Experience
Nov. 2019-present — Solutions by Harthcock Associates, Founder & CEO (business/R&D leadership, product innovation/development, problem solving, quality/continuous improvement - see website www.solutionsbyharthcock.com for details & career accomplishments)
Aug. 2010-Nov. 2019 — Schneller LLC - A TransDigm company, Director of Engineering & Quality (commercial aviation interiors - engineered wall covering laminates, non-textile flooring, and decorative thermoplastics for premium seating) - executive leadership reporting to President for Product R&D, Aesthetic Engineering & Design, Technical Service, Flammability Testing, Quality & Final Inspection; turnaround of R&D, Aesthetic Engineering & Design, and Quality operations which included new products with issued patents, significant customer acknowledgement of critical prototype design improvements, company wide significant quality improvements. Selected to co-chair annual meeting of global TransDigm Engineering Directors.
Mar. 2000-Aug. 2020 — L&L Products, Director/Head of R&D (automotive & aviation preformed NHV and structural adhesives) turnaround of R&D with reorganization and upgrades with significant product development improvements - 70% of sales from new products with intellectual property strategy/patents, for 3 yrs. concurrent corporate leader w/President of company wide strategic planning, also concurrent pioneer of aviation business establishment and development of products.
Jan. 1997-Mar. 2000 — GE Plastics - now Sabic (Global Analytical and Technology Manager, Engineering Thermoplastics business) turnaround of analytical and characterization capabilities for GE Plastics
Sept. 1982- Jan. 1997 — The Dow Chemical Company (Research Manager last title of 6 positions, polymers/plastics) Styrenic Copolymers leader with key products development and business improvements, polymer characterization leadership and individual contributions including awards in pioneering infrared microspectroscopy of polymers.
SPE Positions Held
This is the area that it may not seem like I'm the ideal candidate. I did for a short period of time about 5 years ago try to be a board member of the local section in Cleveland while working in Ohio but my executive leadership position was very demanding and I decided after a few meetings that I couldn't commit to doing the job at the high level that I expect myself to do when I take on such roles/responsibilities. Over the years of being a member of SPE, I have attended various local and national meetings as my job would allow since being an SPE member. My years of support and commitment has allowed me to reach Emeritus Member status.
Please read on as I don't think this is a limitation in considering me for the Vice President - Chapters position. One might argue that it is the time for, while understanding the needed workings of SPE administration, fresh insights will allow SPE to spring to new heights.
Summary
Throughout my career I have many times been involved in activities/societies outside my core professional job. I have held a number of positions in a variety of organizations. Organizations that I have held leadership positions include local sections of the American Chemical Society, Houston Section of the Society of Applied Spectroscopy (all leadership positions held including President), Coblentz Society Board of Managers, Board of Directors for Readings for the Blind & Dyslexic, Missouri State University (MSU) Chemistry Department Board of Advisors, MSU Foundation Board of Trustees, MSU Foundation OnWard UpWard Campaign Cabinet, Texas A&M College of Science External Advisory & Development Council. (Last 4 are current involvements.)
Every position above and the company positions in the previous section, I have been known to leave the organization/area better than when I found them with significant impact. I have become a change agent in my career - whether to turnaround an operation, create value from the ground up, or add additional value beyond what already exists.
I am quick to learn and understand the organization/situation and then rally the organization to be involved in making the changes to create the significant improvements. I stopped participating in the SPE local board because I couldn't commit the time to make the impact I desired. I don't do well just being a seat warmer.
You can see from the list of societies and universities that I have and currently are involved with that I have a range of experiences and impact with different types of organizations and boards. I believe this diversity has benefit in understanding needs and providing solutions to an organization.
I have worked for a range of companies from those that make plastics/polymer raw materials to those that use them to make useable products. This provides a broad range of knowledge that can benefit my participation in the SPE Board.
Additional Information
I retired from corporate America, now a year ago, and established my own business. I have a lot more flexibility in my schedule and what I decide what I want to spend my time doing. I read with interest the job descriptions for the positions that are open. I decided that I can make contributions and have the interest in spending time to make further impact through SPE to the plastics/polymer industry. I have broad experience in the industry and in serving on a number of boards, that will bring some significant value to the SPE board. I am eager to serve the Chapters and bring fresh perspectives with accomplishments that will spring SPE to new heights.
Thank you for considering my interest in serving.
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