Gregg JonesChairman and CEOGregg Jones has over 30 years of leadership experience in industrials and manufacturing businesses across engineering, marketing, sales and general management roles. He most recently was President and CEO of EP Minerals, a Golden Gate Capital owned industrial minerals/engineered materials business. Prior to being CEO, he was the Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at EP Minerals. Gregg started his career as a Process Engineer in the Paper Industry at Union Camp Corporation. He has also worked in commercial leadership roles at Rock Tenn Corporation and Imerys. Gregg has a BS and MS in Paper Science Engineering from SUNY Syracuse and a MBA from Syracuse University. In his spare time, Gregg enjoys his farm and animals in Oregon. He also loves the outdoors, mountain biking, fishing and downhill skiing.
Noah NichelsonPresidentNoah Nichelson says his main job is to ensure Asbury has resources required to execute on our strategic vision. In his words: "Give people the tools and training with end goals in view and then get out of the way. Course correct as necessary."Noah joined Asbury in 2015 and has been in the carbon industry for more than 20 years. His career began in engineering and then moved into operations management. Prior to becoming President, Noah was Chief Operating Officer. His training includes Six Sigma Green Belt and Bartell and Bartell Leadership Flight School certifications and he was published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry. Noah is also credited with US Patent 7,335,331: Method for Making Ceramic Plates.His education includes a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado.In his spare time, Noah enjoys the outdoors with his family, camping, hiking, fishing and gardening.
Eric WalmetSenior Vice President, OperationsEric Walmet has over 25 years in operations and operations management, who has built and led diverse teams throughout his career with Ingevity (previously known as Westvaco, MeadWestvaco, and WestRock). Eric is an expert in safety and operations leadership and culture building, with demonstrated success in process innovation, operational excellence, and managing large, multifaceted projects. Eric began his career as an engineer at the Charleston Paper Mill, before transferring to the Charleston Chemical Plant, where he spent 25 years in various engineering and production roles, culminating with his being named Charleston Plant Manager in 2016. He successfully led the plant of 200+ employees through various safety and process improvements, while partnering with different commercial teams to successfully implement significant growth projects.Eric has B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech.In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, running, and walking the family’s two German Short-haired Pointers.
Mary Anne SpencerSenior Vice President of Human ResourcesMary Anne has significant human resource leadership experience across various industrial businesses that were private equity-owned and large public corporations. Mary Anne was the SVP of Human Resources at Innocor Inc., a Bain Capital-owned foam manufacturing business with over 1500 employees. Before that, she was the Director of Corporate Human Resources & Global Compensation at Ashland Inc., an $8 billion specialty chemical company with 12,000 employees globally. She was also Vice President Global HR for International Specialty Products, a $2 B specialty chemical manufacturing company. Mary Anne is a results oriented executive focused on value creation, talent management, and overall HR program efficiencies.Mary Anne has a Master of Science in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from PennWest Edinboro in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
Patrick SookChief Financial OfficerPatrick Sook joined Asbury in 2011 as our Corporate Controller after spending close to a decade in the public and private accounting sectors. He is a CPA who received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from DeSales University. In July 2021, Patrick was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. As a strategic member of management team, Patrick ensures our financial goals are achieved by actively managing the company’s working capital needs with an eye on long-term plans to ensure continued profitability and growth. In addition to his contributions to Asbury, Patrick actively participates in coaching youth sports as father of 3 children. He spends the rest of his free time playing golf and tennis or at the Jersey shore with his family.
Ryan WeirVice President of SalesRyan Weir has been working with industrial minerals and their use for 25 years. He has experience with oxide and non-oxide ceramics in addition to carbonaceous materials and has held technical and engineering positions within the carbon, whitewares, refractories, and abrasives industries.Ryan is committed to ensuring that Asbury Carbons maintain a leadership position in conventional analysis methods, including physical and chemical property measurements of dry carbon and graphite powders, natural graphite geology, mineralogy, and petrology. He is committed to extending the company’s legacy of technical service. This service includes troubleshooting customer applications-related problems involving carbonaceous materials and in fact-based technical marketing of the entire Asbury Carbons product line including non-carbonaceous products.Ryan’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Glass Engineering Science from Alfred University, Alfred NY and a Masters of Business Administration from Lakeland University, Plymouth WI.
Allie WhiteVice President of IntegrationAllie White has over 10 years of experience with specialty chemicals and materials. She has diverse job experience including roles as a production engineer, product manager, and technical sales representative. Her most recent role was Global Business Manager for Ingevity (previously known as Westvaco, MeadWestvaco, and WestRock). Allie specializes in project management and working with many stakeholders to optimize processes.Allie has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University and is currently pursuing her MBA from the University of South Carolina.In her spare time Allie likes to spend time with family, travel, garden, and spend time outdoors – especially hiking or at the beach.
Mark WilleySVP – Business Development and TechnologyMark Willey has over 16 years of experience of proven business and technology leadership, while developing and delivering innovative semiconductor and battery technologies. He is a recognized as an international leader in the electrochemical field. Passionate about driving business growth through development of high performing teams, technology innovation, and business process improvement. Mark's experience and leadership is driven by discipline, tentatiousness and a deep respect for the human dimension of business.
Tyson SchnitkerVice President of Key AccountsTyson Schnitker has over 14 years of experience driving growth, profitability, and team success across diverse industries from both Supply Chain and Sales Leadership positions. He most recently was Vice President of Procurement, Supply Chain and Business Development with Vivify Company, a private equity owned hybrid manufacturer/distributor of pigments, colorants, and specialty additives. Prior to this role, Tyson gained industrial minerals experience with EP Minerals where he was the Sales Director for North and South America. Tyson started his career with Brenntag Mid-South in the chemical distribution industry where he held various roles in Materials Management and Sales Leadership.Tyson has a BS in Business from Indiana State University and an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana.In his spare time, Tyson enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball and golf, and coaching his son’s youth sports teams.