The Process Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (PEMA) has named Charlie Ingram as its membership director.

An updated strategic plan increases the emphasis on a strong membership base that includes recruitment and retention goals during the next two years. To implement the goal, the board of directors agreed to increase the efforts from paid staff to supplement the volunteer member efforts, and Ingram was hired as a contractor for PEMA by Association and Society Management International Inc. (ASMI), PEMA’s management firm.

“Charlie has been an ambassador for this organization throughout his many years of membership,” said PEMA president Rod Henricks, executive director of sales, chemicals and performance materials, Schenck Process LLC. “Even after retiring from Eriez Magnetics, Charlie wanted to remain involved. He is our first honorary member, still is an invaluable member of the program committee, and an unselfish mentor to his PEMA colleagues. I can think of no one better to introduce other companies to PEMA membership than Charlie. We are very excited to have him represent us.”

Charlie will work closely with the membership and marketing committees and with PEMA’s association staff. “Association headquarters resources supplemented by Charlie’s industry connections and insights will combine to help PEMA achieve it membership goals,” said PEMA executive director Elizabeth B. Armstrong, MAM, CAE, the president of ASMI.

“While I have been very involved in PEMA activities and enjoyed the tremendous benefits membership has provided me and my company over many years, this new opportunity provides the platform to encourage more companies to be a part of this pre-eminent trade association serving process equipment manufacturers for 60 years,” said Ingram. “I look forward to helping PEMA continue its growth and valued culture.”

Before he retired at the end of 2020, Ingram was with PEMA member Eriez Magnetics for 27 years in multiple positions including national sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and executive vice president, and chief marketing officer. Prior to Eriez, he worked for Chicago Pneumatic, and Warner & Swasey Co. Ingram is a graduate of Denison University and has a Certificate in Advanced Management from the University of Tennessee.

Formed in 1960, PEMA brings together companies that supply equipment and systems that are used by process industries including but not limited to food, chemical, pharmaceutical, wastewater treatment, paint and coatings, agribusiness, ceramics, metals, plastics, wood, pulp and paper, environmental, building products, and mining/minerals.