Pineda rejoins plastics association amid flurry of hires

The former chief economist of the Plastics Industry Association, who left the group earlier this year amid staff turnover under its former CEO, has rejoined the organization.

The association announced July 14 that Perc Pineda is resuming his job as chief economist, a position he held from 2017 until February, when he left.

The new CEO of the association, Matt Seaholm, welcomed Pineda's return. Pineda will be a member of the group's senior leadership.

Former CEO Tony Radoszewski left the organization suddenly in late March, amid concerns among association members over staffing and the association's direction.

"We are excited to have Perc return to the team," Seaholm said. "He brings a significant expertise that is unparalleled in our industry. Perc's invaluable ability to identify economic trends and forecast the state of the marketplace is highly regarded and regularly anticipated by our members."

Pineda's departure earlier this year came amid a string of others leaving the group, including the head of its councils for the equipment and processing segments. At the time, Pineda had been the most senior staff member to leave.

Now he is among a number of new hires and staff changes.

The association announced on July 6 that Ashley Hood-Morley, who previously worked for the association in sustainability management roles, is rejoining as vice president of industry engagement.

Hood-Morley will also be a member of the group's senior leadership team.

She had worked at the association from 2014 to April 2021, leaving as senior director of sustainability and materials. She worked in the interim for Eastman Chemical Co., where she had worked before joining the association.

"Her first-hand understanding of our members from multiple perspectives, as well as her industry expertise, makes her an ideal advocate on behalf of our association," Seaholm said.

The group also recently filled a vacant position, the head of its media and communications efforts.

Stephanie Strategos Polis joined as vice president of communications, the group announced June 28. Polis, who is also on the senior leadership team, had most recently been assistant vice president of public affairs for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

"Stephanie's seasoned institutional knowledge of Washington, impeccable abilities as a collaborative interconnector and enthusiasm for the great work being done by the people in our industry will help us to better tell the plastics story," Seaholm said.

The association also announced June 16 the appointment of Whitney Taveras as director of its equipment council, which oversees programs for the plastics machinery sector. She had previously been the group's director of financial planning and analysis.

A news release announcing her appointment also noted that Taveras is the daughter of Bill Carteaux, who was the association's president from 2005 until 2018, when he died of leukemia.

"Her experience and background ideally position her for success in our efforts to take the very best care of our largest and most engaged council," Seaholm said.