Paul Bechly and Beth Wells: Honoring the Profession
"Though my career evolved over time, my introduction to business was through chemical engineering. I joined the AIChE Legacy Society as a way to recognize the importance of chemical engineering as a career, and to provide strategic support to AIChE as part of our estate planning." – Paul Bechly, First Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Paul Bechly worked for DuPont Fluorochemicals from 1980 to 1993 at locations including Corpus Christi, TX; Deepwater, NJ; Montague, MI; Atlanta, GA; Walnut Creek, CA; and Wilmington, DE. As a Chemical Engineer, he served DuPont in roles including R&D, engineering, distribution, sales, marketing, product management, and production.
Paul was awarded the DuPont Chemicals Environmental Excellence Award in 1992 for "Leadership in the Development of an Environmentally Responsible Perfluorocarbons Policy for DuPont". Perfluorocarbon (PFC) gases are anthropogenic and have high global warming potential combined with long atmospheric lifetimes. His efforts enabled inter-industry understanding of this global issue, and quietly led to consensus within allied industries to proactively develop similar environmental policies regarding these chemicals. His professional works are maintained by the Hagley Museum and Library in Delaware.