ILMA Honors Julie Thomas and Luc Girard with John A. Bellanti Awards
Industry recognition · ILMA 2026 Annual Meeting
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) presented its John A. Bellanti Award to two recipients—Julie Thomas, formerly of Master Fluid Solutions, and Luc Girard of Sanjuro Consulting Inc.—at the association’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 19.
2026 Bellanti Award recipient
Julie Thomas
Formerly of Master Fluid Solutions
Thomas, of Maumee, Ohio, retired in 2024 after more than 30 years with Master Fluid Solutions, most recently serving as global director of environmental, health and safety. She joined the company in 1993 in a technical service role and advanced through environmental, health and safety positions, helping guide regulatory compliance, product stewardship, and workplace safety across the company’s operations.
A Bowling Green State University graduate with a degree in environmental policy and analysis, Thomas built her career at the intersection of manufacturing, worker safety, and environmental compliance. Early in her tenure, she analyzed fluid samples, troubleshot technical problems, and visited customer facilities—experiences that later helped her connect complex health and safety requirements with the practical realities of manufacturing operations.
Colleagues highlighted both her technical expertise and her willingness to mentor others. “Julie has an extraordinary depth of expertise in environmental, health and safety, particularly in product stewardship and site safety,” said Dean Froney of Master Fluid Solutions. “She is an outstanding problem solver and someone you want involved when a difficult or urgent situation arises.”
Thomas also devoted decades of service to ILMA, serving on the Metalworking Fluids and Safety, Health, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs committees. She held several leadership roles on the Metalworking Fluids Committee, including secretary, vice chair, and chair. Reflecting on her career, she said, “People coming to me with questions is what matters the most. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does.”
2026 Bellanti Award recipient
Luc Girard
Sanjuro Consulting Inc.
Girard, of Ontario, Canada, was recognized for nearly 12 years of service to ILMA. He began primarily with the association’s Ethics testing program and later expanded his work to represent independent lubricant manufacturers in technical and standards-setting activities. He currently participates in approximately 20 industry meetings annually, providing a consistent voice for independent manufacturers in discussions that can directly affect their businesses.
A chemist by training, Girard spent 17 years with Petro-Canada Lubricants in roles spanning research and development, technical sales, and industry liaison. He served as chair and vice chair of the American Petroleum Institute’s Lubricants Group and represented Petro-Canada in SAE and ASTM activities. His technical experience includes base oils, process oils, hydraulic oils, automatic transmission fluids, gear oils, and passenger car engine oils.
His background also enables him to represent smaller independent lubricant manufacturers in technical and standards discussions where they may lack the personnel or resources to participate directly.
“ILMA could never reasonably dedicate a staff person to attend that many technical and standards meetings,” said ILMA President Jim Carroll while presenting the award. “But because of Luc, ILMA has a consistent voice at those tables. He has also handled difficult ethics work with fairness, consistency and integrity, earning the respect of ILMA members, our staff and our industry partners.”
Girard described the recognition as “extremely flattering” and acknowledged the contributions of those who preceded him and supported his work. “I've tried to live up to the legacy of the people who came before me,” he said. “I'm grateful for the people who helped set me up for success.”