I am pleased to announce that effective Monday, August 3, 2026, Terran E. Bergdale, Ph.D., joined IWDC, reporting to me as Vice President, Gas Programs. In this role, Terran will be responsible for driving profitable growth and delivering value to participating IWDC Members. Terran will transition the leadership of the gas program with Rich Mansmann for the balance of 2026, after which time Rich will continue to work for the IWDC in a limited role as Gas Technologies Fellow.
Terran comes to IWDC from Meritus Gas Partners, where she was Director of Quality (Specialty & Medical Gases). Prior to Meritus, she served as VP, Operations & Gas Technologies at A-OX Welding Supply and Quality Control Manager at Absolute Air. Terran progressed through leadership roles during her decade at A-OX Welding Supply after starting their very successful specialty gases business in 2014. She has served as Chair of our PurityPlus® program Training Committee (2015–2025) and as a Member of the GAWDA Safety Committee (2019–2025).
Terran holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, an M.S. in Materials Engineering and Science, and a B.S. in Chemistry, all from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Terran resides in Rapid City, South Dakota, and has dedicated her career to advancing specialty, industrial, and medical gas programs through leadership in operations, quality systems, training, and technical innovation.
Please join me in welcoming her to IWDC.
Frank Kasnick
President & CEO
Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative
317-562-1483
frank@iwdc.coop