From Foundations to Frontlines: Adam’s Journey to Director of Engineering
When Adam walked across the graduation stage at Arizona State University, he had no idea the first job he accepted would become the foundation of a 22year career.
“Tessenderlo Kerley was my first job right out of college, and I jumped right in,” he said.
From day one, Adam was immersed in hands-on engineering. That early exposure set the tone for a career defined by growth and exploration.
After starting in plant engineering, Adam shifted into automation, expanding his skills beyond traditional engineering boundaries. “I then went to do more of a computer automation based role, so I learned a lot of electrical things such as instrumentation,” he said.
Adam’s willingness to take on new challenges led him to leadership roles, eventually culminating in his current position as Director of Engineering.
Looking back, Adam appreciates how Tessenderlo Kerley shaped his development by refusing to confine him to a narrow lane.
“When I first started as an engineer, no one said, ‘Hey, you're going to do only designing of reactors or pieces of equipment,’” he said. “I got to play the role of a plant engineer, get involved in the electrical side of things, and I got involved in the process side, managing projects. That provided a ton of experience outside of just one role.”
What keeps Adam energized after two-plus decades at Tessenderlo Kerley? The unpredictability that each day brings, and the important mission behind the work.
“You're never going to get bored. You never know what's going to come through the door,” he said. “And there's so much need throughout the world for food and growth. When I think about what's being put on the table not only for my family, but for families around the world, that gives me a purpose.”
For engineers considering Tessenderlo Kerley, Adam’s message is clear: this is a place to grow and build a career, just as he has.
“Tessenderlo Kerley is a great spot because you won't get pigeonholed into one little area,” he said. “We allow a lot of cross-pollination, if you will, across those disciplines, so you can grow as much as you want.”