Raymond “Buzz” Powell joined the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) staff as its first Technical Director, following a distinguished career at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University. Powell retired from NCAT in September after 24 years of service, including oversight of the Test Track from its very beginning. Prior to NCAT, he worked for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).
Throughout his career, Powell has remained committed to safe and sustainable asphalt pavements at the lowest possible life cycle cost. As APA Technical Director, he leans into that creed, directing the deployment of research, tools, and information for stakeholders in the pavement industry; identifying key technology and deployment opportunities; advancing and promoting asphalt pavements, based on science and engineering principles; and overseeing the APA Education Program and Resource Library.
“His extensive experience and background will be a tremendous asset to the APA, and we are excited to have him join our team,” said National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) President & CEO Audrey Copeland, PhD, PE. The APA is a long-term partnership between NAPA, SAPA Inc., and the Asphalt Institute. The three partners represent the asphalt pavement and binder industries in the United States and work together to ensure asphalt is the pavement of choice, safeguard the industry’s longevity, and foster market growth. NAPA leads and administers the APA and appoints the Chair of APA’s Advisory Committee, which includes representation from the partners.
Powell holds multiple degrees from Auburn University: PhD, MSCE, and BCE. He will continue to reside in and work from Alabama. Powell shared his passion for asphalt pavements along with stories from the NCAT Test Track on the first season of NAPA’s Pave It Black podcast (Walking the Asphalt Path).