The Portland Cement Association has named named James G. Toscas president and chief executive officer, effective December 15. Toscas has decades of experience in the concrete industry. For the past 11 years, he served as president and CEO of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and from 1998 to 2002 he was executive vice president and CEO at the American Concrete Institute (ACI). As a founder of the Concrete and Masonry-Related Associations, Toscas improved the collaboration of all industry allies and provided a forum for the establishment of a strategic roadmap for the entire concrete industry.

"Jim brings to PCA a wealth of skill and knowledge that will serve the association and membership well," said Cary Cohrs, PCA’s immediate past Board of Directors chairman and chairman of the recruitment committee. "He understands the value of membership engagement and its vital role for the success of the Association."

"PCA is a leader in the cement and concrete industry. It is an honor to safeguard that reputation while establishing the paths to move it towards new challenges and opportunities," said Toscas.

Prior to joining ACI, Toscas was executive director and CEO of the American Nuclear Society. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Science in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana.

The PCA Board of Directors also elected John Stull, president and CEO of Lafarge North America Inc., as chairman of the association. Karl Watson Jr., president of CEMEX USA, was named vice chairman.