Sowell named GANA technical director

The Glass Association of North America namedUrmilla Sowelltechnical director, according to a Nov. 11 release. Sowell joined GANA as assistant technical director in 2007, working with Greg Carney, former technical director, who has since formed an independent consulting firm and will continue to serve the organization through a planned seamless transition. The GANA board of directors supported the promotion of Sowell, which took effect Nov. 1.

“Urmilla will take over the management of all GANA technical activities and will continue to serve as the liaison with other industry organizations” said Bill Yanek, GANA executive vice president, in the release. “She is currently GANA’s representative at the ASHRAE SSPC 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings Committee, ASTM International activities including the new Glass for Solar Applications Subcommittee and to the Protective Glazing Council International, where she serves as that association’s president.”

With GANA’s technical efforts stronger than ever, GANA is broadening its scope to include energy related issues and taking on the Glazing Industry Code Committee’s mission under its newly formed GANA: Advocacy Committee. As part of these efforts, Sowell will collaborate with a variety of consultants including Carney.

"GANA has always been, and will continue to be, a leader on glass and glazing industry technical issues," said Sowell, in the release. "I look forward to working with GANA members and industry leadership to deliver expert technical solutions and guidance."

Sowell earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, and is a licensed professional engineer. She was previously employed by Hurricane Test Laboratory LLC, as the assistant operations manager.