Recreational Boats and Building the Composite Recycling Supply Chain

John Bayless
Director of Strategic Programs at Brunswick CorporationJohn Bayless is the Director, Strategic Programs at Brunswick Corporation, where he has worked for 17 years. Prior to his current role, John was the Vice President, Product Development and Engineering at Life Fitness, a former division of Brunswick Corporation. Previously, he served in a variety of roles at Mercury Marine including Strategy and Business Development Manager, Product Management Director for Large Outboards, Strategy and Program Management Director for new product programs, and as the General Manager for Mercury Digital Services. Before joining Brunswick, John was a naval officer. As a naval officer, John flew the F-14A Tomcat and the F/A-18F Super Hornet while serving in a number of leadership roles.

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Christopher Howell
Senior Director of Operations at Veolia North America

Chris Howell is the Senior Director of Operations for Veolia’s Repurposed Engineered Material (REM) service offering. The offering was started with the focus on Wind Turbine Blades that have reached End of Life (EOL). Chris and his team provide an alternative related to the management of wind turbine blades and other composites at end of life other than the practice of placing them in landfills. Chris was recently part of Veolia’s Business Support & Performance department reporting to Veolia’s corporate headquarters in Paris, France. Chris directed the management of industrial strategic accounts and is a Subject Matter Expert supporting Veolia in the Mining, Metals and Power Generation markets.Chris has had several different roles and responsibilities within Veolia during the last 27 years, primarily focused on business development and market trends to support new revenue opportunities with a client focus. Chris is a disabled Veteran who served honorably in the US Navy nuclear power program.

Dan Coughlin
Vice President of Composites Market Development at ACMADan Coughlin is the Vice President of Composites Market Development for the American Composites Manufacturers Association. With more than 30 years of manufacturing and R&D experience, Dan has commercialized a range of technologies including catalysts, coatings, and renewable processes and materials. Dan joined ACMA in 2014 to grow the composites share of the overall materials market through outreach, advocacy, and educational programs. End-user and OEM engagement programs include automotive, aerospace/defense, infrastructure, and vertical construction. In the area of trade, Dan supported the elimination of tariffs for composite products which benefit the environment and gave testimony to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. composites industry. ACMA supports the growth of the composites industry will 500+ member companies in all 50 states through education, outreach, workforce development, market development, advocacy, trade, and regulatory programs.

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Evan Ridley – Moderator
Director of Environmental Programs
Rhode Island Marine Trades Association

Evan Ridley is Director of Environmental Programs at the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association. Since 2017, the focus of his work has centered on the development and growth of several sustainability initiatives in the recreational boating industry. This includes the creation and launch of the Rhode Island Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Pilot Project, an effort to establish alternatives to landfilling for end-of-life fiberglass boats and their materials. He actively shares his research on this topic with a growing network of international stakeholders and collaborators. Ridley received his Master’s degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island.