ASC Announces the Class of 2024 Inductees into ASC’s Adhesive and Sealant Hall of Fame

November 13, 2024 – Alexandria, VA – Today the Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) announced the induction of three outstanding individuals into ASC’s Adhesive and Sealant Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals who, through their career in the adhesive and sealant industry, have made significant contributions to the betterment of the industry ASC represents. These industry “giants” are well known throughout the industry for their substantial commitment to it.

A special ceremony honoring the three inductees was held October 22, 2024, during the ASC Executive Leadership Conference at the Wild Dunes Resort’s Sweetgrass Inn in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

William D. Arendt has been an influential leader in the field of adhesive and sealant technologies for over four decades, specializing in the development and application of plasticizers and other polymer additives. His expertise has driven substantial advancements in product performance and sustainability within the industry. Bill’s patent achievements underscore his innovative contributions to polymer chemistry, particularly in the development of advanced plasticizers that enhance product performance. One of his notable patents is EP2222460A1, which describes a revolutionary approach to solid plasticizers for hot melt adhesives. Bill’s influence on the adhesive and sealant industry extends well beyond his technical innovations. He has made a profound impact by focusing on the mentorship of young professionals, helping to cultivate the next generation of industry experts. Over many years, Bill has generously shared his extensive expertise, speaking at industry events across the globe, notably at many ASC conventions and short courses for which he was awarded an ASC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Traci L. Jensen has served in numerous senior leadership roles in the adhesive and sealant industry for many years, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at H.B. Fuller. Over the course of 12 years with the company, she has also served as Vice President, Global Business Improvement, 2020-2022; Senior Vice President, Global Construction Products, 2016-2019; Senior Vice President, America Adhesives, 2013-2016; Vice President, Americas Adhesives, 2011-2013; Vice President, North America Adhesives, 2010-2011; and President and General Manager, Global Adalis, 2009-2010. Prior to joining H.B. Fuller, Traci served in various roles of increasing responsibility at National Starch, now Henkel Corporation, from 1988-2008. She currently serves as a member of the Koppers Board of Directors. Traci also served as ASC Board Chair, Past Chair, and Treasurer, during which her leadership helped reshape ASC while also navigating ASC’s organizational transition. She was instrumental in leading ASC’s strategic planning process, helped to champion the ASC Training Academy, and led the executive search process for ASC’s next president.

A former ASC Board Chair, two-time Past Chair, and Treasurer, C. Russell Thompson’s legacy will endure for years to come. It can truly be said he left ASC better than he found it. In 2017, he established the ASC Scholarship Program to help college students majoring in chemistry and business-related degrees reach their collegiate goals. Thanks to Rusty’s vision, tens of thousands of dollars have been awarded to dozens of outstanding students at universities across the U.S., some of whom have taken up careers in the adhesive and sealant industry. He actively participated in the ASC Gives Back Program every year, improving local communities from beach restoration to veteran’s home upkeep to urban garden reconstruction and more. Rusty participated in ASC’s Washington Fly-In, meeting with Congressional leaders to explain the importance of the adhesive and sealant industry. A strong believer in building camaraderie, he established “T-shirt night” at ASC conventions as a fun way to “break the ice” and encourage networking among attendees. Most of all, Rusty was a friend and a mentor to many, always happy to lend his support and advice.

“Industry ‘giants’ Bill Arendt, Traci Jensen, and Rusty Thompson deserve our deepest gratitude for their many contributions benefitting the adhesive and sealant industry over their illustrious careers,” said Bill Allmond, ASC President. “Each of them serves as an inspiring example of exceptional leadership for others to follow,” he said.

To learn more about ASC’s Adhesive and Sealant Hall of Fame or to nominate someone, please visit www.ascouncil.org/asc-hall-of-fame.

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The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) is a North American trade association dedicated to representing the adhesive and sealant industry. The Council is comprised of 110 adhesive and sealant manufacturers, raw material and equipment suppliers, distributors and industry consultants, representing more than 75% of the U.S. industry with operations around the world. Offering education, legislative advocacy, professional networking and business growth solutions for its members, the ASC is the center of knowledge and catalyst for industry growth on a global basis for manufacturers, suppliers distributors, and end-users. For more information about ASC, visit www.ascouncil.org.

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