AIChE Foundation Announces New Board Leadership and Welcomes Three New Trustees in 2024

In 2024, the AIChE Foundation welcomed a new Chair and Vice Chair, and onboarded three new Trustees who will each help support our work to inspire the extraordinary through the Doing a World of Good campaign.

I’m so pleased that Jennifer will lead the next philanthropic chapter as her collaborative leadership will advance us to new heights of the extraordinary. — Bruce Chinn, AIChE Foundation Past Chair

Jennifer Sinclair Curtis, Distinguished Professor, UC Davis, began her role as Foundation Chair following two years as Vice Chair. Jennifer will maintain her involvement as a member of the Summer School for ChE Faculty Endowment fundraising committee which has a goal to raise $1MM by its centennial in 2031.

Jennifer is a long-standing leader in championing professional development initiatives, particularly those of young professionals, as well as supporting enhanced efforts to grow the Foundation’s Doing a World of Good Fund, allowing it and AIChE to be nimble and responsive as new opportunities arise.

Michael J. Graff, Chairman, CEO, and President of American Air Liquide Inc. and Executive Vice President of Air Liquide Group, began his role as Vice Chair. He and Air Liquide have been involved in many areas of AIChE. Mike is personally committed to a strong future for the profession, and AIChE was proud to honor him as its most recent AGILE Award recipient in 2023. He is passionate about embracing the energy transition and a workplace that welcomes all to use their time and talent to better our profession and planet.

Joining the Foundation Trustees are three distinguished members of our community, who will bring outstanding insights, expertise and diversity of thought to our work. “We are dedicated to cultivating a Foundation board and leadership that mirrors a diverse tapestry of perspectives, knowledge, and active engagement throughout the Institute," said Lisa Lanzkowsky, Chief Development Officer.

“I look forward to serving with each of the new board members in the coming year,” said Bruce Chinn, immediate Past Chair of the AIChE Foundation. “I’m so pleased that Jennifer will lead the next philanthropic chapter as her collaborative leadership will advance us to new heights of the extraordinary.”

The new board members began their three-year terms with the Foundation effective January 1, 2024 and can serve a maximum of three terms. The three new board members are:

• Taryn Bayles – Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and Vice Chair for Undergraduate Education, University of Pittsburgh
• Garry Bryan – Head of Chemical Process Development, Bayer Crop Science
• Kevin Fogash – Senior Director, Process Technology & Product Stewardship, Celanese Corporation

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