CCNJ BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP, GRANT HUTCHINGS OF INFINEUM USA L.P., ELECTED CHAIR

TRENTON, NJ – (July 30, 2024) – The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ) Board of Trustees recently convened in July to elect its new leadership, welcoming Grant Orin Hutchings, Production Manager at Bayway Chemical Plant, Infineum USA, L.P., as the new Board Chair. Mr. Hutchings, who has been a Board member since 2021, will lead the Council with his extensive industry experience and commitment to safety and efficiency.

In addition to Mr. Hutchings’ appointment, the Board re-elected Mark Jasko, Global Director of ESH & Regulatory Affairs for Thermo Fisher Scientific, as 1st Vice Chair; Pamela Dudish, NJ Hub Manufacturing Plants Manager at Lanxess, as 2nd Vice Chair; and Jeff Fritz, Director of State Government Affairs at The Chemours Company, as Treasurer. Dennis Hart, Executive Director of the Chemistry Council, continues to serve ex-officio as Board Secretary.

Grant Hutchings has been an active and influential member of the CCNJ Board, earning the confidence of his peers through his recent appointment to the Executive Committee and now his election as Board Chair. With over 20 years of management experience in the chemical industry, Grant oversees daily operations at Infineum’s Bayway Chemical Plant, managing a team of 9 direct reports and focusing on safety and efficiency.

Grant will succeed Michael Heltzer, Head of State Government Affairs for BASF, who has expertly guided the Council through some of its most challenging times since beginning his term in the fall of 2020. The entire Board of Trustees and CCNJ staff extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Heltzer for his dedication and leadership over the past four years. Under his guidance, the Council successfully navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstered member-focused advocacy initiatives, and stabilized the Council’s finances.

Outgoing Chair Michael Heltzer of BASF said that “Grant’s election as Chair is a testament to his dedication to both Infineum and the industry. He has been one of our strongest advocates since joining the Board, and I am proud that he accepted our invitation to lead the organization.”

“We are thrilled to have someone of Grant’s caliber and breadth of experience lead our Board,” said Board Secretary and CCNJ Executive Director, Dennis Hart. “His fresh ideas will help us grow the organization and enhance our advocacy efforts. The entire staff looks forward to working with him to maintain the Council’s standing in Trenton.”

The new leadership will serve a two-year term starting in September.

“Since joining the Board, I have prioritized representing my company well and ensuring all industry concerns are included in our discussions and decisions,” said Chairman-elect Grant Hutchings. “My company has been a strong supporter of the Council and its advocacy efforts, and I aim to build on CCNJ’s great advocacy tradition in this new capacity.”

The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ), founded in 1955, is the trade and advocacy organization representing the interests of more than 65 New Jersey manufacturers and 46 firms in the business of chemistry. Our membership consists of large and small companies that are part of New Jersey’s chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer packaged goods, petroleum, flavor & fragrances, and precious metals industries. The CCNJ is committed to a better quality of life through science.