The Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA), Pennsylvania's leading voice for the crushed stone, ready mixed concrete, sand and gravel, and cement industries, today announced an expanded job description for its director of specifications and sustainability, Susan Armstrong. 

Armstrong will serve as a pivotal connection between PACA; the design community (architects, engineers and consultants); state transportation authorities, including PennDOT; the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; and various state organizations. The expanded responsibilities aim to foster advancements in material specifications and construction techniques, ensuring both increased and proper use of materials in sustainable and innovative ways.

“We’re blessed with a professional team with strong ties to the industry and our member companies,” said PACA board chairperson Jamie Stilley, president of Amerikohl Aggregates Inc. “Susan's new responsibilities are a perfect fit, having worked for over 35 years in the concrete industry. Her extensive knowledge and lifelong relationships with stakeholders will greatly support our mission of protecting and promoting our construction materials to both the public and commercial markets."

Key responsibilities of the position Include:

• Outreach to the Design Community: Actively engage with architects and other specifiers to improve material specifications and construction practices. This includes promoting the proper use of aggregates, cement and concrete while building meaningful relationships within the design community.
   
• Advancing Sustainable Practices: Collaborate with design professionals to integrate credible and impactful sustainability practices into construction techniques and specifications. Engagement with the Pennsylvania Labor and Industry Review and Advisory Council (RAC) will support this goal.
   
• Strategic Engagement with the Commonwealth: Strengthen relationships with targeted commonwealth agencies to support innovative solutions and advancements in materials.
   
• Industry Knowledge Sharing: Deliver valuable insights and initiatives from national organizations, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI); National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA); National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA); and the Portland Cement Association (PCA), to benefit the membership and enhance the use of aggregates, cement and concrete.
   
• Support for PACA Certification Programs: Lead the development of the plant technician certification in partnership with PennDOT and assist with existing certification programs.

"I am incredibly excited about the expanded responsibilities of my role, particularly the opportunity to engage directly with agencies and organizations of the commonwealth,” said Armstrong. “Collaborating with the state’s key stakeholders will enable us to advance innovative solutions, promote sustainable practices and strengthen the infrastructure that supports our communities."

The expansion of this position underscores PACA's dedication to fostering innovation, supporting the construction industry's resilience and sustainability goals, and serving as the materials resource for industry professionals across Pennsylvania.

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About PACA
PACA is Pennsylvania's leading voice for the crushed stone, ready mixed concrete, sand and gravel, and cement industries' community. PACA safeguards the industry from common threats; expands market opportunities; trains a productive workforce; educates and communicates the value of construction materials to all Pennsylvanians; serves as the gathering place for industry stakeholders; and unites divergent interests into a shared platform for action to benefit the aggregates, ready mixed concrete and cement industries in Pennsylvania.

Media Contact
La Torre Communications for PACA
Jill Helsel Gingrich, [email protected]