NASF Seeks Nominations for Industry Awards

The National Association for Surface Finishing is seeking nominations for various industry awards it presents each year.

The NASF Industry Awards recognize and celebrate exceptional individuals who have significantly impacted the surface finishing industry. Nominations can be made at https://nasf.org/events/nasf-industry-awards/

These prestigious honors highlight leaders, volunteers, researchers, and innovators who have advanced NASF’s mission at both local and national levels.

Whether through technical achievements, industry service, leadership, advocacy, or supplier contributions, these awards honor individuals shaping the future of the surface finishing profession and setting the standard for excellence.

Silvio C. Taormina Award

Recognizing Lifetime Leadership and Service in the Surface Finishing Industry. The Silvio C. Taormina Award is the highest honor presented by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). It is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and long-term dedication to advancing the surface finishing industry over the course of their careers.

Recipients are industry leaders who have made a lasting impact through:

Association Leadership: Serving in key roles within NASF or its predecessor organizations, driving initiatives that strengthen the association’s mission and influence.
Advocacy and Mentorship: Championing the interests of the surface finishing industry through advocacy efforts and mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Industry Collaboration: Fostering partnerships and collaboration among industry stakeholders to advance shared goals and elevate professional standards.
Legacy and Inspiration: Leaving a lasting legacy by inspiring others through their dedication, vision, and commitment to the industry’s growth and success.

This award celebrates individuals whose lifelong commitment and extraordinary contributions have shaped the future of the surface finishing industry and left an indelible mark on NASF.

About Silvio C. Taormina: Silvio C. Taormina was a pioneering figure in the electroplating industry during the mid-20th century. Based in Flushing, New York, Taormina was widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in gold alloy plating technology. His innovations revolutionized the field, leading to the issuance of U.S. Patent 2,754,258 on July 10, 1956, for a method of gold alloy plating.

Taormina’s contributions extended beyond his technical achievements. He was deeply involved in industry associations, advocating for the advancement of surface finishing technologies and fostering collaboration among professionals.
Initially established by the National Association for Metal Finishing (NAMF), the Taormina Award was later carried over to NASF, ensuring its continued legacy of recognizing exceptional leadership and service in surface finishing.
This award remains one of the highest honors within NASF, celebrating individuals whose lifelong dedication, leadership, and extraordinary contributions have shaped the future of the surface finishing industry.

August P. Munning Award

Recognizing Supplier Contributions to the Surface Finishing Industry. The August P. Munning Award honors supplier members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and long-term service to the surface finishing industry. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose contributions have not only strengthened the supplier community but also advanced the sustainability and growth of the entire industry. Recipients are recognized for:

Education and Training: Hosting workshops, technical seminars, and hands-on training programs to enhance industry expertise and foster innovation.
Advocacy and Regulatory Support: Engaging with government agencies, supporting NASF’s policy initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance to protect and grow the industry.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships among job shops, OEMs, regulatory bodies, and associations to drive industry-wide progress and unity.
Supporting NASF’s Mission: Contributing to the association’s efforts to maintain its sustainability, expand its reach, and advance its goals for the benefit of the entire industry.

About August P. Munning: August P. Munning was a trailblazer in the metal finishing industry during the early 20th century. He founded Munning-Loeb Company in 1911, which became a cornerstone in the development of surface finishing equipment. Munning’s innovations in equipment design and manufacturing significantly advanced the industry, enabling more efficient and effective finishing processes.

Beyond his technical contributions, Munning was deeply committed to the supplier community. He played a key role in establishing the Metal Finishing Suppliers’ Association (MFSA), which later became part of NASF. His dedication to collaboration and industry growth set a standard for future generations.
The August P. Munning Award, initially established by MFSA, continues under NASF to honor supplier members who exemplify Munning’s legacy of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the future of surface finishing.

This award remains a distinguished honor within NASF, celebrating individuals whose contributions drive industry growth, elevate professional standards, and strengthen the supplier community.

Presidential Award

Recognizing Transformative Leadership and National Impact. The Presidential Award is one of NASF’s highest honors. It recognizes individuals who actively participate at the national level and have made a transformative impact on the surface finishing industry through national leadership. This award celebrates visionaries whose efforts have shaped the industry’s future, influenced policy, and strengthened NASF’s mission on a national scale. Recipients are celebrated for:

Driving Major NASF Programs: Leading initiatives that create lasting change within the industry.
National Advocacy Efforts: Influencing regulations, legislation, and public policy affecting surface finishing.
Building Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration among industry stakeholders to support long-term growth and sustainability.
Expanding NASF’s Reach: Championing industry-wide education, workforce development, and professional engagement.

This award honors visionaries whose leadership and service have elevated the industry to the highest level, ensuring a strong and prosperous future for surface finishing.

NASF Foundation Scientific Achievement Award

Recognizing Excellence in Scientific Innovation. The NASF Foundation Scientific Achievement Award is one of the most distinguished honors in the surface finishing industry. It recognizes top researchers whose work has led to groundbreaking advancements in materials science, analytical techniques, and electroplating processes. This award celebrates pioneers who have pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge, driving innovation that transforms the industry and sets new standards for excellence. Recipients are recognized for:

Groundbreaking Research: Pioneering advancements in surface finishing technologies, such as new materials, coatings, or analytical methods.
Innovative Solutions: Developing processes that improve efficiency, sustainability, or performance in surface finishing applications.
Industry-Wide Impact: Shaping the scientific and technological standards of the industry through their contributions.
Educational Contributions: Sharing knowledge through publications, lectures, and mentorship to advance the field.

Each recipient is required to deliver the Blum Memorial Lecture, a distinguished presentation highlighting their contributions and ongoing advancements in the field.

About Dr. William Blum: Dr. William Blum was a pioneering scientist whose work laid the foundation for modern electroplating and surface finishing. As a researcher at the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST), Blum conducted groundbreaking studies that improved plating processes and material performance. His work established fundamental principles that are still used in the industry today.

Blum was also a prolific author and educator, co-writing the seminal text Principles of Electroplating and Electroforming, which remains a cornerstone of electroplating education.
The American Electroplaters’ Society (AES) established the Scientific Achievement Award in 1957, and Blum became its first recipient in 1958. The award was later renamed in his honor, and the Blum Memorial Lecture tradition began in 1959 to celebrate his legacy.

This award continues to honor individuals who embody Dr. Blum’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the advancement of surface finishing technologies.

NASF Fellow Award

Recognizing Long-Standing Commitment to NASF. The NASF Fellow Award is a lifetime designation honoring individuals who have demonstrated long-standing commitment, leadership, and service to NASF. A Fellow is an ambassador for the association, embodying its mission and values while dedicating their time, expertise, and passion to advancing the surface finishing industry and strengthening NASF’s impact. Recipients are recognized for:

Commitment: A minimum of 5 years of active membership and dedication to NASF and the surface finishing industry, demonstrating a sustained and impactful contribution to the association’s mission.
Active Participation: Taking on leadership roles, serving on committees, and contributing to key initiatives such as workforce development, education, and advocacy.
Strengthening NASF’s Influence: Expanding membership, enhancing engagement, and supporting the association’s mission to advance the surface finishing industry.
Ambassadorship: Representing NASF as a trusted advocate, fostering collaboration, and promoting the association’s goals within the industry and beyond.

This award celebrates individuals whose dedication has helped shape NASF’s future and advance the surface finishing industry. NASF Fellows are not only leaders within their organizations but also ambassadors for the association, guiding its journey and inspiring others to contribute to its mission.

NASF Award of Merit

Recognizing Service to the Surface Finishing Industry. The NASF Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service at the local or national level, contributing to NASF’s mission and the surface finishing industry. This award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts, making a meaningful difference through their dedication and commitment. Recipients are recognized for:

Supporting Local Chapters: Organizing events, fostering engagement, and building community within local NASF affiliates.
Expanding NASF Membership: Enhancing community involvement and outreach to grow NASF’s presence at the local level.
Advocacy Efforts: Supporting regulatory initiatives and public policy efforts that benefit the industry, even if focused on local or regional impact.
Educational Leadership: Developing programs, workshops, or initiatives that support local NASF chapters and promote industry knowledge.

This award also honors individuals outside the field (e.g., regulatory representatives) whose efforts have significantly advanced NASF’s mission and strengthened the surface finishing industry. The NASF Award of Merit is a meaningful recognition of dedication and service, celebrating those who have made a positive impact—whether through local chapter support, regional advocacy, or other contributions—without necessarily engaging at the national level.

Past Award Winners

Silvio C. Taormina Award

1961 Frank Kaiser
1962 John Palik
1963 Webster B. Knight
1964 A.T. Leonard
1965 Edward T. Marlette
1966 Alfred T. Marinaro
1967 Harold T. Coombes, Jr.
1968 Glenn H. Friedt
1969 E. Paul Kloeckritz
1970 Jack A. Peterson
1971 Ealter V. Turner
1972 Raymond L. Springer
1973 Weldon R. Crawford
1974 E.B. Wiggins
1975 Glenn A. Fitzgerald
1976 Richard M. Zacharias
1977 Edward P. Durkin
1978 James P. Malooly
1979 Richard J. Wooley
1980 Jack R. Thim
1981 Francis E. “Digger” Odell
1982 E.R. “Bob” Schumacher
1983 Edwin A. Roof
1984 William D. Wiggins
1985 Philip S. Ranno
1986 James Blacklidge
1987 Delbert W. Johnson
1988 David R. Anzures, Sr.
1989 John Z. Mickey
1990 Milton F. Stevenson
1991 Vicent A. Savarese
1992 William E. DesJardins
1993 Not Presented
1994 Marc E. LeBaron
1995 Harry Levy
1996 James J. Jacobs
1997 David S. Marsh
1998 David W. Norwine
1999 Not Presented
2000 Robert J. McDowell, Sr.
2001 Robert McBride
2022 William J. Saas
2003 Richard J. Carey
2004 Herbert “Duff” Gerhardt
2005 J. Kelly Mowry
2006 Michael Kelly, Joanne R. Marozza
2007 None Selected
2008 Blair Vandivier
2009 Bob Burger
2010 Ray Lucas
2011 John Lindstedt
2012 Jerry Wahlin
2013 B.J. Mason
2014 Jim Jones
2015 None Selected
2016 Bob Sica
2017 Rick Delawder
2018 Joelie Zak
2019 Paul Brancato
2020 Rebecca Bennett
2022 Milton F. Stevenson IV
2023 Patrick Hayden
2024 None Selected

Presidents Award

2008 Frank Altmayer
2009 John Gilbert; George Gilbert
2010 Robert Sica
2011 Steve Smith
2012 David Marsh
2013 Pat Gleason
2014 Bill Wiggins
2015 None Selected
2016 None Selected
2017 Mike Kelly
2018 Jim Lindsay
2019 Ray Lucas
2020 Bill Saas
2021 Rick Delawder
2023 Christian Richter
2023 Jeff Hannapel
2020 Rebecca Bennett
2022 Milton F. Stevenson IV
2023 Patrick Hayden
2024 None Selected

August P. Munning Award

1968 Ezra Blount
1969 Stan Wilson
1970 None Selected
1971 Hank Kellner
1972 Harold Leever
1973 Jim Zievers
1974 Chuck Kellog
1975 None Selected
1976 Mert Beckwith, Ralph Belke, Al Benning, Dick Crain, Bill Murray, Bob Norton, Walder Parke
1977 Bob Trees
1978 Jim Clifford, Fred Gumm
1979 Hugh McLeese, Dale Thornberry
1980 Frank Schneiders
1981 King Ruhly
1982 Perry Burnham
1983 Jack Berg
1984 Art LoVetere
1985 Roger Covert
1986 John Weyls
1987 Elliot Cates
1988 None Selected
1989 Bob Sizelove
1990 King Ruhly
1991 Richard Fanelli
1992 Bill Ross
1993 Erich Knebel
1994 Michael Pfaff
1995 Howard Smith
1996 Gerry Poll
1997 William Saas
1998 Tom Richards
1999 Dennis Hannlon
2000 Dick Crain
2001 Blair Vandivier
2002 Gene Nadel
2003 None Selected
2004 Ernie Walen, Tony Revier
2005 D. Kent Dickie
2006 Michael Stewart
2007 Scott Walker
2008 John Kinne
2009 Ken Hankinson
2010 Eric Olander
2011 Michael Siegmund
2012 Bernie Haviland
2013 None Selected
2014 None Selected
2015 None Selected
2016 Leif Harland
2017 Waasy Boddison
2018 None Selected
2019 Curtis Goad
2020 Brad Durkin
2021 Steve Smith
2023 George Gilbert
2024 None Selected

Foundation Scientific Achievement Award

1958 Dr. William Blum
1959 Dr. A. Kenneth Graham
1960 Dr. Charles L. Faust
1961 Dr. Abner Brenner
1962 Dr. W. Andrew Wesley
1963 Dr. R.A.F. Hammond
1964 None Selected
1965 Dr. Harold J. Read
1966 Dr. Henry B. Linford
1967 Dr. Henry Brown
1968 Dr. Hellmuth Fischer
1969 Mr. Arthur H. DuRose
1970 Dr. Jesse E. Stareck
1971 Dr. T. P. Hoar
1972 Dr. Otto Kardos
1973 Dr. George Dubpernell
1974 Dr. Ernst Raub
1975 Mr. Fielding Ogburn
1976 Dr. Joseph B. Kushner
1977 Dr. Burton B. Knapp
1978 Dr. Frederick A. Lowenheim
1979 Mr. William H. Safranek
1980 Dr. Joseph Edwards
1981 Dr. Rolf Weil
1982 Mr. Fred Pearlstein
1983 Dr. Harold J. Wiesner
1984 Dr. Yutaka Okinaka
1985 Mr. Jack W. Dini
1986 Dr. Simon Wernick
1987 Dr. Morton Antler
1988 Dr. James P. Hoare
1989 Dr. Huk Y. Cheh
1990 Dr. Tadao Hayashi
1991 Dr. Lubomyr Romankiw
1992 Dr. Christoph J. Raub
1993 Dr. David S. Lashmore
1994 Dr. David Gabe
1995 Dr. Juan Hajdu
1996 Dr. James H. Lindsay
1997 Mr. Christian E. Johnson
1998 Dr. George A. DiBari
1999 Dr. Ralph White
2000 Dr. Dieter Landolt
2001 Dr. Vladimir Kudryavtsev
2002 Dr. Branko N. Popov
2003 None Selected
2004 Dr. Howard W. Pickering
2005 None Selected
2006 None Selected
2007 Dr. E. Jennings Taylor
2008 Dr. Eric W. Brooman
2009 Dr. Donald L. Snyder
2010 Dr. Kenneth Newby
2011 Dr. Patrick Benaben
2012 Dr. Hideyuki Kanematsu
2013 Dr. Yinlin Huang
2014 Dr. Hudson Bates
2015 Dr. Melissa Klingenburg
2016 None Selected
2017 Dr. Per Moller
2018 None Selected
2019 Dr. Keith Legg
2020 Dr. Jude H Runge
2022 Steve Gaydos
2023 Dr. Tim Hall
2024 Jack McCaskie

NASF Fellows Award

2008 Frank Altmayer
2009 John Gilbert, George Gilbert
2010 Robert Sica
2011 Steve Smith
2012 David Marsh
2013 Pat Gleason
2014 Bill Wiggins
2016 Frank Altmayer, Ken Hankinson, John Lindstedt, Bob Srinivasan, Bob Burger, Jim Jones, Ray Lucas, E.J. Taylor, Rick Delawder, Mike Kelly, Tony Revier, Blair Vandivier, Peter Gallerani, Jim Lindsay, Bill Saas, Steve Gaydos, Keith Legg, Michael Siegmund
2017 Ling Hao, Yinlun Huang, David Marsh, J. Kelly Mowry, Alan Rose, Donald Snyder, Jerry Wahlin, Joelie Zak
2018 Pat Gleason, Eric Olander, Bill Wiggins
2019 Jim Miille, Milt Stevenson
2020 Waasy Boddison, Brad Durkin, Bill Nebiolo, Steve Smith