Belden Brick’s Tann Joins ASTM International Board of Directors

Words: Dan KamysJames A. Tann, director of technical services for the Belden Brick Co. in Canton, Ohio, has been elected to the ASTM International board of directors for a three-year term. In his career, Tann has concentrated on the design of brick masonry structures as well as building codes and standards. He assumed his current role at Belden Brick, the largest family owned and managed brick company in the U.S., in 2014. Prior to that he was president of the Brick Institute’s Mid East Region for more 25 years. An ASTM fellow and Award of Merit recipient, Tann has been a member since 1988. He works on Committees C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units, serving as member at large on the executive subcommittees of both groups. The committees have recognized his work with awards like the C15 Alan H. Yorkdale Memorial Award and the C12 Honorary Membership Award. In addition to ASTM, Tann is a member of the American Institute of Architects — Ohio, the Brick Industry Association, and the Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. ASTM’s board of directors is made up of 25 leaders from an array of companies, associations and government bodies worldwide. Several members are based outside the United States. Learn more at www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/BOD.  
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More