The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) welcomed the appointment of Paul N. Chang as director of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight. The office, part of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, plays a key role in safeguarding military assets by developing policies, allocating resources and coordinating efforts to mitigate corrosion risks across the services.

AMPP and the CPO have partnered for more than two decades to strengthen corrosion prevention and asset integrity in the defense sector. Their collaboration spans standards development, workforce certification, technical training and public policy initiatives that extend the service life of defense systems and infrastructure.

“Corrosion threatens every aspect of military readiness, from aircraft and naval vessels to installations and weapons systems,” said AMPP CEO Alan Thomas. “Paul Chang brings deep experience, a collaborative mindset and proven leadership to the role. His appointment underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring corrosion prevention remains a national defense priority.”

Chang previously served as CPO program manager and has more than 30 years of military and federal government experience in logistics and policy. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University and certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt) and project management (PMP).

“I’m honored to take on this role and build upon the strong legacy of the CPO office in advancing corrosion prevention across the Department of Defense,” Chang said. “Collaboration with organizations like AMPP is vital to ensuring our workforce is equipped, our infrastructure is protected and our mission readiness is sustained.”

AMPP has also helped lead the DoD Corrosion Prevention Technology and Innovation Symposium, which brings together government, industry and academic leaders to share best practices and align strategies for corrosion mitigation.

“The CPO has long been one of our most effective and forward-looking federal partners,” said Jennifer Merck, AMPP vice president of maritime. “Paul understands the real-world implications of corrosion and the importance of strategic partnerships. He’s exactly the kind of leader who will strengthen the ties between the Department of Defense and the materials performance community.”

Learn more about developments in Corrosion Control.