3M congratulates Dale Kent‚ key account manager for 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid‚ on his new role as president of the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA). Dale joined FSSA in 2002 on the behalf of 3M‚ and immediately volunteered for a variety of committee projects. In 2007 Dale was elected to the association’s board of directors. He has served as secretary/treasurer and vice president before being elected president for 2013.
Dale started his 3M career in 1963 in Decatur‚ Alabama‚ his home state. After obtaining his Chemical Engineering degree‚ Dale moved to Minnesota in 1977 where he continues to reside today. Initially‚ he was responsible for developing UV resistance coating for 3M’s athletic surfacing. After successfully developing this business‚ Dale took on the responsibility of training installers on a global basis. In 1980 Dale joined the technical service group for 3M’s Light Water AFFF and subsequently served as technical manager and sales manager. With 3M’s invention of 3M™ Novec™ 1230 fluid and the decision to commercialize‚ Dale joined the group as sales manager in 2001 – a role he continues to hold today.
Dale and his wife Jeannie reside in Fridley‚ Minnesota. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Together they have attended most of the FSSA Annual Forums where they have made many friends. An intriguing fact that you don’t know about Dale is that he has had breakfast on two occasions with Elvis Presley. You will have to ask him how that came about.
