SPE Foundation Expands Board and Strengthens Commitment to Plastics Education

The SPE Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to the growth of plastics professionals and the advancement of plastics education, is pleased to announce the election of four new Board members. Albert McGovern, Steve Zamprelli, Matt Urfali, and Greg Adams have been elected to serve on the Board for a three-year term.

The SPE Foundation is committed to empowering aspiring individuals to pursue their dreams in the field of plastics by funding high-quality educational programs, grants, and scholarships. Through interactive experiences such as PlastiVan and PlastiVideo®, the Foundation educates students about the sustainability of plastics and their essential role in everyday life. Moreover, the Foundation is actively engaged in creating equitable STEM opportunities through initiatives like the SPE STEM Clubs and the Girl Scout Wonders of Polymer Science patch program.

Dr. Matthew Harthcock, Chair of the SPE Foundation Board, expressed his excitement about the new additions to the Board: “I am so grateful and enthused to have Al, Steve, Matt, and Greg join the SPE Foundation Board. Together, they bring extensive expertise in the plastics industry and share a deep passion for supporting SPE and the Foundation’s initiatives which promote positive plastics education. All Board members play a crucial role in our vision to broaden our network and resources. By partnering with individuals and corporations, we aim to expand the reach of the Foundation’s initiatives in educating society about the wide-ranging benefits of plastics.”

The newly elected Board members possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in the plastics industry. Albert McGovern, retired Director of Mechanical Engineering at Shure Incorporated, brings a distinguished background in engineering, innovation, and non-profit service. Steve Zamprelli, Vice President of Product Development at Formed Plastics, Inc., has a proven track record of design and product excellence. Matt Urfali, Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Global at Dupont Tedlar®, possesses extensive expertise in global marketing strategies. Greg Adams, President of Adams Growth Advisory LLC, formerly Vice President and Chairman at SABIC Americas Inc., brings a wealth of industry leadership experience.

The new Board members join an esteemed group of industry professionals already serving on the Board, including Doreen Becker, Director of Sustainability at Ampacet Corporation; Matthew Harthcock PhD, CEO of Solutions by Harthcock; Pat Farrey, CEO of SPE; Raj Krishnaswamy PhD, Vice President of Polymers R&D at CJ Biomaterials, Inc.; Jason Lyons PhD, Global Market Manager – Health, Hygiene & Beauty at Arkema; Laura Shereda PhD, Polymer Scientist at Asahi Kasei Plastics North America; Eve Vitale, Chief Executive of the SPE Foundation; and Dr. Keisha Walters, Department Head and Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Through focused initiatives, the SPE Foundation establishes partnerships, highlighting companies and their employees as valuable community assets. These collaborations provide diverse volunteer opportunities, enabling the Foundation to create positive impact and value for students, families, communities, and the plastics industry. The Foundation encourages individuals and corporations to join forces in making a meaningful difference.

For more information on the SPE Foundation and its initiatives, please visit SPEFoundation.org. To contact the Foundation, email foundation@4spe.org.

About the SPE Foundation

Supporting the development of plastics professionals by funding quality educational programs, grants, and scholarships emphasizing science, engineering, sustainability, and manufacturing while working to create inclusive opportunities for students around the world, visit www.SPEFoundation.org.