Michelman appoints chief science and sustainability officer

Michelman has appointed Dr. Portia Yarborough as chief science and sustainability officer (CSSO), effective February 6, 2023. 

Yarborough is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience creating value at DuPont. She has expertise in delivering innovative solutions using high-performance engineered materials, elastomers, composites, and sealing technologies. Yarborough has helped customers excel in a diverse range of markets including aerospace, electronics, and protective apparel. She has a track record of building and delivering innovation pipelines to sustain growth of multimillion-dollar portfolios. Yarborough is a strategic change champion with a strong focus on differentiated risk management, sustainability, and innovating safer by design.  

Rick Michelman, president and CEO at Michelman, stated: ‘We are delighted to welcome Portia to our team. Her leadership expertise and industry knowledge will help us accelerate our sustainability initiatives throughout Michelman and the industries we serve. Her passion for community and professional involvement – from advocating for trails and scenic byways with Delaware Greenways to sparking curiosity with educational experiences through Hope Academy Fund – aligns perfectly with Michelman’s values of focusing on people and communities. We are very excited to see how Portia will serve as a catalyst for Michelman’s continued growth as a sustainability leader.’  

Yarborough added: ‘I am thrilled to join the executive leadership team at Michelman and look forward to working with talented team members to create a positive impact on the triple bottom line - people, planet and profit. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply my experience and help advance Michelman’s efforts of Innovating A Sustainable Future.’