AMPP Interview Series

This “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode, Alberto Orostegui discusses pipeline inspection practices in Chile, all while highlighting key challenges, methodologies, and the importance of maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure. Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Alberto Orostegui analiza las prácticas de inspección de tuberías en Chile, destacando los principales desafíos, metodologías y la importancia de mantener una infraestructura segura y confiable.

This “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode, Luis Montoya explores how advanced ultrasonic techniques are used to detect and monitor corrosion in the mining industry, thereby helping to improve safety and asset reliability. Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Luis Montoya explora cómo las técnicas avanzadas de ultrasonido se utilizan para detectar y monitorear la corrosión en la industria minera, contribuyendo a mejorar la seguridad y la confiabilidad de los activos.

Matthew Rowland, CEO of BlastOne International, spoke with AMPP Media in an exclusive interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Houston. Topics include the company’s consistent focus on corrosion management and innovation, including a new Performance 3 awards program to recognize improvements in project efficiency. Looking ahead, Rowland is already working on ambitious plans to accompany AMPP’s 2027 flagship show, which takes place next April in BlastOne’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

This “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode (sponsored by Becc Protective & Marine Coatings and Omnitronic S.A.), Benjamín De León discusses why education is essential in the corrosion field. He highlights how training, certification, and continuous learning contribute to better decision-making, safety, and long-term asset integrity. Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Benjamín De León aborda por qué la educación es fundamental en el campo de la corrosión, destacando cómo la formación, la certificación y el aprendizaje continuo contribuyen a una mejor toma de decisiones, mayor seguridad y a la integridad de los activos a largo plazo. Este episodio es presentado por Becc Protective & Marine Coatings y Omnitronic S.A.

This “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode, Paola Postigo shares her career journey in cathodic protection. This ranges from her experience in Bolivia to her current role in France highlighting key projects, certifications, and the importance of professional growth in the corrosion field.   Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Paola Postigo comparte su trayectoria profesional en protección catódica, desde su experiencia en Bolivia hasta su rol actual en Francia, destacando proyectos clave, certificaciones y la importancia del crecimiento profesional en el campo de la corrosión.

Tim Fisher and Brendan Demler, co-presidents of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), recently joined the CoatingsPro Interview Series to dissect many of the changes within their business and the broader industry. Discussion topics include product launches, store openings, and research and innovation trends in Canada, as well as other items on the horizon for the Canadian paints and coatings market.

This “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode (sponsored by SERINCO), Alonso Barrón discusses the role of nondestructive testing (NDT) in identifying leaks and corrosion in the oil and gas industry. He highlights key challenges, detection methods, and the importance of early intervention to maintain asset integrity.   Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Alonso Barrón analiza el papel del Ensayos No Destructivos (END) en la identificación de fugas y corrosión en la industria de petróleo y gas, destacando los principales desafíos, métodos de detección y la importancia de la intervención temprana para mantener la integridad de los activos. Este episodio es presentado por SERINCO.

In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Pam Nicoletti — president of the Master Painters Institute (MPI), an AMPP subsidiary — shares updates on MPI’s expansion into industrial testing and its recognition (MPI Champion Awards) of paint manufacturers and specialists. Future priorities for the organization include the development of additional industrial standards; promoting QP 9 accreditation for commercial contractors; and opportunities to expand globally. For additional information, check out MPI’s recent feature on the nationally syndicated This Old House Radio Hour.

Hosted in Spanish, the “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. In this episode (presented by DeFelsko), Arturo Escobedo discusses the use of inspection instruments for coatings and corrosion in structural applications. He shares key tools, techniques, and their role in ensuring asset integrity.   Esta serie "Chapter Takeover" fue creada para fortalecer las conexiones en toda América Latina, brindar una plataforma a los miembros hispanohablantes y destacar el valioso trabajo que realizan nuestros capítulos en la región. Arturo Escobedo analiza el uso de instrumentos de inspección para recubrimientos y corrosión en aplicaciones estructurales, destacando herramientas clave, técnicas y su papel en garantizar la integridad de los activos. Este episodio es presentado por DeFelsko.

Mersedeh Akhoondan, technical editor of Materials Performance (MP) and senior corrosion engineer at HDR, discusses her unique role with the magazine and her career background in the corrosion control industry. In this interview from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Akhoondan reflects on the growing presence of municipal water and wastewater professionals and advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and she also shares points of emphasis for MP’s future technical content.

Held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the AMPP Eastern Conference (October 19-21, 2026) will place a spotlight on pipeline integrity while addressing challenges such as aging assets, increasing electrical loads, regulatory pressures, and workforce shortages. In this episode, member leaders Greg Alexander and Tish Edmondson are joined by AMPP’s Tim Gonzalez and Greg Muha to preview the show. The event aims to bring industry-driven conversations to the forefront, with a technical program including real-world problem-solving and presentations on new technologies. The conference will showcase exhibitors and sponsors, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for building relationships and addressing critical issues related to pipeline integrity and beyond.

Ahmed Mahgoub, cathodic protection (CP) specialist at Saudi Aramco, recently won AMPP’s 2026 John H. Fitzgerald III Award for the best article published in Materials Performance (MP). In this conversation, Mahgoub highlights his 20-year journey in the industry and shares details on his award-winning article (“Assessment of Inductive AC Interference Mitigation Strategies”), which addresses real-world challenges in pipeline integrity. He also underscores the role of AMPP’s resources and community in his professional growth.

Rachelle Rigby, coating inspector at Remedy Asset Protection and conference manager at the Australasian Corrosion Association, spoke with AMPP Media about the ongoing “Women of AMPP” program. In her comments from the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Rigby emphasized the importance of networking, mentoring, and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones. Rigby also highlighted global opportunities to expand the Women of AMPP initiative through regional events and online webinars.

Paul N. Chang, director of the U.S. Department of War’s Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight (CPO), spoke to AMPP Media on the sidelines of the recent 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. In his interview, Chang emphasized the importance of workforce development, practical technology application, and updating outdated policies, specifications, and standards to support national defense initiatives.