#USA #Birmingham #DIPRA #Ductile Iron Pipe #Gregg Horn

DIPRA Leadership Promotions

The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) recently made notable changes to its leadership team by promoting Gregg Horn to Senior Vice President of Research and Josh Blount to Vice President of Technical Resources. These changes signify the organization’s commitment to advancing its research and technical initiatives in the water infrastructure sector.

Gregg Horn: New Senior Vice President of Research

Gregg Horn, who has a remarkable 40-year history with DIPRA, steps into his new role overseeing the organization’s research activities. His responsibilities will encompass directing technical research initiatives, standard-setting activities, and comparative studies on alternative materials. Horn, who began his journey with DIPRA as a Regional Engineer in 1986, has held various key positions, including Director of Regional Engineers and Vice President of Technical Resources. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the water utilities sector position him perfectly to lead DIPRA’s research projects moving forward.

In his new capacity, Horn will ensure that DIPRA's research strategies align with municipal specifications, while managing budgets related to these initiatives. His work will also involve close collaboration with member companies and various technical committees, underlining the significance of teamwork in achieving DIPRA's goals in the industry.

Josh Blount: Vice President of Technical Resources

Joining Horn in this leadership advancement is Josh Blount, who now takes on the role of Vice President of Technical Resources. Blount has been with DIPRA since 2015 and has ascended through several positions, including Staff Engineer and Regional Director. His contributions have been vital in delivering technical guidance to water and wastewater utilities, as well as to consulting engineers focused on Ductile iron pipe.

In his new role, Blount will supervise DIPRA’s technical personnel and manage resources dedicated to the organization. A key aspect of his responsibilities will involve overseeing the much-lauded Regional Engineer Program. Under Blount's leadership, the program is anticipated to thrive, continuing to enhance DIPRA's evolution and reaffirming the organization's foundational commitment to Ductile iron pipe's application.

The Backbone of DIPRA

David Cole, President of DIPRA, emphasized the importance of the Regional Engineer Program alongside the organization's research and technical resources. He stated, "The Regional Engineer Program, Research and Technical Resources continue to be the backbone of our organization, as they have been for more than 100 years." Cole expressed confidence in Horn and Blount's ability to build on DIPRA’s legacy and support the water infrastructure community dependably.

Both Horn and Blount are expected to work in close coordination, ensuring that the technical resources and research initiatives are in tandem with DIPRA's strategic priorities and industry best practices. The effective collaboration between these two leaders will not only strengthen existing programs but also facilitate new developments in the application of Ductile iron pipe, ultimately benefiting member companies and the broader water infrastructure sector.

Conclusion

As DIPRA positions itself for future achievements, the appointments of Gregg Horn and Josh Blount signal a dynamic shift towards enhancing its research and technical capabilities. Their combined expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in furthering the mission of DIPRA and addressing the challenges within the water infrastructure industry. The dedication shown by both leaders reflects DIPRA’s commitment to continually improve standards and deliver value to its constituents, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of Ductile iron pipes in the years to come.