Paul D'Amico - Bayer
CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do.
My entire professional career has been in chemical manufacturing. I started 32 years ago as a Process Engineer working for Formosa Plastics in Baton Rouge, LA in vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturing. A few years later, I took a similar role with Georgia Gulf at the Plaquemine, LA site. I joined Monsanto in 1997 at the Luling, LA site where I was involved with Kellogg anhydrous ammonia manufacturing with lateral responsibilities in Utilities. Since 2001 I have been involved with manufacturing and chlorine handling for Crop Protection chemicals. My role continued with the Bayer acquisition to my current position of Senior Product Supply Expert with Bayer. I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from LSU in Baton Rouge, LA.
CI: When did you first become involved at CI? What activities have you been involved in at CI?
I have been involved with the Chlorine Institute since 2014 mostly attending the yearly Spring Conference when I was able to attend. I have volunteered for several pamphlet rewrite task groups including Pamphlet 9 on Chlorine Vaporizers, Pamphlet 86 Recommendations to Prevent Chlorine Releases, and Pamphlet 167 Learn from Experience. I presented during the 2022 Spring Conference on findings from the Pamphlet 167 task group. Recently I joined the Product Stewardship Committee to help bring additional large scale chlorine end user experience to the team.
CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?
I still prefer to listen to vintage vinyl records as a source of relaxation. Part of that involves a collection of old NOS (New Old Stock) vacuum tubes and vacuum tube equipment. My wife claims I’m a good dancer; I suspect she is just being nice to encourage me to join her on the dance floor.
CI: Tell us about your favorite CI memory or success story.
No particular story to share but enjoy the collaboration and extensive sharing of knowledge and experience via attending the annual conferences or participating in a task group. I was pleasantly surprised to find out at the 2024 Spring Convention that Monsanto was one of the original founding members of the Chlorine Institute in 1924. I did not know that.
CI: What do you value most from your CI membership?
I value the tremendous amount of technical resources, data, and personnel that is readily available through the Chlorine Institute. It allows us to network and learn from each other to keep our employees and facilities safe to operate. The networking is phenomenal, and the people involved here with the Chlorine Institute and its members are truly top-notch individuals. The Chlorine Institute is truly a top tier and very professional organization, and everyone should be very proud of the accomplishments this organization has produced over the years.
CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?
If you don’t know, ask for help. We all have to start somewhere, even experienced professionals that change roles. You can learn a tremendous amount from the operations and maintenance technicians. Listen to what they have to say. Understand the process in the field, on the DCS, in the PHA, and on the P&IDs. Always confirm in the field. Own your own career; be consistent, helpful, and productive. People will eventually notice but also let your intentions be known about your career path and progression. Don’t assume someone will figure this out for you. You also have to be patient with career progression. Once you start advancing in your career, be available to help and coach others. Try to make your position autonomous. You understand what you need to work on and generate your own tasks that need to be completed which align with business and personal development goals. Continue to learn new skills in your career including ‘soft skills’ and networking with others.
Do you know an actively engaged CI member who would make a great Member Spotlight? Send their name and company to Cindy Kuranchie at Cindy@CL2.com.