The NACE International Institute (NII) announced that a new award has been named for the late Oliver Moghissi, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert in the advancement of corrosion control technologies and an advocate for the corrosion industry.
Moghissi devoted his career to developing and implementing technology to optimize corrosion management programs. He was an active member of NACE International, where he chaired numerous technical and administrative committees, received the Presidential Achievement Award in 2003, was recognized as a NACE Fellow, and served on the Board of Directors for many years. This included a term as the association’s president in 2011.
“Oliver was passionate about increasing the synergism and understanding between corrosion control managers and the business-focused asset owner management,” says Kevin Garrity, executive vice president of technology for Mears and president of NII. “Oliver wanted managers to be aware of the communications gap between the two groups, and he wanted NACE to aid members in approaching business leaders in a language that they understand. Because of Oliver, the focus on corrosion management and communications is now a key part of several NACE Institute strategies.”
The annual Oliver Moghissi Award was established to celebrate Moghissi’s legacy by recognizing individuals who demonstrate exemplary support of the corrosion control community through work that bridges the gap between corrosion maintenance and operations activities and the use of business-oriented corrosion management systems in industry.
“Oliver often reminded me that we already understand the science behind corrosion and how it can be prevented, but we fall short on delivery and execution,” says Rick Eckert of DNV GL USA, Inc. “He saw corrosion management as a promising means of understanding our actions to produce better outcomes in reducing and preventing corrosion and extending the useful life of engineered systems.”
Award nominees must meet rigorous criteria to be eligible to receive the Oliver Moghissi Award, with the winner determined by the NACE Institute’s nominations committee. Nominations for all NACE Institute awards will be open from July 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020.
“We hope the creation of this award will inspire a new generation of Olivers,” Garrity says. “Oliver saw changes that needed to be made and had a passionate and practical way of communicating that message. We hope the next generation is ready to carry his mantle and help us rid society of this preventable challenge.”
About the NACE International Institute
The NACE International Institute supports the growth and quality of certification for the corrosion control field, improves the business conditions of the industry, and advances knowledge through certification programs that promote public safety, protect the environment, and reduce the economic impact of corrosion. For more information, visit www.naceinstitute.org.