ARPM adds new leadership to Board of Directors for 2024

INDIANAPOLIS—As the calendar turns to 2024, the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers has appointed four new members to help lead the organization.

ARPM welcomed Cedric Glasper, president of Mechanical Rubber Products; Jeffrey Leach, president and chairman of Passaic Rubber Co.; Caitlin Steele, senior director of global marketing and communications at Gates Corp.; and John Stone, technical sales manager of The Rubber Group to its Board of Directors.

Glasper, Leach, Stone and Steele bring leadership expertise and a wealth of knowledge, ARPM said in a Jan. 4 release.

"I am thrilled to join the Association for Rubber Products Manufactures Board of Directors, a distinguished organization at the forefront of the rubber industry," Steele said. "At Gates, we are driven to push the boundaries of materials science, which often includes rubber materials.

"Rubber products touch various aspects of our lives, from daily essentials to cutting-edge technologies. I believe that, together, we can drive positive change and foster growth within the industry."

Stone said he looks forward to working with a group of dedicated professionals.

"Being able to help fellow processors on issues that affect us as a group will be really rewarding and I'm very much looking forward to it," he said.

Leach has been in the manufacturing industry for 45 years.

"I have spent a considerable amount of time on various rubber trade boards," Leach said. "Giving back to an industry that has served me well, promotes growth and knowledge transfer to all organization company and members.

"I look forward to working with all of the other professional board members of ARPM."

Letha Keslar, executive director of ARPM, said the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives of the new board members will be invaluable to ARPM.

"Their commitment to excellence and passion for the ARPM mission will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization," Keslar said. "Together, we look forward to charting new horizons, fostering innovation and achieving even greater impact in the years to come."

ARPM officials offered their "deep gratitude" to Marel Riley-Ryman for her term as treasurer, saying she made "a lasting impact on the organization" with her dedicated service.

Established in 2010, ARPM is managed by rubber business leaders and has more than 100 members. The association works to provide manufacturers with bottom line impacting programs, networking and additional benefits.