nexAir Names New President and CEO
According to an article from gasworld, Memphis-based industrial gas distributor nexAir has announced several leadership changes for 2025, including a new President and CEO. The company announced Robert Webb as its new President and the promotion of Bill Proctor to CEO, in addition to updated General Manager and Chief Accounting Officer roles.
Proctor has spent the last 15 years as President and Chief Operating Officer at nexAir. As CEO, he will focus on strategic planning, business development, and ensuring nexAir remains a leader in the industry.
He will also work closely with Webb, the company’s new President, who joined the company in 2005 and has held various operational and sales management roles.
To read the full article, click here.
Earlbeck Gases and AWS Partner to Commemorate Young Girl’s Life Spent Welding in Her Last Days
Shortly before Thanksgiving, on November 6, 2024, Janis Page Riedal tragically passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, at just 16 years old. Beloved by all who knew her, Janis Page Riedal of Bel Air, MD, left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered. Born in 2008, Janis exuded a rare kindness and selflessness that endeared her to everyone she met. Her passion for Blacksmithing led her to apprentice at the Jerusalem Mill, where her dedication and talent shone. Known for her vibrant spirit, Janis was a beacon of love and positivity, bringing joy to those around her with her infectious energy.
While studying welding at Harford Tech High School, Janis excelled in her craft, earning Honorary Welding Certificates before her untimely passing. A skillful Apprentice Blacksmith at the Jerusalem Mill, Janis had a special talent for creating beauty with her hands and admired vibrant colors, especially Lavender. She would often brighten people’s days with three daily compliments, embodying selflessness and kindness in all she did. Janis’s kind heart and unwavering devotion to others were evident in every aspect of her life. She took great joy in uplifting those around her, always quick with a kind word or a compliment to brighten someone’s day. Always putting others first, Janis had a profound impact on everyone she met. Her love for Roller Derby, her favorite sport, led her to be honored as an honorary member of a professional team, with her jersey number retired in recognition of her spirited contribution to the sport.
Shortly before her untimely passing, the American Welding Society’s Monica Pfarr and Earlbeck Gases’ Allison Earlbeck sent Janis a beautiful package, including her very own welding helmet to commemorate her life’s commitment to welding in her final days. We send our sincerest condolences to Janis’s friends and family in this difficult time. To read a full obituary, click here.
Butler Gas Promotes Jim Steffey to Vice President of Distribution and Administration
According to the Butler Gas company newsletter, long-time Vice President of Service Sandy Gobrish, who is celebrating her 40th anniversary with the company in February, will be reducing her workload, though not retiring! She will remain with the customer service team a few days each week and work on strategic assignments for Butler Gas and service culture mentoring.
Jim Steffey, the company’s current Vice President of Distribution, has been promoted to Vice President of Distribution and Administration, expanding his role to cover the entire order flow process through the system, ensuring Butler’s customers receive what they want, when they want it. Jim joined the Butler Gas Family in August 2021, immediately contributing nearly two decades of industry experience to its Leadership Team. Jim’s passion for safety, quality, and teamwork make for an ideal expansion of his influence.
