Robert Rushforth, recently retired senior research engineer, quality assurance, analytical technologies, at Johns Manville Technical Center in Littleton, Colo., is the new chairman of ASTM International Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation.  The 350-member committee is responsible for more than 145 international standards related to the industry of thermal insulation, including products, systems and associated coatings and coverings.

A Littleton resident, Rushforth joined ASTM International in 1974. He is an active member of ASTM Committee C16 and several of its subcommittees, and also serves on Committee E11 on Quality and Statistics.  Committee C16 has recognized Rushforth's contributions with the Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow.

Rushforth began his career at Johns Manville in 1967 after receiving a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.  He went on to spend his entire career at Johns Manville, serving in various quality engineer positions in their offices in New York, N.Y., Manville, N.J., Littleton and Denver, Colo., until his retirement in 2008.

Outside of ASTM International, Rushforth is a member of the American Society for Quality, where he is a certified quality engineer, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Release #7920