ASTM International’s committee on gypsum and related building materials and systems (C11) presented its top annual award – the Award of Merit – to Richard D. Ladwig, manager of technical services, PABCO Gypsum division of PABCO Building Products, LLC, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The prestigious award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards.

The committee honored Ladwig’s outstanding contributions and leadership in the development and revision of standards related to gypsum products and their installation, and in the overall operation of the committee. He has previously been honored by the committee with the Award of Appreciation (2015) and the 20 Year Service Award (2016).

An ASTM International member since 1995, Ladwig is also a member of the committees on fire standards (E05), performance of buildings (E06), building and environmental acoustics (E33), and sustainability (E60). He has been praised for his various leadership roles at all levels of the ASTM committee hierarchy, as well as his constant dedication and presence within the organization.

Ladwig has held his current title of manager of the technical services team for PABCO Gypsum since 2015. He previously served in roles with Combustion Engineering, Norwest Gypsum, and James Hardie Gypsum. Ladwig holds an associate degree in chemical technology from Merritt College and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University.

In addition to ASTM International, Ladwig is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), and Gypsum Association (GA).