The Powder Coating Institute Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

During the 2024 PCI Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia, the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) celebrated the 2024 PCI Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame was initiated in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Powder Coating Institute and the powder coating industry. Nominated by industry peers, eligible Hall of Fame members must be retired and have a minimum of 15 years in the industry.

This year, the recipients of this recognition are Tom Grady and Chris Merritt. “PCI is grateful to Tom and Chris for their many contributions to PCI and the industry.” stated Kevin Coursin, Executive Director.  “We appreciate their dedication and their induction into the PCI Hall of Fame is well deserved.”

Receiving this merited recognition posthumously, Tom Grady was an active member of PCI for many years and contributed heavily to the Education Committee and various training sessions. He served as Chairman of the formerly named ARE Committee and was a leading contributor for several editions of PCI’s Powder Coating Handbook. He spoke at numerous powder coating conferences and events. 

At the time of his passing, Grady was the business development manager for Sherwin-Williams, leading efforts in metal building products with a strong emphasis on establishing powder in that market space. He developed powder specific training programs for AAMA and AEC applications and was constantly on the road helping people with their powder systems. Grady spent his working life helping to grow powder as a technology. The award was presented to Grady’s wife and daughter at the awards dinner.

Chris Merritt’s dedication and passion for the powder coating industry have been remarkable. Throughout his nearly forty-year career at Gema USA Inc., Merritt served as a PCI committee member and chairman, contributing to the establishment of industry standards and best practices. His strategic insights and leadership skills earned him multiple terms on the PCI Board of Directors, including a few terms as president. Merritt was a contributing editor to the PCI Powder Coating Handbook and a frequent speaker at PCI industry training events. Special guest, Hall of Fame member and Gema colleague Marc Fooksman presented the award to Merritt.