Keith A. Poerschke, director of building codes for the National Gypsum Co. in Charlotte, N.C., has been given an ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow. ASTM Committee C11 on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems recognized Poerschke for his contributions and leadership in developing standards related to gypsum products and their installation as well as to committee operations. The award is the highest ASTM International honor given for individual contributions to standards activities.

Poerschke lives in Monroe, N.C.

An ASTM International member since 1991, Poerschke serves as chair of C11, a committee of some 180 members who are responsible for more than 50 standards, and on several C11 subcommittees. He is also chair of C17.01 on Non-Asbestos Fiber-Mat Reinforced Products, a part of C17 on Fiber-Reinforced Cement Products, and a member of Committees A05 on Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Products, E54 on Homeland Security Applications and F33 on Detention and Correctional Facilities.

Poerschke has led several C11 task groups and has participated in developing and revising a number of gypsum standards. He also developed an overall format used for several gypsum panel product standard specifications.

The year he graduated from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y., with a B.S. in wood products engineering, Poerschke began his career with the National Gypsum Co. as a research engineer in Kenmore, N.Y. He assumed his current position in 2002, moving to Charlotte, N.C. Professionally he has focused on gypsum board systems and product development, testing and technical standards, and building codes and standards for gypsum and related products.

Outside ASTM International, Poerschke is a member of the International Code Council, the Construction Specifications Institute, the Gypsum Association, the National Institute of Building Sciences, and the National Fire Protection Association.

Release #7426