The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has named James G Toscas president and chief executive officer, effective 15 December 2014.

For the past 11 years, Toscas served as president and CEO of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, and from 1998 to 2002, he was executive vice president and CEO at the American Concrete Institute (ACI). As a founder of the Concrete and Masonry-Related Associations, Toscas improved the collaboration of all industry allies and provided a forum for the establishment of a strategic roadmap for the entire concrete industry.

“Jim brings to PCA a wealth of skill and knowledge that will serve the association and membership well,” said Cary Cohrs, PCA’s immediate past Board of Directors chairman and chairman of the recruitment committee.

"PCA is a leader in the cement and concrete industry. It is an honour to safeguard that reputation while establishing the paths to move it towards new challenges and opportunities,² said Toscas.

Prior to joining ACI, Toscas was executive director and CEO of the American Nuclear Society.

Toscas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the University of Chicago, Illinois and a Masters of Science in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana.