The Division of Business Development & Management (BMGT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) recognizes three outstanding chemists for their contribution to the leadership and management of the chemical enterprise with their selection as 2022 BMGT Awards recipients.

Gerard Baillely has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Henry F. Whalen, Jr. Award for Excellence.

The Whalen Award was established in 2002 to recognize outstanding contributions to the development and management of business within the chemical enterprise and is presented biannually by BMGT. Congratulations Dr. Baillely!

Gerard Baillely is Senior Vice President – Research and Development, Global Corporate Functions for Procter and Gamble Company.  Gerard joined P&G in 1985 and has spent his entire career in R&D.  During his 37-year career, he has created a portfolio of upstream products that address consumer needs across different categories such as Fabric Care, Oral Care, Home Care and P&G Professionals.  In his current role, Gerard is leading the company-wide R&D capabilities (Analytical, Data & Modeling, and Bio and Life Sciences).  Externally, he is or has been a member of the board of several non-profit and professional associations including his current tenure on the Chemical Sciences and Technology Board within the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.  Gerard was born in France and received his Chemistry degree from the Ecole Superieure de Chimie Industrielle de Lyon.  Gerard was awarded the Chevalier de L’Ordre National du Mérite distinction by the President of France in 2018.

Ling Zhang-Watson has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Nina I. McClelland Emerging Leader Award.

The McClelland Award was established to recognize an outstanding individual at a mid-level career position who has demonstrated success and possesses significant promise for contributions to business development and management within the chemical enterprise. Congratulations Dr. Zhang-Watson!

Ling is Sr. R&D Manager in Industrial Solutions and Global Innovation Leader for Industrial, Intermediates and Infrastructure (II&I), Dow. Throughout her career, Dr. Zhang-Watson has developed a reputation as a passionate leader that has excelled in driving value through customer relationships. She has been involved in developing or leading efforts within Dow’s polyurethanes, elastomer applications, and industrial & institutional cleaners businesses resulting in significant revenue for her company. She is also recognized as a thought leader and champion for diversity and inclusion and has been involved in implementing inclusive hiring practices, onboarding diverse talent, and improving employee engagement throughout her career. Her courageous leadership, bias for action, and passion for people development are a testament to her abilities as an emerging leader in the chemical industry.

Janet Bryant has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the BMGT Nexus Award.

The Nexus Award was established to recognize strategic, outstanding, and sustainable contributions to the ACS Division of Business Development & Management – the nexus of chemistry, business, and management. Congratulations Ms. Bryant!

Janet is retired from Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) where she was Sr. Science & Technology Specialist V. She is currently the Councilor for BMGT and has previously held the roles of Chair, Alternate Councilor, Program Chair, and Awards Committee Chair. She helped lead the establishment of the Whalen Award and development of operating procedures for the Division that have been adopted by other ACS Divisions. Janet has been a champion for collaboration across the ACS and has elevated BMGT through her partnerships with Committees, Divisions, and Local Sections to hold successful events and programs at National, Regional, and Local meetings

Please join us to congratulate and celebrate to Dr. Baillely, Dr. Zhang-Watson, and Ms. Bryant as part of a special BMGT Awards Reception during the Fall ACS National Meeting to be held in Chicago, IL from August 21-25, 2022. Specific event location and date will be communicated at a later date.