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CGA Welcomes Jack Finn of FIBA Technologies and Chris Ebeling of Messer Americas as Incoming Chair and Vice Chair of the Association’s Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2020

CHANTILLY, Virginia – During the recent Annual Meeting of the Association, which was held virtually, John F. (Jack) Finn of FIBA Technologies, Inc., and Chris Ebeling of Messer Americas were unanimously elected 2020 Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Board of Directors.

“The return on our investment [in CGA] has been tremendous. The safety standards CGA has developed over the years have had a significant impact around the world, and the opportunities for knowledge transfer and technical mentorship within the Association are unparalleled.” – Jack Finn, FIBA Technologies, Inc.

“I’m proud to serve as CGA’s 2020 Board Chair,” said Jack Finn. “This will undoubtedly be a challenging year for us all, but I’m confident that members and staff of the Compressed Gas Association will rise to the occasion.

“A key area of focus for me this year, will be on maintaining and where possible, growing, CGA’s membership, by keeping our members engaged and participating in committees and standards development. Within FIBA Technologies, which is a family-run business, we’re now on our third generation that have actively participated in CGA. The return on our investment in the Association has been tremendous. The safety standards CGA has developed over the years have had a significant impact around the world, and the opportunities for knowledge transfer and technical mentorship within the Association are unparalleled.

“In addition, it’s critically important that we continue to recruit and support the next generation of CGA technical leaders, to assure the Association’s future. I’m excited to support the efforts of CGA’s new Young and Emerging Professionals Committee in any way I can.”

“As our industry has come together to share best practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CGA has played a crucial role.” – Chris Ebeling, Messer Americas

“The longer I’ve been associated with CGA, the more my appreciation has grown for the organization and the invaluable work it does, and I’m honored to serve as the 2020 Vice Chair,” Chris Ebeling said.

“As our industry has come together to share best practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CGA has played a crucial role. By helping to facilitate member companies’ efforts toward a common good, sharing much-needed technical expertise, and coordinating with government regulators, CGA has enabled us all to respond more quickly and effectively to this unprecedented emergency.”

Jack Finn serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at FIBA Technologies, Inc. In his 40 year career at FIBA Technologies, Jack has grown the company from a single location in Westborough, Massachusetts to a global business with 7 locations and over 250 employees. FIBA manufactures and services high pressure storage and distribution equipment for the compressed gas industry. Jack takes great pride in his membership and decades of participation in the Compressed Gas Association. At CGA, Jack has served on the Board of Directors since 1993, served two terms on the Executive Committee and formed the Alternative Retest Committee. Jack is a Design Certified Engineer with education in Business Finance.

Chris Ebeling is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for US bulk at Messer Americas, part of the world’s largest privately held industrial gases enterprise. In this role, Chris is responsible for three sales channels, order-to-cash, product management and strategy, applications and R&D, as well as Messer’s helium business in the Americas. Over his 30-year international career in industrial gases, he has worked for AGA, BOC, Linde, and now Messer, amassing broad business experience in bulk gases, packaged gases, hardgoods, and safety supplies. Chris earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

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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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Press contact:
Sarah Saunders
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