The Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) is pleased to share a few recent developments as we look ahead to an active year of technical, regulatory, and member-focused initiatives.
The FSA held its 2025 Annual Meeting on October 22-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Attendance and engagement were strong, with a program that featured several timely and well-received presentations:
- Jacob Jones, International Trade Analyst with Georgetown Economic Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, presented Trade, Tariffs, and Tweets: Nine Months of the Second Trump Administration.
- Denise Lee, Global Product Regulatory Compliance Manager, Technology Excellence with John Crane, presented Expanding Regulatory Requirements and Their Impact on the Sealing Industry.
- Bob Latino, Principal of Prelical Solutions, LLC, presented The Evolution of Reliability: Lessons from the Past, Challenges Today, and Tomorrow’s Vision.
- Ron Frisard, Packing and Gasketing Global Product Line Director with A.W. Chesterton Company, facilitated a workshop on Unlocking AI: How to Use Prompt Engineering to Boost Technical and Marketing Impact.
The meeting also included an off-site social event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and member feedback on the overall program was overwhelmingly positive.
During the meeting, Mark Savage was presented the Committee Excellence Award for his consistent support of the association’s technical activities. His recognition reflects the strong foundation he brings to his new role on the FSA’s leadership team.
Mark Savage and Amy Hammarstrom.
This year’s meeting also marked a transition in officer roles. Jason Ferris (Flowserve) began his term as President, and Mark Savage (John Crane) was elected Vice President. The meeting also included recognition of Amy Hammarstrom, who completed her two-year term as President and was acknowledged for her leadership and contributions to the association. The incoming officers have emphasized priorities that include enhancing member engagement, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding educational resources.
Amy Hammarstrom and Jason Ferris.
Education remains a central focus for the FSA. A recent highlight was a members-only webinar, PFAS Regulations Today and Tomorrow: Key Insights for Manufacturers, presented by Cally Edgren of Assent. The session offered timely updates on global PFAS developments and practical compliance considerations.
PFAS continues to be the primary area of activity for the FSA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee. Over the past year, the committee responded to numerous requests for information, comment, and advocacy support, collaborating with partners such as the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Valve Manufacturers Association, and the Hydraulic Institute. The committee also monitored federal, state, and international regulatory activity, supported in part by updates shared through the ESA’s ESG Committee.
The FSA values its ongoing collaboration with the ESA and looks forward to continued partnership on technical and regulatory initiatives important to the sealing industry. For more information, visit www.fluidsealing.com or contact info@fluidsealing.com.