Amanda Herring, a native of Bastrop, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Finance and focus on Internal Audit. In 2007, after working for a firm in Dallas, Amanda moved back to Baton Rouge to begin her career at Albemarle in the Corporate Audit Department. Throughout her time at Albemarle, Amanda has held the positions of Internal Audit Manager and SOX 404 Manager.

A GLOBAL REACH

A native of Plaquemine, Louisiana who received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Jonathan O’Dwyer began his career with Albemarle after graduating from Texas A&M University with his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. His first position at Albemarle was Senior Process Development Engineer at the PDC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jonathan went on to become an R&D Specialist, a Senior R&D Specialist, and is now serving as Manufacturing Superintendent in Pasadena, Texas.

 BECOMING A LEADER

Throughout his time at Albemarle, Jonathan has had the opportunity to gain experience leading large- and small-scale multi-disciplinary technical teams. He has also had the opportunity to work on projects to develop products such as artificial sweeteners, Tamiflu©, thermally stable powdered activated carbon derived from wood, and a next-generation non-bioaccumulative bromine based flame retardant.  He currently leads a 45-member manufacturing team responsible for annual product shipments in excess of 85MM pounds and $100MM+/yr in company revenue across multiple business units (Fine Chemistry Services, Performance Chemicals, and Stabilizers and Curatives). Through his selection and participation in a leadership coaching series, Jonathan’s been provided the opportunity to further develop his leadership and managerial proficiency. “Over my career with Albemarle Corporation,” says Jonathan, “I have been afforded a wide range of opportunities and challenges. These experiences and opportunities have been of tremendous benefit both personally and professionally.”  

THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS

With a background in Chemical Engineering, technical challenges in chemistry and engineering were Jonathan’s specialty. Throughout his 6 years at Albemarle, however, he has been able to cultivate and develop his business skills as well. Jonathan was selected to present R&D Project accomplishments to the Executive Management Team and also worked with management from Fine Chemical’s Business, R&D, and Marketing teams to create the Mercury Control Division’s mission statement and business plan. He also had the opportunity to travel with Sales Representatives as part of a joint Sales/R&D/Technology platform to sell Albemarle’s core Fine Chemistry Services technical expertise. “Albemarle Corporation is a company that provides its employees the opportunity to embark on an exciting and challenging career,” he says. “My family and I are very excited to be a part of the Albemarle community.”

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chase Chicola began his career at Albemarle immediately after graduating from LSU where he received his bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering. In his first position as an Operations Engineer at the Baton Rouge Process Development Center, Chase focused on Metallacene Catalysts. Within his first year and a half at Albemarle, he had worked on ten different high dollar products, solving problems and making products that touch the lives of people around the world. “It was very challenging,” said Chase. “Albemarle deals with cutting edge technology. Right from the start, I got hands-on experience and saw my ideas implemented.”

Learning with experts, learning about different cultures

Chase also had the opportunity to work side-by-side with senior chemists and engineers who are experts in their fields, providing a good learning experience that paved the way for future responsibilities with Albemarle. And, because Albemarle has operations globally, Chase was able to work overseas in China at the company’s Nanjing operation for four months. To this day, he is still in contact with his co-workers at the operation. “Albemarle offers opportunities to travel, get management experience and enter into new career areas if employees so desire,” said Chase.

Reaching new heights

It’s been an exciting and active five years at Albemarle for Chase. Today, he manages a crew of 50 employees at Albemarle’s operation in Magnolia, Arkansas. “Albemarle has allowed me to achieve my goals. It’s a company that really lets you grow in a lot of ways and gives you great experience in a short period of time. If you want the opportunity to implement the things you learned in school and reach your potential, Albemarle is the place for you,” Chase concluded.