2026 SPE CAD Board of Directors – Candidate Bios

Candidate

Mark Tyler

(Incumbent)

Education

Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Minor in Marketing, Franklin University

Associates Degree in Plastics Color Matching, Terra Community College

Professional Experience

Technical Sales Representative, Tempo Chemicals (Current)

Silberline Manufacturing

Celanese

A Schulman

MA Hannah

Day-Glo

Why I Want To Serve

I have been on the Color and Appearance Board of Directors since 2007 and I originally joined the CAD BOD because I wanted to give back to the industry that has given me so much over the years, and 19 years later, that has not thought has not changed.

I support the BOD by actively participating on many of the committees that make up the BOD and doing what is needed to support the CAD membership. I am part of the Communication Committee and Education Committee. I am a past Division Chairperson as well and past RETEC Chair and Vice Chair.

I am currently part of the Executive Committee as Chair of the Site and Services Committee which I have held for the past 4 years. This committee actively seeks out and contract future RETEC venues as well as upcoming BOD meetings.

As part of the Communications Committee, I am the CADNews Editor where I have held that position since 2016. We put together 4 issues per year to promote, educate, communicate and keep the CAD members informed about what is happening within the Division.

Currently I work for Tempo Chemicals and Solutions as a Technical Sales Rep for plastics for the past year. I have worked for Silberline, Celanese, A. Schulman, M.A. Hannah and Day-Glo over my 36-year career in the coloring of plastics.

I look forward to continuing to give back to the coloring of plastics industry through the work I have been doing on the BOD and hoping to continue to make a difference.

Candidate

Steve Esker

(Incumbent)

Steve Esker 1

Education

Terra Community College, Associates Degrees: Mechanical Engineering (1992)

Plastics Engineering and Color Matching Technologies (1994)

Mount Vernon College: Bachelor of Business Administration (1999)

Professional Experience

Paramount Colors

Why I Want To Serve

I have served on the Board of Directors for the past 15 years. The BOD has allowed me to stay current with the new technologies and new innovations within the color industry. I enjoy working with the people around me making the entire Color and Appearance Division a success. Since first elected, I have served as a past RETEC Vice Chair in Baltimore and many numerous Committees, including the Paper Review Committee. I have also served as the Membership Chairperson for the Central Ohio SPE division for two terms with great success. I would like to continue my support for this great organization

Candidate

Jeffrey S. Drusda

(Incumbent)

Education

BA Biochemistry, East Stroudsburg University

Professional Experience

Current: The Chemours Co., Technical Service Principal Scientist

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 Board of Directors for more than 16 years. In addition to a full rotation on the executive committee, I participate on the Communications Committee as the Website Chair and serve as the Conference Committee 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.

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 to provide value, education, and resources to the membership.

Additionally, I lend support to SPE Vinyl Division with organizing the annual Vinyltec conference and serve on the SPE Building & Construction Division BOD.

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.

Candidate

Christine Gehres

(Incumbent)

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 Singleton

(Incumbent)

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

Bonnie Piro

Education

B.S., Chemical Engineering – Drexel University, 1989

M.S., Engineering Management – Drexel University, 1992

Professional Experience

Technical Service and Marketing Manager
Sudarshan North America, Inc.

Axalta Coatings

Why I Want To Serve

Bonnie Piro has extensive experience at Sudarshan, a global leader in pigments and color solutions, where she has contributed to both technical and commercial initiatives across coatings and plastics.

She has expertise in pigment selection, formulation support, and product development, helping customers achieve optimal color performance and long-term durability.

Bonnie has also played a key role in education and knowledge-sharing, including developing technical resources, webinars, and promotional campaigns that highlight innovations in color and appearance.

Her work bridges the gap between scientific understanding and practical application, supporting customer success while advancing industry best practices.

Prior to joining Sudarshan, Bonnie spent 30 years with Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont), all within the pigment and colorant field.

Her expertise spans pigment replacement, dispersion formulation, color matching, and design, giving her a deep technical foundation and industry perspective on pigments in coatings and related applications.

Candidate

Rogerio Galante

Education

MBA Tepper School of Business – Pittsburgh, PA 2015

B.S. Civil Engineering – São Paulo University 1995

Professional Experience

Director, Sales Operations & Distribution – DCL Corporation 2023 – present

Director Sales & Marketing – Quantum Engineering 2018 – 2023

Vice President Iron Oxide Business Unit – Applied Minerals 2013 – 2016

Manager Product Management and Supply Chain – LANXESS 1998 – 2013

Why I Want To Serve

My goal is to strengthen member engagement and support the growth of the next generation of professionals within the SPE Color and Appearance Division by increasing participation through relevant programming and stronger connections between students, early-career members, and industry.

Candidate

Lori De La Cruz

 

Education

BA, Hospitality Management

Professional Experience

While my formal education is a BA in Hospitality Management, my career pivoted 27 years ago when I discovered the plastics and color industries — a shift that ultimately defined my professional path. After exploring several temporary roles, my time at Teknor Apex sparked a fascination with plastics, and I quickly found my true interest in color. What began as a temporary assignment evolved into a permanent, purpose-driven career, supported early on by mentorship from long-time SPE member Bob Trinklein.

I began my career at Teknor Color as a Customer Service Representative, where I worked closely with laboratory teams coordinating color matches and managing formulations. After repeatedly passing the Munsell color test with 100% accuracy, I was encouraged to pursue either color matching or sales. As a relationship-driven professional, I transitioned into sales, where I found my long-term professional fit. Over the next 16 years, I built extensive experience in the masterbatch industry, primarily in sales, but also held positions in purchasing, scheduling, inventory control, and office management. Following industry consolidation, I continued my career with Accel Color (later acquired by Techmer PM) and Hudson Color (acquired by Breen and now Chroma), further strengthening my understanding of color technologies, customer needs, and market dynamics. I later expanded into dyes and pigments when I joined Milliken, where I managed a $7M territory for six years. In 2024, I joined Buckeye Color & Chemical — a connection made through RETEC — where I continue to support business growth through long-standing customer relationships built on trust, technical understanding, and service.

 

Why I Want To Serve

Throughout my career, I have invested in professional development, including Miller Heiman sales training and numerous customer service, group dynamics and sales-focused programs.

I am interested in serving on the SPE CAD/RETEC Board because I am deeply passionate about the color industry and motivated to give back to the professional community that has shaped my career. I value collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning, and I welcome opportunities to contribute through leadership and service.

Outside of my professional life, I have taught pottery at a local recreation center for over 15 years and served on a Grand Jury for one year — experiences that have reinforced my commitment to community engagement, responsibility, and teamwork.
I bring energy, organization, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone, and I would be honored to support the continued success and relevance of the SPE Color and Appearance Division.

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.