Board and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated members of the organization.

I would like to be re-elected so that I can continue to support the Board and those members of the SPE CAD in the future.

Candidate

Bennett Chin

Education

Bachelor of
Science degree
in Chemical
Engineering and
minor Material
Science and
Engineering
California State
Polytechnic
University,
Pomona

Professional Experience

Current: Laboratory Manager,
Engineering Compound Coloration and
Special Effects Manager
Bennett has joined Techmer PM
since 1995. He has been worked in
various responsibilities in product
and color developments, technical
services, and quality assurance.

Member of Society of Plastic Engineers
since 1995.
Member of Western Plastic Pioneers
since 2022.
Bennett has been a member of
ASQ (American Society for Quality)
since 2001 and is currently a senior
member. He has held various
leadership positions – Program
Chair, Membership Chair,
Secretary, Vice-Chair, and
Photographer until 2010 with the
San Gabriel Valley Section 702

Why I Want To Serve

Bennett has served as proxy in 2007 for the Color and Appearance
Division (CAD) at the SPE Council Meeting at Irvine, California. This
has prompted for him to further contribute to the Division in the future.
Bennett is a long time member of the CAD and he has attended CAD
RETEC conferences for many years. He wants to get involvement
with the CAD Board and to contribute his knowledge and experience
to the plastics industry.

Candidate

Jeff Drusda

Education

BA Biochemistry

East Stroundsburg University

Professional Experience

Current:

Technical Service Principal Scientist

The Chemours Company

Prior:  Silberline Manufacturing (1998-2018); Technical Service Representative (since 2005)

Production Supervisor, Regency Thermographers/Taylor Corp. (1991-1998)

Why I Want To Serve

I have served on the SPE Color and Appearance Division BOD for several years. In addition to terms on each executive committee position, I participate on the Communications Committee as the Website Chair and serve as the ANTEC Technical Program Chair. I would like to continue participation on the CAD board of directors to and promote our efforts with organizing this section’s contribution to the plastics industry.

Previously, I served on the BOD and as treasurer for the Lehigh Valley SPE. In this role, I helped organize this section’s Annual Nanosymposium TOPCON since its inception.

Having worked many years in color-related industries, I have amounted experience and knowledge that can benefit the CAD. I would like to continue my efforts with the CAD BOD in order to provide value, education, and resources to the membership.

Candidate

Steve Esker

Education

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Professional Experience

Paramount Colors
Sales Manager

Why I Want To Serve

The SPE CAD gives me an opportunity to stay current with the plastics and coloring industry and to help others learn what’s available to them through RETEC and ANTEC conferences. I have been with the CAD BOD for almost 20 years now and would like to continue my support by doing my part for the members. I really enjoy working with the people on our team to make these conferences possible.

Candidate

Christine Gehres

Education

BA (HONS) European Business Administration, Middlesex University, London, England
Dipl. Betriebswirt ESB, Reutlingen, Germany
Exec. MBA, URI

Professional Experience

More than 30 years’ international experience in B2B Marketing of Specialty Chemicals, most of the time in Pigments, and most experience in Plastics. My focus has been on technical/product/business development, strategy and management. I have lived and worked in 5 countries / 3 continents.
I currently work with SpecialChem as Global Vice President advising multiple specialty chemical suppliers in how to grow their business.
“You cut me open and I bleed color!”

Why I Want To Serve

My first CAD RETEC was in 1993. I have been part of many changes in our industry and want to help CAD and our members to thrive in the years to come. I have a wonderful career and have had the pleasure to work with many
“Greats” of our industry. I have had outstanding teachers who have trained me over the years, so being actively involved in the CAD Board is a way for me to give back and to help through my experience.

I enjoy mentoring and helping people finding their place. So it was a logical step for me to get certified as a Dreambuilder and transformational Coach by the Brave Thinking Institute during COVID. I have been on the CAD board since 2022 and am now working on the international committee, the education committee, communications, and sponsorships (for RETEC)

I have known many of our board members professionally and personally for years and have had a very warm welcome as a new board member so I can be productive from the get-go.

Candidate

Cory T. Singleton

Education

University of Cincinnati

B.A, Communication

Professional Experience

Account Manager – Color & Additives, PolyOne (Avient)

Sales & Market Manager – Medical, Vertellus

Account Manager – Industrial, Vivify

Why I Want To Serve

As an experienced Color Sales Professional I have seen first hand the impact the next generation can have on our industry as it continues to evolve. I have had countless organizations, companies, and mentors invest in me through training, educational opportunities, and innovation.

I’d like to take what I have learned in this industry, continue to build upon that foundation while simultaneously giving back to others through my SPE CAD involvement. SPE CAD can continue to be a champion for the education, collaboration and networking of professionals in our industry and I would love to be a part in continuing that legacy. I truly appreciate the opportunity and consideration to serve SPE CAD.

Candidate

TJ Stubbs

Education

BS Business Management

MBA Business Administration

Professional Experience

Procurement Manager- Color

01/23- current

Production Manager- KY Facility

May 2019- Dec 2022

Technical Services Engineer- Color

September 2017- May 2019

Berry Global- Various jobs with increased responsibility

Why I Want To Serve

I would like to be continue with a role on the Color and Appearance Division Board so I can help contribute to the growth of the plastics industry. I am motivated to learn and grow in my personal and my professional life.

As a young member of the plastics coloring industry, I would like to learn from current board members and use this knowledge to make my contributions to the coloring of plastics. I have been the Co-chair of the Technical Program for RETEC in Atlanta in 2021 and will reprise this position at RETEC Columbus in 2023.

Candidate

Tony Tanner

Education

MBA, Keller Graduate School

Professional Experience

Chroma Color Corp. – Regional Account Manager (2021-2022)
Milliken Chemical – Sr. Technical Account Manager (2015-2021)
Energizer Holdings – QA Specialist (2009-2015)
RTP Company – Color Development Supervisor (2006-2008)
Standridge Color Corp. – Lab Manager (2001-2006)

Why I Want To Serve

With more than 25 years in the industry I am in a position to give back. I have a passion for helping others and education within the industry and will use my role on the Board as a platform to do just that. I have been on the SPE CAD Board of Directors for 3 years now.