The American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced that David N. Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer of the Celanese Corp. as its 2009 chairman of the board. It also announced several incoming officers, committee chairmen, and members of the Board.

ACC president and CEO Cal Dooley said, “As our nation and the chemistry industry face tough economic challenges, we are confident the leadership of our new chairman, Dave Weidman, along with new ACC officers and current members of the Board will ensure that the chemistry industry remains a staple of the American workforce. American chemistry is an enabler of modern life in all capacities, from advanced medical technologies to clean drinking water. ACC looks forward to working with Dave and the board to continue ACC’s mission of strengthening the chemistry industry and ensuring we continue our critical role in advocacy.”

Chairman Weidman said, “2009 will be a year of challenges. ACC will continue to work with Congress, the Administration, and state and local officials to make sure our voice is heard on the important contributions of the business of chemistry. Last year, the $664 billion chemical industry supported 4% of the U.S. workforce including our 863,000 employees, plus 4.8 million indirect jobs. ACC’s officers, chairpersons, and new and current board members are continuing its course of making ACC one of the leading associations in Washington. I am honored to serve as chairman, leading our dedicated Board during this important time as our industry is at a crossroads.”

2009 ACC officers, committee chairs, and Board members are as follows:

2009 ACC officers:
•  David N. Weidman, chairman of the Board, American Chemistry Council;
chairman & CEO, Celanese Corp.
•  J. Brian Ferguson, chairman of the executive committee, American Chemistry Council; chairman & CEO, Eastman Chemical Co.
•  Stephanie Burns, vice chairman of the Board, American Chemistry Council; chairman, president, & CEO, Dow Corning Corp.
•  Cal Dooley, president & CEO, American Chemistry Council


2009 Board committee chairs:
•  B. Chuck Anderson, chairman of the Responsible Care Committee; president, Occidental Chemical Corp.
•  Stephanie A. Burns, chairman of the Board finance, Audit & Membership Committee; chairman, president, & CEO, Dow Corning Corp.
•  Randall S. Dearth, chairman of the Board Communications Committee; president & CEO, LANXESS Corp.
•  James B. Nicholson, chairman of the Board Political Activities Committee; president & CEO, PVS Chemicals Inc.
•  Steve Pryor, chairman of the Board Global Strategy Committee; president, ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
•  Mark C. Rohr, chairman of the Board Chemical Management Committee; chairman, president, & CEO, Albemarle Corp.
•  Joseph D. Rupp, chairman of the Board Executive Rail Group; chairman, president, & CEO, Olin Corp.
•  Thomas L. Shepherd, Chairman of the Small Business Council Leadership Committee; Chairman & CEO, The Shepherd Chemical Company

New 2009 Board members:
•  Tom Bates, president, Evonik Degussa Corp.
•  Bob Beckler, president, MWV Specialty Chemicals
•  Erik Fyrwald, chairman, president, & CEO, Nalco
•  Michael J. Graff, president & CEO, Air Liquide USA LLC
•  Warren Huang, president, Afton Chemical Corp.
•  David Kepler, executive vice president, Dow
•  Geoffroy Petit, president & CEO, Total Petrochemicals USA Inc.
•  Jeffry Quinn, chairman, president, & CEO, Solutia Inc.
•  Craig Rogerson, chairman, president, & CEO, Chemtura
•  Bruce Rubin, vice president, chemicals, Sunoco Inc.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier, and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health, and safety performance through Responsible Care, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $664 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for 10 cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure. For more information, visit www.americanchemistry.com.