AMPP Interview Series

Hosted by Association for Materials Protection and Performance

Business Science

Website RSS feed LinkedIn

Episodes

254

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

These are official podcast series from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). AMPP was formed in January 2021 as a combination of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 1, 2026Episode 25916 min

For Technical Content, Mersedeh Akhoondan Looks to the Future

Mersedeh Akhoondan, technical editor of Materials Performance (MP) and senior corrosion engineer at HDR, discusses her unique role with the magazine and her career background in the corrosion control industry. In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Akhoondan reflects on the growing presence of municipal water and wastewater professionals and advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and she also shares points of emphasis for MP’s future technical content.

May 28, 2026Episode 25832 min

AMPP Eastern Conference Features Pipeline Integrity Focus

Held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the AMPP Eastern Conference (October 19-21, 2026) will place a spotlight on pipeline integrity while addressing challenges such as aging assets, increasing electrical loads, regulatory pressures, and workforce shortages. In this episode, member leaders Greg Alexander and Tish Edmondson are joined by AMPP’s Tim Gonzalez and Greg Muha to preview the show. The event aims to bring industry-driven conversations to the forefront, with a technical program including real-world problem-solving and presentations on new technologies. The conference will showcase exhibitors and sponsors, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for building relationships and addressing critical issues related to pipeline integrity and beyond.

May 19, 2026Episode 25727 min

Saudi Aramco’s Ahmed Mahgoub Shares His Award-Winning CP Journey

Ahmed Mahgoub, cathodic protection (CP) specialist at Saudi Aramco, recently won AMPP’s 2026 John H. Fitzgerald III Award for the best article published in Materials Performance (MP). In this conversation, Mahgoub highlights his 20-year journey in the industry and shares details on his award-winning article (“Assessment of Inductive AC Interference Mitigation Strategies”), which addresses real-world challenges in pipeline integrity. He also underscores the role of AMPP’s resources and community in his professional growth.

May 15, 2026Episode 2569 min

Rachelle Rigby Reflects on ‘Women of AMPP’ Movement

Rachelle Rigby, coating inspector at Remedy Asset Protection and conference manager at the Australasian Corrosion Association, spoke with AMPP Media about the ongoing “Women of AMPP” program. In her comments from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Rigby emphasized the importance of networking, mentoring, and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones. Rigby also highlighted global opportunities to expand the Women of AMPP initiative through regional events and online webinars.

May 6, 2026Episode 2558 min

How Can Corrosion Control Best Support National Defense?

Paul N. Chang, director of the U.S. Department of War’s Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight (CPO), spoke to AMPP Media on the sidelines of the recent 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. In his interview, Chang emphasized the importance of workforce development, practical technology application, and updating outdated policies, specifications, and standards to support national defense initiatives.

April 27, 2026Episode 25415 min

AMPP 2026 Puts Maritime, Energy, Defense Markets in Focus

In interviews from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, DJ Guba of Atlantic Design Inc. (ADI, 2:04) highlights the importance of the oil and gas sector and AMPP’s growing maritime emphasis, noting significant sales and educational engagement. Meanwhile, Seaspan Corp.’s Dylan Goddard (9:18) — also chair of AMPP’s British Columbia chapter — emphasizes the need for standardization and workforce development in the maritime industry. Today and into the future, serving both industrial and commercial maritime markets is a priority for AMPP. Additional details are available in our conference interview with Jennifer Merck, AMPP’s vice president of defense and maritime.

April 21, 2026Episode 25312 min

Sarah Olthof on Technical Engagement Initiatives at AMPP 2026

Sarah Olthof, AMPP’s Senior Technical Manager specializing in corrosion protection, chats with AMPP Media regarding the recently completed 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. In that role, Olthof leads AMPP’s technical engagement team, which supports the association’s standards and research programs. Discussion topics on this episode include her team’s highlights from the conference, as well as next steps for the numerous Standards Committees (SCs) and Technical Communities of Interest (TCIs).

April 17, 2026Episode 25212 min

Workforce Development, Training in Spotlight at AMPP 2026

Ken Seal, Deputy Director for the International Finishing Trades Institute (IFTI) of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), caught up with AMPP Media on the sidelines of the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. Discussion topics include the importance of workforce development and recruitment initiatives, as well as how industry bodies like the IUPAT and AMPP can work together to enhance training and workforce retention. In his interview, Seal also cites key market sectors driving investment, such as data centers and bridges, and he explains the benefits of union representation in navigating market challenges. With the help of organizations such as the IUPAT, this can be done while maintaining high standards and ensuring job security and safety for workers.

April 9, 2026Episode 25125 min

Key Market Verticals: AMPP VPs Share Insights and Priorities

At the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, discussions highlighted sectors including energy production and transportation; maritime and defense operations; and civil infrastructure systems to support global communities. To help AMPP best serve these industries, the association has three vice presidents — Tim Gonzalez (2:02), Jennifer Merck (9:41), and Ernst Toussaint (18:19) — leading these market verticals. In a series of studio interviews inside the AMPP 2026 Exhibit Hall, the three VPs shared their unique insights and priorities with Sammy Miles and Ben DuBose of AMPP Media. Topics include key takeaways from the conference; exciting developments within AMPP; and expectations for the future.

April 1, 2026Episode 25013 min

AMPP CEO Alan Thomas on the TalentForce Launch and Beyond

A record-breaking AMPP Annual Conference + Expo is now complete! Inside the new AMPP Media Studio on the Exhibit Hall floor (video), AMPP CEO Alan Thomas joined Ben DuBose to discuss highlights from the 2026 show in Houston. Interview topics include the launch of TalentForce; key takeaways from the conference’s keynote address; reflections on AMPP’s five-year anniversary; and expectations for the year ahead.