Thomas Connelly, Jr. was named the new executive director and chief executive officer of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Connelly was formerly with E.I. du Pont Nemours, joining in 1977 as a research engineer. Over the course of the next 36 years, he held various executive positions, leading businesses and operations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with special emphasis on developing markets. Upon retirement in 2014, Connelly was executive vice president and chief innovation officer of the company.

ACS is a congressionally chartered independent membership organization, representing professionals in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry. Currently, there are over 161,000 members worldwide. The society publishes journals and databases, organizes conferences and programs, and educates policy makers and the general public about the importance and benefits of chemistry.

Connelly holds a BSE in chemical engineering and an AB in economics, both received in 1974 from Princeton. As a Winston Churchill Scholar, he earned his Ph.D., also in chemical engineering, from Cambridge University.