SPE Announces 2025 Honored Service Members

SPE is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Honored Service Members (HSM) Award. 

Since the program was established in 1992, the HSM Award has recognized 364 individuals who have demonstrated long-term, outstanding service and support to SPE and its mission. To qualify as an Honored Service Member, a candidate must be nominated by the Board of Directors of an SPE Section or Division and meet the criteria of significant contributions to the society.

Recipients will be honored at ANTEC® 2025, taking place March 3-6, in Philadelphia, PA.

The following professionals have been recognized with the 2025 HSM Award:

James M. Figaniak
Nominated by the SPE Color and Appearance Division
Figaniak holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry from Drexel University. He is Vice President of Americhem Engineered Compounds, previously serving as President of LTL Color Compounders. Based in Philadelphia, Figaniak actively contributes to educational initiatives supporting disadvantaged youth.

Margie Hanna
Nominated by the SPE Medical Plastics Division
Hanna is Vice President of Business Development at CEI, with over 30 years of experience in education, sales, and marketing. She has held multiple leadership roles within the Medical Plastics Division, including Councilor, Social Chair, and Finance Committee member.

Mark Lavach
Nominated by the SPE Vinyl Plastics Division
Lavach oversees Arkema Inc.’s North American Analytical and Systems Research Group. A Fellow of ASTM International and SPE, he has received numerous industry awards, and holds multiple U.S. patents. Lavach has made significant contributions to ASTM standards and plastics recycling initiatives.

Dr. Jason Lyons
Nominated by the SPE Board of Directors
Lyons is the Global Market Manager for Arkema’s medical polymers portfolio. He has held leadership roles within SPE, including President (2021-2022) and Vice President of Divisions. With a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Drexel University, Lyons has introduced multiple innovations in polymer additives and manufacturing.

Albert F. McGovern
Nominated by the SPE Product Design and Development Division
McGovern retired in 2021 after 43 years as a mechanical engineer specializing in product and part design. Holding 11 patents, he has extensive experience in additive manufacturing and engineering leadership, with a strong commitment to mentorship and industry support.

Dr. Barry Morris
Nominated by the SPE Extrusion Division
Morris retired as an R&D Fellow at Dow with over 35 years of experience in material science and packaging innovation. He holds 12 U.S. patents and has authored more than 125 publications. Now a consultant, he continues to contribute to sustainable packaging solutions.

Dr. Maureen Reitman
Nominated by the SPE Medical Plastics Division
Reitman is a Group Vice President and Principal Engineer at Exponent, specializing in polymer science and failure analysis. With a Sc.D. from MIT, she has worked extensively in medical device materials, standards development, and product innovation.

Complete biographies can be accessed by going here.