At the beginning of his career, Bob was keen on the forestry service, which led to him serving as a volunteer firefighter while completing his undergraduate degree. Upon graduation, Bob became a full-time firefighter, the thrill of being an outdoorsman combined with community service drove Bob to stay in this position for three years.
After completing his master’s degree, Bob continued to further his education where he obtained a certification in ground water resources development. Bob’s passion for the environment led him to work for the state of West Virginia in the Department of Environmental Protection. Bob worked as a permit engineer in the permitting department.
Bob transitioned to Pennzoil, where he was responsible for obtaining permits, etc. After working at Pennzoil, he moved to Amoco, where he focused on environmental remediation. In this position, Bob traveled the world conducting environmental site remediation.
After 10 years, Bob became the EHS Director for TAMKO Building Products based out of Joplin, MO. He has been with TAMKO for 26 years and has been a keen steward and leader for the asphalt industry when it comes to the environment and regulations.
Bob has volunteered for AI’s HSE committee since 2005 and has served on the committee many years helping our industry. Before AI’s HSE committee, Bob was active with AI’s Environment Oversight Committee (AIEOC). In addition, he was a member of our AIF Research committee from 2015-2017.
Furthermore, Bob has been an avid member of the Asphalt Roofing Environment committee from 2004 to the present. It was in this committee that AI formed a partnership with National Roofing Contractors Association and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) to conduct the mouse skin painting study. Bob served as an AREC chair for many years.
Bob was active in the task force that was identifying candidate papers for presentation at the International ACGIH – MAK Symposium in Dresden, Germany. In 2005, Bob was also nominated to be a member of the IARC Steering Committee.
As an active member of AI’s HSE committee, Bob has always been a bridge between AI and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association to ensure a solid relationship and to collaborate between both organizations. Bob is known to be a down-to-earth individual; his realistic and sensible questions and comments are appreciated by all of the members and visitors to the HSE committee.
Bob has been instrumental in making a positive impact on the asphalt industry.