2025 SPE CAD Board of Directors – Candidate Bios

Candidate

Scott Aumann

(Incumbent)

Education

University of Florida / FAU with a BFA.

Majored in Graphic Design, minored in Serigraphy.

Professional Experience

Graduated in 1987 and started in plastics in 1988 – after 10 years of technical positions in masterbatch, I joined EMD performance materials for 22 years.  At EMD I held positions in laboratory management, Technical Service and Marketing.  Worked for Eluceda Authentication in Business Development.  Currently with Chroma Color.

Why I Want To Serve

I have been an active member of the SPE and CAD since the late 1980’s and continue to give back to the future of the industry thru education and networking opportunities.  I have been of the Color and Appearance board of Directors for over 10 years and would like to continue to serve the members of SPE in the future.

Candidate

Jim Figaniak

(Incumbent)

 

Education

B.S. Chemical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry – Drexel University 1990

Professional Experience

Vice President – Americhem Engineered Compounds 2014-present

President – LTL Color Compounders, Inc 1990-2014

President – Dongguan LTL Color Compounders 2003-2015

Why I Want To Serve

Continue leading the CAD Technical Program Committee – dedicated to providing educational and professionally rewarding Regional Technical Conferences (RETEC) which supports not only our current membership but future color professionals.

Candidate

Alex Prosapio

(Incumbent)

Education

BS Financial Management, Dominican University New York

Professional Experience

Current: Sudarshan North America, Head of Plastics North America

Prior:
Cappelle Pigments (2010-2017), Key Account Manager

BASF Corp. (2003-2018), Account Manager

Ciba Specialty Chemicals (1993-2001), Technical Sales Representative

Why I Want To Serve

I have served on the SPE Color and Appearance Division BOD for 10 years. In addition to chairing each executive committee position, I am currently the Technical Program Committee Chair, and serve on various committees within CAD Board. I would like to continue participation on the CAD Board of Directors to promote our efforts with education in the coloring of plastics, and to also share my 30+ years of experience in the plastics industry.

Candidate

Ann Smeltzer

(Incumbent)

Education

B.S. General Management – Purdue University

M.B.A. University of Pittsburgh

 

Professional Experience

Part of the Plastics Industry for 25 years.
Present – Senior Strategic Account Manager – Sudarshan as of 3/3/2025 upon Sudarshan’s acquisition of Heubach Colorants formerly Clariant Pigments. Joined Clariant in May 2012.
Previous – 29 year career with Lanxess Corporation which had been formerly a part of Bayer Corporation –positions held included being the Plastics Market Manager for the Inorganic Pigments Group and jobs in the areas of sales, marketing, product management, and controlling.

Why I Want To Serve

I have been member of the CAD Board of Director’s for 19 years which has included the five year commitment of rotating through the chairs starting with secretary, finance, chair elect, chairperson, and past chair. I was CAD’s Co – technical program coordinator (TPC) for ANTEC 2018 & 2008, CAD’s co-TPC for RETEC 2009 and for 2019. I am currently the chairperson of CAD’s Endowment committee – which is responsible for our scholarship program. I would like to continue being a part of contributing to the growth and expansion of the Plastics market by participating on the board of directors.

Candidate

Michelle Claeson

Education

Bryant University, Smithfield, Rhode Island
Master of Business Administration/Marketing and Management

Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island
Bachelor of Science/International marketing
Minor: French Language

Study Abroad: International College of Cannes, Cannes, France
French Language and French Art

Professional Experience

Trust Chem USA, Palm Coast, Florida – April 2023-Present
VP of Sales

DCL Corporation/DCC LANSCO, Toronto, Canada – April 2018-April 2023
Dominion Colors merged with LANSCO COLORS in April 2018
Sales Manager

TOYO INK AMERICA, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey – 1998-2000
Sales Representative

DREW GRAPHICS, Cincinnati, Ohio – 1997-1998
Pigment Dispersion Manufacturer – Division of Flint Ink
Sales Representative

HOECHST CELANESE CORPORATION/CLARIANT, Coventry, Rhode Island 1995-1997
Sales Trainee/Sales Representative

Professional Board Experience

Metro New York Printing Ink Association- Board Member

Eastern Coatings Show- Board Member

Why I Want To Serve

In the fall of 1995, I went on a job interview with Hoechst Celanese and for the first time I heard the word “pigment”; little did I know almost 30 years later, the pigment industry would provide me a fulfilling career, creating the opportunity for me to meet many amazing colleagues and travel the world. After multiple interviews, I landed the job at Hoechst.

As a Sales Trainee, I spent time working in the labs but always found myself drawn to plastics. I attended my first CAD RETEC show back in 1996 in St. Louis, MO. It was evident immediately that although this was a smaller show, it attracted target customers and focused on color, which offered me, new to the pigment industry at the time, a valuable learning experience.

The show has developed over the years, including entertaining open night receptions, interesting panel discussions, and many diverse locations but it always stays true to its core, coloring plastics. CAD RETEC is consistently a rewarding show, always packed with key customers, innovative technical talks, and strong booth participation.

I have served on the MNYCA and Eastern Coatings show boards for the last several years, and with my experience there on subcommittees such as Outreach, Sponsorship, Annual Dinner/Holiday Party and Scholarship, I hope to offer valuable insights and support to the CAD RETEC board.

Candidate

Lisa Clapp

Education

Ball State University, BS Chemistry

University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, MS Physical Chemistry

Professional Experience

Lisa Clapp is the Vice President of Colors Technology at Sun Chemical Corporation with responsibility for research and development of pigments and pigment preparations.

 

Lisa did her undergraduate work in chemistry at Ball State University and received her Masters of Science degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill.

Lisa has worked for Sun Chemical for 29 years, where she has been a proven leader for research & development projects and has a track record of driving changes throughout the organization. She has held positions as a physical chemist, group leader, Six Sigma Black Belt, Design for Six Sigma Leader, and project manager covering a wide range of Sun Chemical pigment and preparation products.

Lisa is an inventor on twelve patents and author of five technical articles related to pigments and pigment applications. She has applied her understanding of physical chemistry to lead the development of pigments with improved performance in all applications, including the plastics industry.

Why I Want To Serve

I believe that I can bring my experience in pigment and color science to further lead the SPE CAD mission of education and inform the global community about the aesthetics of plastics.

Throughout my career, I have focused on developing a fundamental understanding of pigment performance in application, as evidenced by the publication “Relation of the Fractal Structure of Organic Pigments to their Performance”.

More importantly, the global sustainability drive requires new solutions for plastics applications. I would bring my personal interest in sustainable solutions to the board to work with the community to further these initiatives and work with the industry to develop strategies and solutions for a longterm viable industry.

 

Candidate

Kyle Lucas

Education

The Ohio State University- Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, Minor in General Business

Professional Experience

Nexeo Solutions-Buyer: 07/13-09/15

Nexeo Solutions-Inside Sales Rep: 09/15-09/17

Nexeo/Univar-Account Manager: 10/17-03/19

Azelis-Account Manager: 04/19-10/23

Vivify-Account Manager: 02/24-Present

Why I Want To Serve

As a committed member of the CAD community since 2024, I have witnessed firsthand the impact our collective efforts can have in the field. I am eager to play an active role in shaping the direction of our organization by leveraging my background in the Specialty Chemical and Colorant world.

I believe I am uniquely positioned to help CAD achieve its mission of advancing its development while fostering a collaborative environment among industry professionals.

My professional journey has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the CAD community, and I am deeply committed to advocating for the needs of our members.

As a Board member, my priorities would include:
• Strengthening member engagement and providing meaningful opportunities for professional development.
• Promoting innovative solutions to enhance value and accessibility.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our community.
• Ensuring the organization remains adaptable to the evolving needs of our industry.
• Fostering and Mentoring the Rising Generation of Talent

I am passionate about the future. I believe my leadership and ability to work collaboratively with others will help CAD continue to serve as a vital resource for professionals across the industry.

Candidate

Mike Manley

 

Education

Ivy Tech Community College

The Ohio State University

Professional Experience

Began working at Holland Colours Americas, Inc. (HCA) in August of 2007. To date, most of my years have been dedicated to the Logistics Manager role with some occasional time filling in for Production Supervisors. In October 2021, I moved into the Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager role leading the Purchasing, Planning, and Logistics departments for HCA’s Richmond location.

Why I Want To Serve

Joining the BOD will help immerse me in the colorant world and develop even more relationships with everyone I see at the CAD RETEC show every year. This is important to me on both a personal and professional level. In the last 4 years, I have met many people from many companies, but there are still many names to put with the faces and emails. I am looking forward to a long career in this industry and want to invest my time to create a positive presence for HCA, as well.

Candidate

Eric Duncan

Education

B.S. in Business Management, Western Governor’s University

Professional Experience

2000-2014: Diamond Polymers/Network Polymers – Color Technology Manager & Lab Manager

2014-2020 : PolyOne – Lead Color Designer for the Specialty Engineered Materials Innovation Center

2020-Present: Akrochem Corporation – Plastics Technical Manager

Why I Want To Serve

I have learned a tremendous amount from the CAD’s members and RETEC conferences. I would like to take the opportunity to give back to the division. I hope that with my nearly 25 years of experience coloring polymers I can be a resource to the next generation joining our ranks. I also look forward to expanding and strengthening the professional relationships I’ve made within the industry.

Candidate

Kelly White

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, Biochemistry

Professional Experience

About
As a Senior Sales Representative for Omya, Kelly covers the SE region of the US for their Polymers team selling Calcium Carbonate and a wide variety of specialty chemicals. With over 3 years of sales experience and 6 years of technical hands-on experience, she has earned a reputation for using her technical expertise to close new business through team leadership and relationship management.

 

Technical Sales Journey
Kelly’s journey began in 2015 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and landing a technical role in the world of color. In the color world, she developed a passion for color theory and formulating custom colors. Her area of expertise extended into CICIP’s, IOX’s, organic pigments, and liquid dispersions for paints, coatings, and plastics-based applications.

Key Achievements
Throughout her tenure at Omya, Kelly has onboarded several new customers and closed new key business opportunities by cross-selling. She has steadily increased her territory sales year over year and closed new business opportunities for both Calcium Carbonate and distribution products. Kelly has earned awards in 2024 and 2025 for the largest volume Calcium Carbonate new business close.

Sales Expertise
Kelly White is celebrated for her passion to close new business through technical wins. Prospecting and territory account management are vital to achieving new business closes. A large focus for her is gaining traction through cross-selling at both current and non-buying customers. Every customer, no matter how big or small, requires the same courteous treatment.

Sales Philosophy
The focus of Kelly White’s sales philosophy is prospecting and growing meaningful customer relationships. She believes that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance, with a strong team by her side. Her sales expertise is a reflection of a strong work ethic.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
As a hunter, Kelly works each day to expand her customer base to include manufacturers from all segments such as film & sheet, flooring, wire & cable, pipe & conduit, profiles, molding, rubber & elastomers, PVC compounds, masterbatch & compounds, and thermosets. She specializes in learning what her customers need and delivering on her commitments

Why I Want To Serve

I’m passionate about promoting education around color and appearance in plastics, and I’m especially interested in helping younger generations see the plastics industry as a rewarding and innovative career path.

I’d be honored to contribute to the CAD Board’s efforts to advance these goals.