We are proud to announce that Ben Black, Executive Vice President of Butler Gas Products Company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) as Vice President.
During the association’s 80th Annual Convention, held last week, First Past President Gary Halter introduced the 2025–2026 Slate of Officers, which includes this year’s new additions to the Board. Among them was one of our own, incoming Vice President Ben Black. The event brought together 919 attendees, including 236 distributors and 477 suppliers, all uniting under GAWDA’s mission to promote the safe operation and economic vitality of the gases and welding industry.
Ben joined the Butler Gas Family in early 2017, beginning his career in outside industrial gas sales as an Account Manager. He quickly embraced the gas industry’s breadth—from specialty gases to bulk distribution—earning promotions to Regional Sales Manager in 2018, Vice President of Sales in 2020, and Executive Vice President in 2023. In his current role, Ben drives sales growth, oversees operations, and leads the company’s business analysis and strategic development efforts.
An engaged GAWDA volunteer, Ben has been active in the association’s Member Services Committee for several years, and most recently chaired that committee prior to his election to the Board. His ongoing involvement underscores a genuine commitment to collaboration and advancement within the gases and welding community.
Butler Gas has been a proud GAWDA member since 1960, with a longstanding tradition of leadership and service to the industry. Chairman Jack Butler served as GAWDA President in 1993, and President and CEO Abydee Butler Moore led the association as President in 2020 and 2021. This enduring engagement reflects a cornerstone of the Butler Gas model: to invest in and strengthen the associations that sustain our industry’s future.
Ben’s appointment continues that legacy of industry stewardship, bringing his experience, passion, and strategic insight to help guide GAWDA and support the success of independent distributors nationwide.
Please join us in congratulating Ben on this well-deserved recognition and leadership milestone.
