QualiChem aims to be a global leader for metalworking fluids across a variety of industries, including aerospace, medical, and semiconductor. To help achieve this goal, we recently welcomed a new addition to the team, Ann Ball.

Since August 1988, Ann Ball has made an entire career serving the metalworking fluids industry through safety and regulatory compliance. Ann began her career with QualiChem as Regulatory Affairs Manager in the summer of 2022, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

A Look into Regulatory Affairs at QualiChem

“You can be an experienced regulatory person, but it’s very hard to know everything about everything. You must know how to find the information and resources to be able to provide the answers to the questions you’re asked. You must be curious and willing to learn at least a little bit about many things,” Ann says.

In her role at QualiChem, Ann is responsible for a wide range of regulatory compliance activities, including ensuring that QualiChem’s products comply with relevant regulations and standards, providing guidance and support to other teams in the company, and monitoring regulatory changes that could impact the business. “Regulatory affairs plays into every part of the business,” Ann mentions. It is safe to say the regulatory affairs department is a fundamentally important piece of how QualiChem functions.

Before Joining the QualiChem Team

Thanks to her extensive experience in the industry, Ann is a true expert in navigating the complex regulatory landscape that governs the industry. She has worked with numerous regulatory agencies, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and understands their requirements and expectations.

Before joining QualiChem, Ann had an extensive 34-year background with Cincinnati Milacron, beginning her career there in the laboratory. Over the years, she completed various projects, most connected to various aspects of quality, environment, health, safety, and regulatory issues.

During her tenure in the industry, Ann has had many opportunities to flex her knowledge in the lubricants industry, including recently being named the President of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA). “My mom and dad instilled a strong work ethic. Always strive to do your best, complete what you start, and give back in any way you can for the blessings you have been given.”

Ann’s passion for helping others through processes and science stems all the way back to her beginning. “While my degree in animal science and agriculture may seem unconnected to the industry, it is relevant since my degree is heavily weighted in science. Also, believe it or not, agriculture-related raw materials, such as tallow and vegetable-based oils, are used in the lubricants industry.”

A Fluid Culture at QualiChem

Culture is an important piece of the puzzle for Ann Ball. “QualiChem’s culture fits with what is important to me. They are a growing company that maintains a family-like atmosphere where people care about one another. Companies have to make money, but it’s crucial in that process that the company doesn’t lose sight of the team that gets the job done in a quality, efficient way.” This ethos of mutual respect and helping one another is important for maintaining a supportive work environment at QualiChem.

One of Ann’s favorite things about her job is that it always keeps her on her toes. “I’m always learning something,” Ann says. “The world of regulatory is always in constant change, especially when you’re dealing with tasks on a global basis. Every government body does things in its own way. It impacts how we think and how we do business.”

When she’s not overseeing regulatory affairs at QualiChem, Ann blows off steam in a variety of ways. Since she was a child, Ann has had a passion for volunteering. Currently, she serves as President of ILMA and has been a 4H advisor for over 40 years. Ann lives on her family’s farm, where she likes to spend time tending to the family garden and her cattle.

She also she raises and shows Dalmatians, a hobby she’s had since childhood. Her passion for Dalmatians made it an easy decision for her to volunteer, fundraise, and serve on the board of the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, which raises money for research into canine diseases. Ann sits on many boards, one of which is her alma mater Ohio State University.
In 2003, she was awarded the Ralph Davenport Mershon Award for Distinguished Service to the University.

Ann is a passionate advocate for regulatory compliance and takes great pride in ensuring that QualiChem operates with the highest levels of integrity and transparency. She is a strong communicator, an exceptional problem-solver, and a true team player, working collaboratively with other teams in the company to ensure that we are meeting our regulatory obligations. We are incredibly fortunate to have Ann on our team at QualiChem, and we look forward to the many contributions she will make in the years to come.