Washington, D.C., Aug. 31, 2022 —  The American Coatings Association (ACA) is seeking nominations for the inaugural David F. Darling Prize. The David F. Darling Prize will recognize individuals who, through coatings science, technology, and research, demonstrate innovation in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Nominations and supporting materials received by Feb. 1, 2023 will allow ACA’s Sustainability Committee to consider honoring the nominee at ACA’s CoatingsTech Conference, which will be held June 26-28, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The David F. Darling Prize recipient will be announced during the conference, where the winner will be presented with a plaque and accompanying $5,000 monetary prize.

David F. Darling was ACA’s vice president of Health, Safety, and Environmental Affairs, who passed away on Jan. 30, 2022. A staunch and effective advocate for ACA and the industry for 25 years, his expertise and contributions to the coatings industry extended into the Sustainability sphere and the related area of Product Stewardship, where he developed a wide network of professionals with the goal of creating scientifically informed solutions for the coatings industry. In recognition of his exemplary contributions to ACA and the paint and coatings industry, he was acknowledged with the Award of Honor and Meritorious Service at ACA’s Industry Awards Dinner on April 4 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Nomination Submissions

All nominations should be submitted as soon as possible or at the latest by Feb. 1, 2023, to ACA’s Katherine Berry, director of Sustainability & Environment. Please note the following nomination guidelines.

  • Individuals may self-nominate; and
  • The winner will be required to register for the CoatingsTech Conference and will receive complimentary registration for the full conference, as well as complimentary accommodations. However, the winner is expected to pay their own travel and per diem expenses.

All nominations must include the following information:

  • Name and contact information for the nominee
  • Current position and brief job history
  • Education and degrees, with dates
  • Letter describing the significance of accomplishments that are deemed to qualify the nominee for the prize

One or more of the following are required:

  • Paper explaining the impact of the program or project in the sustainability arena
  • Journal articles
  • Personal patents
  • Books (authored, edited, or organized)
  • Chapters in books
  • Lectures and presentations
  • Symposia or meetings organized

NOTE: Items cited should focus on coatings sustainability, relating to environmental solutions. Products or product technologies cannot be nominated for this award. Examples of leadership activities and accomplishments that are appropriate for citation in the nomination are as follows:

  • Climate change mitigation or adaptation
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Social sustainability: inclusion, diversity, equity, volunteerism, collaboration
  • Technological innovation to address an environmental or human health concern
  • Education outreach

More information is available at https://www.paint.org/dfd-prize/.

The American Coatings Association (ACA) is a voluntary, nonprofit trade association working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. ACA serves as an advocate and ally for members on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues, and provides forums for the advancement and promotion of the industry through educational and professional development services.