Kyle Gaither (pictured), general manager of FutureFuel Chemical Company, was recently inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers.
Gaither, a 1991 chemical engineering graduate from the University of Arkansas, began his professional career as a process design engineer and project manager for Eastman Kodak at the Batesville manufacturing facility.
He’s been the design engineer and project manager for several key site projects including the design, construction, and startup of numerous batch production processes; the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the OSHA PSM standard and multiple MACT environmental regulations; the computerization of a significant portion of the production facility; the implementation of a database system for managing analytical lab data; and the design, construction, and startup of a continuous biodiesel production operation.
In the late 1990s, Gaither started moving into various production management roles including batch plant operations, continuous plant operations, bulk handling and warehouse operations, and utility operations which allowed him to obtain an in-depth knowledge of all operations on site. This in-depth knowledge of site operations allowed him to progress to his current position of FutureFuel Chemical Company general manager in 2018.
Kyle and his wife Christi have two children, Rebecca and Adam, and are heavily involved in church and community activities. Kyle serves on the WRHS Advisory Board, is an active member of First Baptist Church, and is a founding member of the Batesville Brass Society.
The Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers is a nonprofit organization solely for the purpose of recognizing outstanding chemical engineers and providing support for the University of Arkansas Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering.
The Academy exists as an endeavor to strengthen the dedication of students to chemical engineering through personal and professional examples.
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