ITSA Member News

Eleven years ago, when Jason Hunsaker asked me to start a thermal spray business with him, I never would have imagined that today I would be serving as chair of the International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA). This is truly an honor, and one that I do not take lightly.

I recognize that there are many qualified individuals who could serve in this role, but I will do my very best to lead with integrity, humility, and a willingness to learn. As I reflect on the ITSA Mission Statement (included below), I realize how deeply it aligns with my own goals and passion for this industry.

Over the past eleven years, I have seen firsthand how thermal spray technologies solve a myriad of challenges across countless industries. Beyond that, I’ve come to appreciate how those solutions ultimately improve everyday life for all of us as consumers. The impact of this industry reaches further than many people realize, and I am proud to be part of it.

I strongly believe that we are better together. We were never meant to navigate life or business alone. We need each other, and that spirit of collaboration is what I hope to cultivate during my time as chair. My goal is to work alongside all of you in the thermal spray industry so we can continue fulfilling the ITSA mission together.

I look forward to leading, learning, and growing alongside you.

Please join us in sunny San Diego, Calif., on November 8–11 for the ITSA Annual Business Meeting. I can’t wait to meet you!
 

ITSA MISSION STATEMENT

The International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA), a standing committee of the American Welding Society, is a professional industrial organization dedicated to expanding the use of thermal spray technologies for the benefit of industry and society. ITSA invites all interested companies to talk with our officers and company representatives to better understand member benefits.

OFFICERS

Ashley Hunsaker, chair, HTS Coatings

Peter Ruggiero, vice chair, Curtiss-Wright

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

(previously listed officers plus the following)

Kirk Fick, Cincinnati Thermal Spray

Mollie Blasingame, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs

Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC

ITSA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ITSA offers annual graduate scholarships. Since 1992, the ITSA scholarship program has contributed to the growth of the thermal spray community, especially in the development of new technologists and engineers. ITSA is very proud of this education partnership and encourages all eligible participants to apply. Visit thermalspray.org for criteria information and a printable application form.

ITSA SPRAYTIME

Since 1992, ITSA has been publishing SPRAYTIME for the thermal spray industry. The mission is to be the flagship thermal spray industry publication providing company, event, personnel, product, research, and membership news of interest to the thermal spray community.

JOIN ITSA

Membership is open to companies involved in all facets of the industry — equipment and materials suppliers, job shops, in-house facilities, educational institutions, industry consultants, and others.

Engage with dozens of like-minded industry professionals at the Annual ITSA Membership Meeting, where there is ample time for business and personal discussions. Learn about industry advancements through the one-day technical program, participate in the half-day business meeting, and connect with peers in a relaxed atmosphere complete with fun social events.

Build awareness of your company and its products and services through valuable promotional opportunities: a listing in SPRAYTIME, exposure on the ITSA website, and recognition at industry trade shows.

In addition, ITSA Membership comes with an AWS Supporting Company Membership and up to five AWS Individual Memberships to give to your best employees, colleagues, or customers. Visit aws.org/membership/supportingcompany for a complete listing of additional AWS benefits. For more information or a membership application, contact Adrian Bustillo at (786) 937-9595 or abustillo@aws.org.

For an ITSA Membership application, visit the membership section at thermalspray.org.