Awards

During its 2024 Annual Meeting, the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) announced the winners of its annual awards, which include the Member of the Year Award, Affiliate of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and ACD Employee of the Year.

Each award recognizes professionals who have been instrumental in advancing the organization and the industry.

  • The ACD Member of the Year award honors an Alliance member who exemplifies the highest standards of ACD's mission and demonstrates exceptional service to both the membership and their colleagues.
  • The Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes Affiliate members who make significant contributions of time and talent for the betterment of the chemical distribution industry, who contribute special achievements in chemical distribution, or who provide outstanding service to fellow ACD members or Affiliates.
  • The ACD Lifetime Achievement Award signifies accomplishment over many years and acknowledges a unique dedication to colleagues and the work of the organization. Individuals who have been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award have shown initiative and a steadfast commitment to the mission and vision of the Alliance.
  • The ACD Employee of the Year award celebrates an Alliance team member who embodies the core values of ACD’s mission, delivering outstanding service to both our members and colleagues within the organization.

 

ACD Member of the Year Award

Richard G. Erstad of Hawkins, Inc.

As the General Counsel for Hawkins, Inc., Erstad has been involved with the Alliance for roughly 10 years, bringing his expertise on the transportation of goods to enhance ACD’s compliance work. Erstad’s leadership is pivotal as ACD’s Chairman of the Regulatory Affairs Committee. In this role, he hosts multiple Congressional and agency site visits at his company’s facilities and regularly travels to Washington D.C. to testify on behalf of ACD and our industry. Erstad is currently serving a three-year term on the Surface Transportation Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council where he represents our industry on critical rail-related issues. 

2024 Affiliate of the Year Award

Gerard Braud of SituationHub

Braud, founder and CEO of SituationHub has poured his heart into supporting ACD members on communicating better, faster, and more effectively in a crisis. Braud has presented before various ACD programs and events, including our Emerging Leaders program, regional meetings, and ChemEdge. Braud has become well-acquainted with our Responsible Distribution program and built an online system that reflects the principles of Responsible Distribution 2023, which helps support crisis communications planning. He has become a vital source of advice for our industry, a devote provider whom many ACD members turn to for guidance. 

ACD Lifetime Achievement Award

Joe Broome of Chemformation

Broome is the founder of Chemformation and has had an impressive career in chemical distribution. After nearly 35 years of building various successful companies in the chemical distribution industry, Broome began Chemformation in 2008 after his retirement to continue helping friends and former customers answer a range of chemical ingredient questions. Joe has a unique dedication to his colleagues and the work of ACD, serving on a variety of committees, including Government Affairs, Insurance, and Annual Meeting, and even serving as an officer in the South Region and on the Board of Directors. Broome has demonstrated an incredible drive and commitment to the mission of ACD since the day he entered this industry in the 1970s, and continues to give to our community. 

ACD Employee of the Year

Jenni Jenkins, Senior Director of Membership

Jenkins stated with ACD in 2019 to bridge a gap in the organization’s business development efforts. Coming to ACD with a background in charitable fundraising, Jenkins was a natural fit to enhance the organizational mission of membership growth. Jenkins chartered new prospecting initiatives for ACD, including industry event participation and digital prospecting campaigns. Following ACD’s rebrand in 2023, the Alliance set out to redefine its membership and membership categories. Jenkins has led efforts to expand the Alliance’s membership, increase engagement, and represent the various interests of ACD members. Jenkins has tirelessly worked to enhance the membership and experience for members across the nation.