PPI Announces Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, announced the most recent recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Award, Steve Sandstrum and Dean Jenne. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing the plastic piping industry. Both Sandstrum and Jenne have served in voluntary positions at the association for several decades.
Steve Sandstrum: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
With more than 40 years of experience in the PE, PP, and PEX pipe and resin industries, Steve Sandstrum has been a driving force in shaping the future of plastic piping. He began his career as a Plant Engineer at Phillips Driscopipe in Williamstown, Kentucky, and most recently retired from Borealis earlier in 2025. He now serves as president of Sandstrum Consulting Services, LLC, continuing to share his expertise with the industry.
Sandstrum’s leadership and service have included:
- Serving on the PPI Board of Directors, including roles as Chair and Division Chair
- Serving as President of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) and on its Board of Directors
- Playing a pivotal role in launching the PPI Sustainability Committee in 2020
- Contributing to countless task groups and committees within PPI
- Serving on the Board of Directors for ASTM International
- and now currently serving as Chairman of ASTM F17 Committee on Plastic Piping Systems
“Steve’s technical contributions, leadership, and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the industry and its standards,” stated PPI President David M. Fink when presenting the award at the group’s semi-annual meeting in October 2025,
Dean Jenne: A Career of Dedication and Technical Excellence
Dean Jenne retired from SACO AEI Polymers at the end of 2025, concluding a distinguished career that spanned more than three decades. From his early work at Bow Plastics (1992–1996), a manufacturer of CPVC and PEX, to his tenure at SACO AEI Polymers (2005–2025), a leading producer of PEX compounds, Dean has been a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration in the plastic piping industry.
Jenne’s contributions include:
- More than 30 years of active participation in PPI’s Building & Construction Division (BCD), particularly within the Hydronic Technical Division (HTD)
- Service on the BCD Management Committee from 2012 to 2014
- Technical leadership in 25 successful BCD R&D projects between 2010 and 2024, where he contributed valued expertise and product knowledge
- Longstanding membership in ASTM Technical Committees D20 (Plastics), E05 (Fire Standards), and F17 (Plastic Piping Systems) since approximately 1994
- More than 25 years of service on the CSA B137 Plastic Pressure Piping Technical Committee, including as Chair from 1996 to 1998
PPI President David M. Fink said, “Dean’s deep technical knowledge, collaborative spirit, and dedication to standards development have made him a respected leader and mentor across the industry.”
“Steve and Dean exemplify the values and vision of PPI,” Fink continued. “Their contributions have not only advanced our industry but have also inspired generations of professionals. We are honored to recognize their achievements with this award.”
Founded in 1950, PPI represents the plastic pipe industry across North America and is recognized for its leadership in research, standards development, advocacy, and education. During the decades, PPI has played a pivotal role in advancing modern infrastructure by promoting the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of plastic piping systems. The PPI staff is supported by more than 200 member companies along with hundreds of dedicated volunteers who work on task groups, technical and marketing-support committees, sharing ideas and experiences. PPI has five application-focused divisions — Building & Construction, Drainage, Energy Piping Systems, Municipal & Industrial, and Power & Communications, plus the Hydrostatic Stress Board, which conducts rigorous evaluations to establish pressure ratings, develop testing methodologies, and ensure the long-term reliability and safety of plastic piping systems.
For more information about the PPI visit www.plasticpipe.org.
