Peter T. Grass, P.E., CAE
Mr. Grass joined the Asphalt Institute as its 11th President in 2001. Established in 1919, this United States based trade association of international petroleum asphalt producers, manufacturers, and affiliated businesses has over 100 members. AI represents approximately 90 percent of the annual North American asphalt production and a growing percentage in overseas markets giving it a majority voice on binder related issues.
Under his leadership, the Asphalt Institute is thriving, having grown its membership by over 30 percent, expanded representation in every membership category, clarified the roles and functions of each of the association’s 11 standing committees, and reestablished the sound financial position of the organization.
Importantly, the Institute serves a vital leadership role in the research of worker health effects and collaborates on these activities with related organizations worldwide. The commitment of the Asphalt Institute members to this research makes AI the single largest financial backer of health effects research for the industry in the world.
The Institute publishes a wide range of technical manuals, videos and software which serve to expand the knowledge of practitioners worldwide. Combined with its Asphalt Academy® course offerings, the Asphalt Institute is a world leader in industry training, delivered largely by its network of regional engineers located throughout North America.
The Asphalt Institute laboratory in Lexington, KY USA conducts routine binder testing and QA/QC program testing for a worldwide client base, performs private and public based research on mixture design and performance, and trains asphalt binder technicians through hands-on training programs. In 2007 the Institute launched a National Binder Technician Certification program and plans to expand its training and testing capabilities into the area of asphalt emulsions.
An alumnus of the University of New Hampshire where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree, Mr. Grass also holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds memberships in the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association, as well as numerous other professional and civic organizations.
Mr. Grass is a registered professional engineer in the state of Hawaii, and in 2009 achieved the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. He has served on the TRIP board of directors since 2003, on the board of the Foundation for Pavement Preservation since 2004 and on the board of the American Highway User’s Alliance since 2011. A New Hampshire native, Mr. Grass served in the U.S. Army’s Corps of Engineers for over 21 years leading planning, design and construction.