CCAI Recognizes 2023 Award Recipients

Chapter award recipients (left to right): Luis Hernandez, Tony Sclafani, Michelle Striggow and Lindsey Boyle. Photo Credit: CCAI

During its annual meeting in Atlantic Beach, Florida, the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) held its annual awards ceremony to present the 2023 James F. & David J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award to recipients and recognize the CCAI Chapter Users and Suppliers of the Year. The James F. & David J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award is CCAI’s highest honor, awarded to members of the association who have dedicated years of service to CCAI and the industrial finishing industry.

For 2023, CCAI selected two recipients for the award. Posthumously, Jim Gallagher of Harley Davidson was recognized for his 20-plus years of service to the finishing industry. He was a CCAI ambassador, national board member, Wisconsin chapter board member and president, and editor of multiple CCAI technical training manuals. The award was presented to Jim’s family at the Wisconsin chapter’s Jim Steffes Memorial Golf Outing.

Also receiving this award was CCAI’s most recent National Past President Duane Fudge. Fudge’s passion, knowledge and experience have greatly benefited the association, CCAI says.

“I am truly honored to accept the James E. and David J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award from this incredible organization,” Fudge says. “This recognition is a humbling testament to the collective efforts of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who have supported me throughout my career. I express heartfelt gratitude to the Chemical Coaters Association International for their commitment to excellence and for acknowledging lifelong contributions in our industry.”

CCAI also honored its Chapter User and Supplier of the Year recipients at the awards ceremony. Each year, chapters identify a user and supplier member for their service and dedication to their respective chapter. CCAI acknowledges those who have shown commitment to their chapter’s success.

The 2023 Chapter Award winners include Scott Bishop of Alabama Power Co. from the Alabama chapter; AR Iron LLC and Luis Hernandez of Quaker Houghtton from the Las Vegas chapter; Angela Kokesh of Life Fitness and Michelle Striggow of Graco Inc. from the Twin Cities chapter; Lindsey Boyle of BASF/Chemetall from the West Michigan chapter; and ICAFe Inc. and Alexa Cayce of Mercury Marine from the Wisconsin chapter.