CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do.
I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Sports Marketing and Management. I have my MBA from Nova Southeastern University. I have been at Allied Universal for over 11 years, working in various areas of the organization. I spent time in operations at the plant level for the first couple years. After that I worked in sales, eventually becoming the Regional Manager for the State of Florida. As a Risk Manager I worked throughout the company to further enhance the safety culture. My current role is Assistant VP of Operations.
CI: When did you first become involved at CI? What activities have you been involved in at CI?
I have been involved in CI since 2011. I was encouraged to dive right in, so I joined a task group for bleach handling at my first meeting and have joined various committees and task groups throughout the years. In 2013, I joined the Product Stewardship Issue Team where I got to become more involved and learn from some amazingly talented colleagues throughout CI. I have now been the chair of PSIT since 2016 working with some great members and staff along the way!
CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?
Out of college I worked for the Miami Heat in group and corporate sales. I always dreamed of working in sports as a kid and was lucky enough to be able to work there for 2 years.
CI: Tell us about your favorite CI memory or success story.
There are many great memories of going to CI events or being on task group calls. I would say my favorite CI memory would be attending the CHLOREP Team training in Mississippi. I was still very early in my professional career in this industry, and I was blown away at how well that whole week was run, and how much knowledge all the volunteers had to share with us. I would also say my first CI meeting with my dad. I can't say what year he started coming because I value my job, but for all the years he has been coming to CI, it was special to attend my first meeting together.
CI: What do you value most from your CI membership?
Building relationships with all the people you meet at each meeting and get to work with on various committees. It's truly special to be able to call on so many of these people if you have questions, and how willing everyone is to help as we all are working towards the same goal of “aiming for zero”.
CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?
The best way to learn is to just throw yourself into it all. Do not be afraid to seek out knowledge from people that have been doing this for many years. Whether you plan to be involved in a more technical role or not, learn the process from the start to the end. Having been someone who started with no chemical experience, the best way to learn is to study the pamphlets and use it in practice. At CI specifically, join task groups and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. CI is unique, as it’s hard to find a group that is all working together toward a common goal, with so many people willing to help share their knowledge.
Do you know an actively engaged CI member who would make a great Member Spotlight? Send their name and company to Cindy Kuranchie at Cindy@CL2.com.