The Aluminum Association names new president/CEO

The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Virginia, has announced that Tom Dobbins will become its new president and CEO as of March 16. He previously spent 13 years as the head of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), which represents composites manufacturers and their suppliers.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role during an incredibly important time for the U.S. aluminum industry,” Dobbins says. “The Aluminum Association has a proud legacy as one of the leading voices for the materials manufacturing sector in Washington and beyond. I look forward to taking on a leadership role as the team continues to execute on the recently developed Aluminum Agenda – from policy advocacy to supporting market growth to industry-leading research and data on sustainability and other issues.”

At the ACMA, Dobbins has prioritized market growth and development for the composites industry, leading effective government affairs, communications, events and education programs, The Aluminum Association says. During his tenure, the ACMA revamped its annual trade show, more than doubling its size; worked with Congress to include provisions on composites in the last eight major infrastructure bills signed into law; spearheaded a program to bring composites manufacturers to private events with automotive and aviation original equipment manufacturers; and worked with the Department of Energy to launch an advanced manufacturing institute for composites.

“Tom is a well-known and dynamic leader in materials manufacturing and a Washington veteran,” says Marco Palmieri, senior vice president and president of Novelis North America and chair of the Aluminum Association. “Tom’s extensive experience in public policy advocacy and association management make him a perfect fit to help move the aluminum industry forward during this critical time.”

Dobbins is a recent member of the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA). He also is a past chair of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Public Policy Committee and Lobby Task Force. Prior to his time at the ACMA, Dobbins was the director of partnership outreach for the Internal Revenue Service, where he developed an award-winning comprehensive outreach and education program for small businesses, The Aluminum Association says. He was also the director of government affairs at the American Council of Engineering Companies and spent several years working on Capitol Hill.