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CGA Welcomes Andy Cichocki of Airgas and Marie Ffolkes of Air Products as Incoming Chair and Vice Chair of the Association’s Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2019

CHANTILLY, Virginia – During the recent Annual Meeting of the Association in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Andy Cichocki of Airgas, an Air Liquide company, and Marie A. Ffolkes of Air Products, were unanimously elected 2019 Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Board of Directors.

“CGA sets the safety tone for our industry.” – Andy Cichocki, Airgas

“I’m honored to assume the role of CGA’s Chairman of the Board,” said Andy Cichocki. “As a self-regulating industry, we are privileged to be allowed to set our own safety standards and rules – from which government regulations are derived. With this privilege, however, comes great responsibility.

“Today, CGA sets the safety tone for our industry, by leading the effort to develop and maintain safety standards. It’s absolutely essential that the Association continue to remain vibrant as the industry evolves. One top priority during my tenure as CGA Board Chair will be to ensure we remain relevant and stay aligned with the issues facing the industry, as we make the case for an ongoing commitment to CGA.

“Another key theme for me will be encouraging more participation from CGA’s next generation of technical leaders,” Andy explained. “This will not only benefit the Association, it’s also great for our member companies, and represents a terrific development opportunity for those young professionals who get actively involved in the work of CGA.”

“CGA…will help our industry thrive for many generations to come.” – Marie Ffolkes, Air Products

“For my part, I’m excited to take on the role of Vice Chair of the CGA Board of Directors,” added Marie Ffolkes. “I’m looking forward to building on the legacy of all the CGA Board leaders who have come before us. At the same time, I want to see us explore new, innovative ways to get the word out about CGA so that more people learn about the Association and the tremendous value it offers,” she continued.

“It’s really a great success story: the industry-wide specifications developed by the Compressed Gas Association play a crucial role in helping to keep the industry safe and reliable. And that foundation of safety standards and practices that CGA provides will help our industry thrive for many generations to come.”

Andy Cichocki serves as Chief Operating Officer and as a member of the Senior Leadership team for Airgas. He assumed the role of COO following Air Liquide’s acquisition of Airgas. Previously, Andy served as President of Airgas USA, LLC, leading all sales, operational, organizational, and financial aspects of the company, including Airgas’ distribution business units. During his career at Airgas, which began in 1988, his responsibilities have also included Airgas’ welding hardgoods and safety products distribution infrastructure, product sourcing and management, cylinder gas engineering and supply chain, and fleet management. Andy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Villanova University.

Marie Ffolkes serves as President, Americas for Air Products, and is responsible for the strategy and profitability of the company’s largest business. Marie leads a team of approximately 6,000 at approximately 275 plants and terminals, and focuses on driving profitable growth through improving customer relationships, safety, integrity, plant operations, distribution, supply chain, procurement, innovation, sales, and marketing, as well as regional operations. Prior to joining Air Products in 2015, she held leadership positions at Tenneco, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc., and General Electric Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

 

 

Founded in 1913, the Compressed Gas Association is dedicated to the development and promotion of safety standards and safe practices in the industrial, medical, and food gases industry. CGA represents more than 110 member companies including manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and transporters of gases, cryogenic liquids, and related products and services. Through a committee system, CGA develops technical specifications, safety standards, and training and educational materials, and works with government agencies to formulate and promote compliance with responsible regulations and standards. The Association also works with other industrial gas associations around the world to harmonize standards to advance safety in the industrial gas industry.

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Photos available on request.

Press contact:

Sarah Saunders

+1 703-788-2724