The ChemQuest Group recently announced several key appointments, as well as a retirement. Appointments include: James E. (Jim) Swope, chief commercial officer; Sapna Blackburn, Ph.D., vice president; and Lauren Tetterton, communications director of ChemQuest and The ChemQuest Technology Institute (CQTI).

In addition, ChemQuest announced the retirement of Aggie Lotz, vice president. ChemQuest reports that Lotz has been a key part of its team since 2000. Her professional experience spans over 25 years as a leader in trade associations in the protective coatings and adhesives industries. During her career, Lotz wore many hats at ChemQuest, serving as a project manager; trade association liaison; and editor-in-chief of multiple published company reports, presentations, articles, and social media posts.

“It has been my pleasure to work directly with Aggie for all of these years,” said Dan Murad, ChemQuest CEO. “She has been the consummate professional and always put 150% into each and every assignment. We are indebted to her vision and commitment for propelling us to our present position in the industry. Her work has assured our success into the future.”

Since 2013, Swope has provided leadership to all aspects of The ChemQuest Group in his role as senior vice president. During his previous 35-year career in adhesives, sealants, coatings, and automotive, he held various leadership positions, including senior vice president of Business Development for Dymax Corp. Swope reportedly brings a unique financial view to his work, born from undergraduate training in accounting, as well as 19 years of ownership/management in Crosslink Technologies, Inc., a niche supplier of reactive adhesive systems for assembly.

“Jim always provides action centered, transformational leadership and continues to deliver valued expertise to our team and clients,” Murad said. “He works closely with our team in South Boston, VA at the ChemQuest Technology Institute and is a true champion for innovation and expansion of our brand.”

Blackburn joined ChemQuest in July 2020. In her new role, her responsibilities will include project management in addition to Intellectual Property Services. She has been instrumental over the past year in a number of strategic assessment projects covering IP and commercial landscape analyses, market and value proposition analyses, strategic business assessment, and M&A guidance. Blackburn is a veteran in materials development and intellectual property generation and protection for a range of industries. Prior to joining ChemQuest, Sapna worked with SDC Technologies, Inc., a division of Mitsui Chemicals, as vice president of R&D and Technology.

Tetterton joined ChemQuest in January 2017 and has been an invaluable team member, assisting Doug Corrigan, Ph.D., in making CQTI successful.  She is engaged in the company’s marketing communication strategy development and serves as the direct media contact, in addition to her current administrative responsibilities at CQTI. She earned an MBA from Averett University and a bachelor’s degree in health services and public policy administration from James Madison University.

“We are most grateful for our company’s success thus far and proud of the dedication from all of our team members to propel our growth at this time,” said Murad. “I look forward to the exemplary work our collective team will continue to deliver. Please join me in congratulating these team members for their achievements and new roles at ChemQuest.”

Learn more about ChemQuest at www.chemquest.com.