After more than 16 years of combined service and dedication to SOCMA, Joseph Acker, president and CEO, has announced his retirement effective December 2009. The Board of Governors has accepted Acker’s letter of retirement and expressed its deep appreciation for all the work he has done at SOCMA to advance the batch chemical manufacturing industry.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to serve this organization and its membership of small and large chemical manufacturers these past several years,” said Acker. “While I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, I am grateful to have worked alongside many remarkable individuals who have helped shape this organization into what it is today.”

“Joe Acker has been instrumental in many of the successes of this organization and we were fortunate to benefit from his wisdom, commitment, and enthusiasm for our industry and for SOCMA,” said Board of Governors chairman Charles Hinnant. “He will be sorely missed.”

Acker served at the organization’s helm for more than six years, following a decade of service on the Board of Governors where he witnessed first-hand the organization’s tremendous work on behalf of the batch chemical manufacturing industry. As president, Acker propelled the organization to new heights by raising its profile on Capitol Hill, solidifying key alliances with regulatory agencies, growing its international membership base, and encouraging all members to take a more active role in SOCMA’s lobbying efforts.

Acker, who has twice been voted an ICIS Top 40 industry power player, has steered to success a number of programs and initiatives during his tenure. In 2005, he oversaw the formation of ChemStewards, the first environmental, health, safety, and security program designed for the benefit of batch chemical manufacturers. That same year, Acker brokered the sale of Informex (the leading batch, custom, and specialty chemicals trade show in the U.S.) giving SOCMA the financial freedom to focus its resources on better serving its membership in the changing landscape of the chemical industry. More recently, Acker directed the organization’s efforts to transition from the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association to its new name, the Society of Chemical Manufactures and Affiliates.

Acker’s future plans include spending more time with his family and to begin consulting. A search committee led by the Board of Governors has been tasked to select Acker's replacement.
 
SOCMA is the leading trade association, serving the batch, custom, and specialty chemical industry since 1921. SOCMA’s nearly 300 members employ more than 100,000 workers across the country and produce 50,000 products valued at $60 billion annually. For more information, visit www.socma.com.