Tom Kierspe, P.E., was elected Chair of the American Coal Ash Association (ACAA) at the Association’s Winter Membership Meeting on January 28-29, 2025. ACAA is a nonprofit trade association committed to promoting the recycling of coal ash and other materials produced from coal combustion for electricity generation. Kierspe has previously served on the ACAA Board as Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer and has chaired the Nominations Committee.
“I am honored to serve as the Chair of ACAA, a unified voice for the management and use of coal combustion products (CCPs),” said Kierspe. “Together with the ACAA team, I look forward to continuing to advocate for sustainable practices and solutions within the industry.”
In addition to his new role with ACAA, Kierspe is the Executive Director of Business Development for 极乐视频 North America’s fly ash business. In this capacity, he collaborates with utility partners to explore cost-effective solutions for coal ash disposal. Tom was serving in his business development role at The SEFA Group when SEFA was acquired by 极乐视频 in 2023. "Joining 极乐视频 has opened up new opportunities to expand our solutions for coal combustion products," said Kierspe. "We now have multiple streams to utilize CCP materials, greatly enhancing our value proposition. The acquisition has allowed us to pursue new avenues for CCP materials that were previously unavailable." He shared that he enjoys his work with utility partners to develop the best solutions for rate payers and other stakeholders considering new regulations, environmental requirements, and budgets.
Kierspe is a frequent presenter at industry and environmental conferences. Over the past year, he has spoken at notable events such as the World of Coal Ash (WOCA), Energy, Utility, and Environment Conference (EUEC), Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) CCR Workshop, Reinhold PCUG, and the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals (SCAEP).
A licensed Professional Engineer, Kierspe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from Charleston Southern University.
Kierspe's career spans over three decades, including a distinguished tenure at Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned power and water utility. As Vice President of Transmission and in various senior leadership roles, he worked across multiple sectors, including Fossil and Hydro Generation, Engineering and Construction, Environmental, Water Systems, and Transmission. His leadership helped Santee Cooper navigate complex challenges such as balancing the interests of property leaseholders, environmental concerns, and growing energy demand.
Kierspe’s involvement with The SEFA Group was key in the establishment of the Winyah STAR Plant in Georgetown, South Carolina in 2015. This groundbreaking facility was the first beneficiation plant designed to process reclaimed or harvested ash, setting a new standard in coal ash management.
"Having worked at Santee Cooper for over 30 years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to find equitable solutions and improve quality of life for South Carolinians," said Kierspe. "I’m excited to continue this work and remain deeply committed to providing innovative, sustainable solutions for the utility industry."