Mitchell Koppelman

Mitchell Koppelman, of Sanibel Island, Florida, and Seaside Park, New Jersey, earned a doctorate in chemistry from Virginia Tech in 1976, specializing in mineral surface chemistry. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Stony Brook University. Koppelman holds several mineral-related patents and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

With more than 36 years in the industrial minerals field, Koppelman served as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI), a global leader in calcium carbonate, bentonite, and refractory products. He worked closely with the CEO to develop corporate strategy, led mergers and acquisitions, and oversaw key strategic initiatives. Earlier, Koppelman held leadership roles in research and development, marketing, and technical services, including North American Business Director for MTI’s largest segment. He also spent 14 years with the Georgia Kaolin Company.

Now retired, Koppelman consults in technical, marketing, and business management for mineral producers and users of mineral and inorganic chemical products. He is also engaged in local politics in Seaside Park and Sanibel and has served on the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s Board of Trustees since 2015, where he was recently elected chairman. Koppelman is a long-time member of the College of Science Roundtable Advisory Board and the Department of Chemistry Advisory Council. He is also a member of Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim Society and 1872 Society. Together with his wife, he established the Kelly Seibert and Tani Koppelman Family Scholarship in memory of their daughters.