Textual note taken from Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) on Sep 22, 2025
Washington, DC – September 22, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, congratulates Paul N. Chang on his appointment as Director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight (CPO), effective today.
Housed within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the CPO is critical in safeguarding military assets’ operational readiness and longevity by developing policy, allocating resources, and coordinating efforts across the services to mitigate corrosion-related risks. AMPP has proudly partnered with the CPO for more than two decades to advance a shared mission of reducing lifecycle costs, improving equipment availability, enhancing safety, and extending the service life of defense systems and infrastructure.
[post_relacionado]Corrosion threatens every aspect of military readiness, from aircraft and naval vessels to installations and weapons systems. That’s why the leadership of the CPO is so important. Paul Chang brings deep experience, a collaborative mindset, and proven leadership to the role. His appointment signals the Department’s continued commitment to ensuring corrosion prevention remains a national defense priority, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance that mission.
said AMPP CEO Alan Thomas.
Mr. Chang’s appointment reflects a shared commitment to advancing corrosion prevention through strategic partnerships and technical excellence.
I’m honored to take on this role and build upon the strong legacy of the CPO office in advancing corrosion prevention across the Department of Defense. Collaboration with organizations like AMPP is vital to ensuring our workforce is equipped, our infrastructure is protected, and our mission readiness is sustained.
Mr. Chang said.
AMPP and the CPO have a longstanding partnership grounded in shared priorities. Over the years, the two have collaborated on standards development, workforce certification, technical training, and public policy initiatives to strengthen corrosion prevention across the defense enterprise. As part of this partnership, the CPO coordinates on-site AMPP-led courses for uniformed and civilian DoD personnel, ensuring that corrosion professionals throughout the military are trained to the highest standards of materials protection and performance.
In support of the CPO’s broader mission, AMPP has also helped lead key initiatives such as the DoD Corrosion Prevention Technology and Innovation Symposium, which it administered on behalf of the Department of Defense. The biennial event convenes government, industry, and academic leaders to advance innovation, share best practices, and align corrosion prevention strategies across the defense enterprise.
Mr. Chang, who previously served as CPO Program Manager, is a seasoned logistics and policy expert with over 30 years of military and federal government experience. He holds a master’s degree in public policy with a focus on Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics from George Mason University, and is certified in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt) and Project Management (PMP).
“The CPO has long been one of our most effective and forward-looking federal partners,” said Jennifer Merck, AMPP’s Vice President of Maritime. “Paul understands the real-world implications of corrosion and the importance of strategic partnerships. He’s exactly the kind of leader who will strengthen the ties between the Department of Defense and the materials performance community.”
For more information about AMPP’s advocacy efforts and work advancing corrosion mitigation in defense and beyond, please visit: Government Affairs – AMPP.
ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 37,500 members in over 150 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Source and photo: AMPP