- 02 May 2008 -
PCI Names New Executive Director

The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) has named Steve Houston its new executive director, effective May 1. Houston, who most recently served as global marketing director for DuPont’s Industrial Coatings business, replaces Greg Bocchi, who resigned from PCI on Feb. 20 to accept the executive director position with the Vinyl Institute.

“Steve has been a significant participant in PCI since 1984,” said Chris Merritt, vice president of the executive board of PCI and general manager of ITW/Gamma North America. In reviewing the selection process, Merritt cited Houston’s past contributions to the association and industry. “He has been involved with, and chaired, multiple PCI committees; he continues to be a presenter and speaker at industry events, seminars, and trade shows; and he’s also an active board member, executive board member, and was twice president of PCI. In addition, he has made a significant impact on the powder coating industry.”

Houston, who started his career with Nordson in 1981, joined the DuPont team in 1990 as a result of DuPont’s acquisition of a firm he worked for at the time. Throughout those years, he held many positions with the company. These included regional sales manager, national sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and, most recently, global marketing director for DuPont’s Industrial Coatings business. In selecting Houston for the job, Merritt pointed to Houston’s skills and qualifications: ability to manage people in addition to association business; experience in trade show management; industry knowledge; committee management; communication skills; expertise in budget development and management; and positive selling/relationship skills.

“What really impressed me and the selection committee most was Steve’s commitment, desire, enthusiasm, and passion for the ongoing success of not only PCI but also for the membership of the powder coating industry at large,” Merritt said. “That made this a very positive decision for the board, our membership, and for moving ahead.”

Houston, who expressed his gratitude to the Search Committee, the board at large, as well as others who made his appointment possible, said he looks forward to the challenge and opportunity of extending his career in powder coating and serving the association.

“There are a lot of things going on in this industry and our association,” Houston said. “I look forward to finding alternative ways to build PCI—things that we might not have thought about. For example, expanding the way we look at the market; looking at perhaps vertical integration. There are many different aspects and avenues we can explore, and I am excited about the challenge and opportunity as PCI’s next executive director. I look forward to working with the industry at large to continue to fulfill—in an aggressive way—the promotion of powder coatings now and in the future.”

Other objectives include continuing PCI’s popular two-day powder coating seminars. Also on the development agenda is the association’s long-term strategy as it relates to conventions and conferences. In illustration, Houston cited the CCAI (Chemical Coaters Association International). “We’ve spent a lot of time and energy working with a great partner and association friend in the CCAI,” he said. “In fact, we’re in the process of signing an event development agreement with the CCAI to being looking toward the future with respect to what these shows will look like, their location, structure, synergies, etc. The idea is to try to spread the mission of PCI to promote powder coatings.”

Bringing more value to membership is also a high priority. “I can’t think of a more important thing than that as an executive director,” Houston said. “The members of PCI are my customers, and my first goal is to better understand what they want out of this organization. I also look at the remaining part of this industry—those who are not members—as prospects. In short, PCI membership is the key to this association. They bring the knowledge, energy, finished products, etc., and we need to make sure we find out what value is expected so we may deliver that in the future.”

Although Houston leaves behind good memories and experiences at DuPont, he said he will still be working closely with the company in his new capacity. (DuPont, after all, is a PCI member.) “My tenure with DuPont has been fantastic, and the company has availed me so many opportunities for growth in so many different challenges and positions,” Houston said. “When you leave an organization, you just don’t leave that company—you also leave the people. DuPont has been most gracious in allowing me this opportunity to leave and transition into this new role in a very smooth way.”