The Story of the Southeastern Corrosion Short Course

The Southeastern Corrosion Short Course began with a simple idea: the Southeast needed its own regional training program focused on corrosion control and cathodic protection. In 2023, an early effort by Craig Stallings and Greg Alexander explored creating a formal associates program with a local technical college. Although that plan did not move forward, it confirmed something important. There was a strong demand for accessible, high quality corrosion education in the southeastern United States.

Rather than abandon the concept, the focus shifted toward building an independent short course modeled after successful programs in other regions. Drawing on more than three decades of experience with the Indiana Underground Corrosion Short Course and involvement with the Appalachian Underground Corrosion Short Course, Greg Alexander helped shape the framework for what would become the SECSC.

With additional volunteers stepping forward, the first board was formed with Greg Alexander as Chair, Craig Stallings as Treasurer, Felix Enriquez as Vice Chair, and Christiane Lederer as Secretary. Soon after, Tish Edmondson and Andrea Hunter joined the effort and played key roles in recruiting sponsors and exhibitors. Support from the AMPP Georgia Chapter was also instrumental in turning the idea into a functioning program.

From the beginning, the mission of the SECSC has been to provide practical education and meaningful networking for professionals seeking greater knowledge in corrosion control, cathodic protection, coatings, and related disciplines.

The First Year: 2024

The first annual Southeastern Corrosion Short Course was held May 21 through 23, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw, Georgia. The inaugural event was supported by twelve founding sponsors and featured three instructional tracks: Basic Corrosion, Intermediate Corrosion, and Special Topics.

Industry professionals stepped forward to serve as track chairs and reviewers, ensuring the technical quality of the program. Attendance exceeded expectations, with more than 100 technicians registered and dozens of companies participating as exhibitors and sponsors.

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many noted both the strength of the technical content and the value of bringing together professionals from across the region. The success of the first year also revealed an important lesson: the program had outgrown its original venue and would need to expand.

In addition to classroom instruction, the first SECSC included social and community focused events. A cornhole tournament provided a relaxed setting for networking, and the program partnered with the AMPP Georgia Chapter to host its second Sporting Clay Shoot Scholarship Fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Chapter’s scholarship program.

Following the 2024 event, Kirsten Winters joined the board as Treasurer, continuing the leadership transition as the organization matured. CEM Solutions supported the early growth of the program through event planning, registration services, and development of the SECSC website and logo.

Growth and Expansion: 2025

The second annual SECSC was held March 23 through 26, 2025, at the Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel and Conference Center. Building on the success of the first year, the program expanded its technical offerings to include Practical Application, Advanced Corrosion, and a Rectifier course in addition to the original tracks.

Attendance and industry participation continued to grow. More than 140 technicians registered, and over 50 companies exhibited at the event. Sponsorship increased as well, including support from operating companies and a platinum sponsor.

The SECSC also took an important step forward in 2025 by adding a community service project to the program. Volunteers worked alongside a local high school cross country team to help install sod on their track, reflecting the organization’s commitment to giving back to the communities that host the event.

The cornhole competition returned as a popular social activity, reinforcing one of the program’s core values: technical excellence paired with personal connection.

After the 2025 event, Matt Bradberry was elected Treasurer, following the completion of Craig Stallings’ term in that role. The board recognized Craig’s contributions during the formative years of the organization and his continued support as the SECSC moves forward.

Event planning and coordination for the 2025 program were supported by Nikki Frost of ANGA and Sandra Geiger of Conference Direct.

Looking Ahead

What began as an idea has quickly grown into a regional forum for learning, collaboration, and professional development. The Southeastern Corrosion Short Course continues to evolve, guided by the same purpose that inspired its creation: to serve the corrosion community of the Southeast with high quality education and a strong professional network.

Each year builds on the last, shaped by the instructors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who make the SECSC possible.