Tom Bertsch graduated from North Park College in Chicago in 1977 with a B.S. in accounting. He earned his M.S. in management from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 1979. A long-time volunteer with many industry-related organizations, his leading professional affiliation is with the Asphalt Institute which included serving as its Chair in 2002. Tom served on the President’s search committee in 2000-2001, then as the organization’s Vice Chair in 2001. Tom has an impressive record of service with the Institute as his attached record will attest.
Particularly noteworthy was Tom’s leadership for many years to assist and guide the Institute’s relationship with the National Asphalt Pavement Association during the tough years leading up to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monograph of bitumen and bitumen fumes held in October 2011. His service as co-chair of the Asphalt Paving Environmental Council from 2005 – 2011 was most impressive as this council framed the strategy employed by the entire industry for IARC preparations.
Additionally, Tom’s background in finance made him invaluable for his work on the AI’s Finance Committee and as its Chair from 2015-2018. He also contributed greatly to the Personnel Advisory Committee for over five years including service as its Chair during 2009-2010.
Tom was a founding member of the Asphalt Institute Foundation which was formally organized in 2014 and as such helped shape both the vision and mission of the Foundation to focus on strategic research and opening pathways for students to enter the asphalt industry.
Tom has worked at The Heritage Group since 1987 joining as Vice President of Supply and Marketing for the Asphalt Group. In this role, he also assisted other Heritage companies with issues related to the petroleum business. In 2001, Tom became the Chief Financial Officer of Heritage Construction and Materials, a role which he worked to integrate the asphalt, aggregate and construction groups as well as managing business acquisitions.
Tom now serves with Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
He and his wife Linda have been married for over 25 years and have three adult children. They are supporters of the Trinity Clinic at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
It is AI’s pleasure to present Tom Bertsch with its highest award of recognition – the Roll of Honor.
