Meet the Team

We have seen it all – and done it all!

Arbonite is a widely recognized coating and rubber lining applicator. With a team that possesses over 210 years of cumulative technician experience, we are one of the leading coating and lining applicators in North America. Given our vast wealth of experience and an average employee tenure of 20 years, we are confident that there are very few, if any, corrosion problems that we’ve yet to solve.

Roger K. Hughes

Director, Technical Sales &

Field Services

[Click on name to view bio]

Roger K. Hughes

A graduate of Williamson College of the Trades in 1991 with a degree in Structural Coatings Technology, Roger came to Arbonite in January 1996 as an Estimator/Project Manager. With over 30 years of experience working in the coating and lining industry, he is responsible for all shop and field services project estimating, customer sales management, new business development, technical sales communication, and field services project management. Roger has completed his NACE CIP Level II certification, and is also a PADEP-certified “TL” installer.

Tarra Van Ness

Office Manager &

Sales Coordinator

 

Tarra Van Ness

Hired in October 2021 to work side by side with Arbonite’s leadership team, Tarra handles the organization’s critical administrative functions, including human resources, payroll, and accounts receivable. Leveraging a wealth of experience driving sales and marketing efforts, stemming from her time owning and operating several small businesses, Tarra also serves as Arbonite’s Sales Coordinator, spearheading the company’s business development and customer relations activities.

Carol Conover

Accounting Manager

 

Carol Conover

Carol joined Arbonite in April 2023 after many years in the world of finance. Armed with an extensive background in accounting and financial planning and analysis, the bulk of Carol’s time is dedicated to Arbonite’s purchasing, accounts payable, bookkeeping, account reconciliation, and financial reporting endeavors. In addition to those primary responsibilities, she assists Arbonite’s Office Manager in handling the company’s essential administrative duties.

Doug Laird

Shop Foreman &

Safety Officer

 

Doug Laird

Doug has been a member of our team for over 30 years, starting as a PVC technician and evolving into a number of roles ranging from Facility Maintenance to Safety Coordinator and Shipping Manager. He now functions in a key role as Shop Foreman, a role that combines elements of his prior experience with our updated initiatives to improve workflow and overall customer satisfaction.

James L. Gibbas

Field Services Dept. Lead
Field CORE Leader

 

James L. Gibbas

Jim has over 40 years of experience in the coating and lining industry – he started in 1980 with Penn Line Industries in King of Prussia, PA and arrived at Arbonite in 1995. In that time, Jim has become proficient in the application of all types of lining materials, from sprayable epoxies, baked phenolics and vinyl esters to sheet-applied materials, such as rubber lining and Koroseal® PVC. Given the broad range of his practical experience, it’s safe to say that there simply is not much out there in our industry that Jim has not seen before. Jim also obtained his PADEP “TL” certification in 2021 and has been recognized as our CORE leader of our Field Services team.

Jeffrey Warren

PVC Dept. Lead
Shop CORE Leader

 

Jeffery Warren

Our longest-tenured employee, Jeff has been a member of the Arbonite team since 1979. Hired as a Finishing Specialist in our PVC department, he worked diligently to gain experience in all types of sprayable coating and lining applications from Arbosol® PVC to baked phenolics, and everything in between. Jeff currently oversees our PVC Department and department training, utilizing his wealth of experience to ensure that all projects are performed to Arbonite’s highest quality standards.

Zachary Warren

Paint Dept. Lead
Shop CORE Leader

 

Zachary Warren

Zac has been with Arbonite since 2013, and in that time he has become a proficient technician in our spray area and continues to develop his skills in the application of sheet-applied linings. We have identified Zac as one of our young CORE leaders, and as such he is a valued contributor to our Safety Committee and Leadership Groups. Additionally, he has completed necessary training and obtained his NACE CIP Level I certification.

Aaron Ray

Rubber Dept. [Small Parts] Lead
Shop CORE Leader

 

Aaron Ray

Hired in 2017, Aaron has cross trained in multiple departments, learning from tenured employees and developing the ability to roll over his training to others. Aaron is an excellent communicator, he relays information to developing trainees, and has been instrumental in the development of the Arbonite on-the-job training program. Aaron oversees our rubber-lined valves and small parts division and has been identified as one of our CORE leaders in this area.

Robert Walter

Facilities/Fleet Maintenance &

Safety Coordinator

 

Robert Walter

Robby joined our team in late 2018 as an abrasive blasting technician, but displayed a desire and aptitude for facility maintenance. Given his previous experience as an auto mechanic, it was a natural fit when he made the transition from production to facility and fleet maintenance. He has worked diligently to improve his knowledge base and obtain the necessary electrical and plumbing repair skills to properly perform in this position. Robby is a driving member of our Safety Committee, and was recently assigned as our Safety Coordinator in addition to his existing maintenance role.

Andrew Ray

Rubber Dept. [Tanks] Lead

Shop CORE Leader

 

Andrew Ray

Andrew was hired as an assistant in our tank rubber lining department in 2014. After learning the basics of his trade in a shop setting, he became a valued member of the Arbonite Field Services team, eventually assuming the role of Field Services Supervisor in 2019. He possesses a “get it done” attitude as well as a strong skill set and knowledge of coatings & linings applications. Andrew obtained his PADEP “TL” Installer certification in 2018, which enables him to conduct tank lining and inspection activities pursuant to the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act in all regions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, Andrew oversees our tanks division and has been identified as one of our CORE leaders in this area.

What is an Arbonite CORE Leader? Arbonite’s CORE Leadership Team represents the ‘best of the best’ of our company in Communication, Organization, building Relationships, and exceeding Expectations. These individuals are focused on driving company initiatives and goals, and instilling company values at every turn, whether in the shop or in the field. These leaders motivate their teams to get the job done right the first time and invariably demonstrate the effort and knowledge needed to consistently surpass customer expectations.