ILMA Honors Julie Thomas of Master Fluids & Luc Girard of Sanjuaro Consulting with the John A. Bellanti Award
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) honored Julie Thomas and Luc Girard with its prestigious John A. Bellanti Award during the 2026 ILMA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Bellanti Award recognizes prolonged service and outstanding achievement by an ILMA member representative or an individual serving ILMA and the industry. Originally known as the Distinguished Service Award, it was renamed in 2004 to honor the legacy of ILMA Past President John A. Bellanti of Battenfeld Grease & Oil Corporation of N.Y.
Julie Thomas
Thomas, retired global director of environmental, health and safety at Perrysburg-based Master Fluid Solutions, spent more than 30 years with the company before retiring in 2024. She joined Master Fluid Solutions in 1993 in a technical service role and advanced through environmental, health and safety positions to lead regulatory compliance, product stewardship and workplace safety across the company’s global operations.
A Bowling Green State University graduate with a degree in environmental policy and analysis, Thomas also reported to the company’s board of directors on EHS matters and oversaw areas including GHS compliance and government-agency coordination.
Earlier in her career, she provided technical support through laboratory analysis, field troubleshooting and customer site visits. At one customer facility, Thomas worked with an industrial hygienist to address employee skin irritation and air-quality concerns, beginning a relationship that continued for more than 20 years.
“Julie has an extraordinary depth of expertise in environmental, health and safety, particularly in product stewardship and site safety,” said Dean Froney of Master Fluid Solutions. “She is an outstanding problem solver and someone you want involved when a difficult or urgent situation arises.”
Thomas also served for decades on ILMA’s Metalworking Fluids and Safety, Health, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs committees and held leadership roles with the Metalworking Fluids Committee, including secretary, vice chair and chair.
Her impact also extended to mentoring others in the industry. Ann Ball, who worked alongside Thomas through ILMA committees and task forces, cited Thomas’ guidance of professionals entering regulatory affairs, health and safety as one of her most important contributions.
“People coming to me with questions is what matters the most,” Thomas said. “If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find someone who does.”
Luc Girard
A chemist by training, Girard spent 17 years with Petro-Canada Lubricants in roles spanning research and development, technical sales and industry liaison. During that time, he served as chair and vice chair of the API Lubricants Group and represented Petro-Canada in SAE and ASTM activities.
That experience positioned Girard well for his work with ILMA. At the Annual Meeting, he concluded nearly 12 years of service to the Association, first focusing on the Ethics testing program before expanding into technical and standards-setting activities. He has advocated for ILMA members at roughly 20 industry meetings each year.
“ILMA could never reasonably dedicate a staff person to attend that many technical and standards meetings,” said Jim Carroll, ILMA president, while presenting the award. “But because of Luc, ILMA has a consistent voice at those tables — and, just as importantly, the interests of independent lubricant manufacturers are represented.”
Girard has also played an important role in ILMA’s ethics work. He has joked that people do not necessarily want to “hang out with the sheriff,” but his willingness to tackle difficult issues fairly and consistently has earned him the trust of ILMA members, staff and industry partners.
Girard described receiving the Bellanti Award as “extremely flattering.”
“I’ve tried to live up to the legacy of the people who came before me,” Girard said. “I’m grateful for the people who helped set me up for success.”
Girard is succeeded in his role by Mark Petit, an industry veteran with 35 years of experience, most recently with Evonik.
