ITSA Member News

As we enter the second quarter of the year, ITSA remains focused on strengthening our programs, governance, and member value while preparing for a productive annual meeting this fall. Planning is underway for our November meeting in San Diego, coordinated to align with San Diego Fleet Week (Nov. 6–15), and final dates and details will be shared soon. This timing presents a unique opportunity to connect our technical community with broader naval and industrial activities in the region. 

In parallel with annual meeting preparations, the ITSA Executive Committee and subcommittees continue to make meaningful progress across several priority areas:

• Education (Chair: Ana Duminie) — Evaluating updates to the “What Is Thermal Spray?” document and exploring opportunities to deliver thermal spray training through ITSA.
• Governance (Chair: Bill Mosier) — Leading the update and revision of the ITSA bylaws to align with current standards and best practices.
• Membership (Chair: Jim Ryan) — Identifying ways to increase member value while attracting new members.
• Planning (Chair: Ashley Hunsaker) — Coordinating and executing ITSA meeting planning efforts.
• Scholarship (Chair: Mollie Blasingame) — Increasing awareness of the ITSA Scholarship Program and encouraging applications from qualified candidates.
• SPRAYTIME (Chair: Kirk Fick) — Expanding readership, attracting new content contributors, and growing the publication’s advertising base.

Companies with news, articles, or updates relevant to the thermal spray community are encouraged to contact Cindy Weihl at cweihl@aws.org for inclusion in future issues.

Members interested in volunteering on any ITSA committee are encouraged to contact Adrian Bustillo at abustillo@aws.org.

My term as ITSA chair concludes on May 31, making this my final contribution to SPRAYTIME in this role. Effective June 1, Ashley Hunsaker will assume the position of chair. I am confident in her leadership and look forward to supporting ITSA’s continued growth and impact under her guidance.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support of ITSA.
 

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

Kirk Fick, chair, Cincinnati Thermal Spray Inc.

Ashley Hunsaker, vice chair, HTS Coatings

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

(previously listed officers plus the following)

Mollie Blasingame, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs

Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC

Bill Mosier, Polymet Corp.

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 enjoy your 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.

Plus, 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.