NASF Announces 2020 Industry Award Winners
Each year, the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) recognizes members who stand out amongst their peers for their contributions to the finishing industry on the local and national levels.
Each year, the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) recognizes members who stand out amongst their peers for their contributions to the finishing industry on the local and national levels. Because SUR/FIN 2020 in Atlant was postponed due to COVID-19, the Awards Committee of NASF has decided to recognize these deserving members at this time. Physical awards will be presented during SUR/FIN 2021 in Detroit, Michigan.
NASF Presidential Award
William Saas
The Presidential Award focuses on extraordinary service by an NASF member who is actively participating on the national level, going above and beyond the capacity of most.
Bill Saas is an industry icon and has a long history of significant contributions to the surface finishing industry, including serving as President of the Metal Finishing Suppliers Association (MFSA) and long-standing Chair of the Government Advisory Committee (GAC). He continues to be an active member of the NASF Ohio Chapter and instrumental on the NASF Suppliers Committee.
Silvio C. Taormina Memorial Award
Rebecca Bennett
The Silvio C. Taormina Memorial Award is an honor given to an individual who has performed outstanding service to the finishing industry over many years.
Rebecca Bennett of Precision Plating has participated in NASF through the years in numerous capacities: as a member and leader of the Chicago Midwest Chapter, member of the NASF national Board of Directors, and NASF Government Advisory Committee. Her participation and contributions to the NASF/AESF Foundation has been and will be felt for many years to come.
August P. Munning Award
Brad Durkin
The August P. Munning Award is given to a member who has significantly contributed to the future well-being of the NASF/AESF Foundation and exemplifies the traits of August P. Munning.
Brad Durkin of Coventya has been in the metal finishing industry for more than 30 years, many of which serving as Chair of the NASF Technical Advisory Committee charged with crafting the Technical Program for the annual SUR/FIN Conferences. His enthusiasm has inspired committee members to excel in organizing and executing a world-class conference for the finishing industry.
Scientific Achievement Award
Dr. Jude M. Runge
The Scientific Achievement Award recognizes a person who has contributed to the advancement of the theory and practice of electroplating, metal finishing and the allied arts; raised the quality of processes and products; enhanced the dignity and status of the procession; or has been involved in a combination of these efforts.
Dr. Jude Mary Runge of Comprehensive Metallurgical Consulting, has more than 35 years industrial, governmental and academic experience specializing in metallurgical engineering and interfacial science, specifically in electrochemical processes, failure analysis and manufacturing processes. She is also author of The Metallurgy of Anodizing Aluminum, published by Springer Nature in April, 2018.
Awards of Merit
The Award of Merit is given to members of the industry who show meritorious service and achievement on the local and national level.
- Tricia Hale – For her service at American Plating Power and effort planning the annual Florida Finishers Conference.
- Tom Laken III – For his service as President of the Milwaukee Chapter of NASF and keeping the local Chapter alive.
- Mark Norton – For his support of the local Michigan Chapter of NASF and time as Chair of the SUR/FIN Committee.
- Ross Tiamson – For his strong support of NASF through the decades and participation on the local and national level.
2020 AESF Fellows
The NASF Fellow award recognizes outstanding service, contribution and long-standing commitment to the NASF/AESF for the advancement of the best interests of the surface finishing industry. The NASF Fellow honor is modeled after the AESF Fellow, which was established in 1997.
- Waasy Boddison
- Brad Durkin
- Steve Smith
- William Nebielo
Related Content
NASF's SUR/FIN 2023: Bringing the Surface Finishing Industry Together
SUR/FIN 2023 is an opportunity for those in the surface finishing industry to expand their knowledge, expertise and network.
Read MoreTake Full Advantage of Industry Events
As travel plans ramp up for the year, what industry events will you attend? Products Finishing offers a quick look at some of the upcoming opportunities for 2024.
Read MoreHighlights from SUR/FIN 2023
Products Finishing offers a recap of some of the topics that were top of mind at the SUR/FIN 2023 finishing industry trade show.
Read MoreHexavalent-Chromium-Free Aluminum Sacrificial Paint Validation
Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen, repro-toxin and mutagen. Its elimination is of high importance to the aerospace industry, which has struggled to find high performing alternatives. Legacy aluminum sacrificial paints have traditionally utilized hexavalent chromium to prevent corrosion and coatings which are equal to or better than have been difficult. This second of two papers discusses the hexavalent-chromium-free process from the user point-of-view in terms of the process validation work by Rolls Royce Corporation.
Read MoreRead Next
Delivering Increased Benefits to Greenhouse Films
Baystar's Borstar technology is helping customers deliver better, more reliable production methods to greenhouse agriculture.
Read MoreEducation Bringing Cleaning to Machining
Debuting new speakers and cleaning technology content during this half-day workshop co-located with IMTS 2024.
Read MoreA ‘Clean’ Agenda Offers Unique Presentations in Chicago
The 2024 Parts Cleaning Conference, co-located with the International Manufacturing Technology Show, includes presentations by several speakers who are new to the conference and topics that have not been covered in past editions of this event.
Read More