Thaddius “Thad” Ratliff – Executive Background
Thaddius Ratliff is a dynamic chemical manufacturing leader whose career spans over 30 years, encompassing a broad spectrum of roles from lab analysis to senior director positions. His journey demonstrates a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility.
Foundation in Chemical Manufacturing
- Educational Foundation: Thad graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Chemistry, equipping him with a strong scientific and technical grounding.
- Career Arc: Over three decades, he has cultivated experience across diverse sectors—ranging from cement to cellulose acetate tow—climbing the ranks from lab analyst to leadership roles at companies such as Continental Carbon Company, Columbia Chemical Company, and a Fortune 500 chemical corporation.
- Operational Leadership: His management philosophy centers on hands-on leadership, fostering team engagement, promoting safety, and ensuring rigorous environmental compliance. Thad champions quality and innovation over mass production, advocating for operational models that prioritize sustainable improvements in safety, quality, and productivity.
Role with Prime Resources & International Leadership
- As CTO and Co-Founder of Prime Resources, Thad plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s technological strategy. He has traveled to multiple countries on behalf of Prime Resources to review emerging technologies, carefully verifying their conversion rates, operational efficiency, and compliance with U.S. environmental regulations.
- His global perspective and technical due diligence have been instrumental in ensuring that Prime Resources partners only with technologies that meet the company’s high standards for innovation, environmental responsibility, and scalability.
Commitment to Innovation & Team Building
- Guided by a philosophy that values innovation over volume, Thad has consistently driven forward-thinking practices within process-driven environments. This mindset has enabled him to develop cohesive teams united by safety and efficiency goals.
Service & Community Engagement
- Beyond his professional contributions, Thad actively supports his community—volunteering at the Theo Ratliff Activity Center and other organizations. His engagement reflects a commitment to giving back and sustaining social impact alongside his industrial leadership.
Executive Persona
Thad Ratliff exemplifies the modern CTO and co-founder who merges scientific expertise with strategic leadership. He is:
- A Chemistry Educated Technologist, grounded in rigorous scientific training.
- A Veteran Industrial Operator, experienced across multiple chemical sectors.
- A Global Technology Evaluator, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and innovation through international reviews.
- A Safety-First Innovator, leading through hands-on team engagement and prioritizing environmental and operational excellence.
- A Community-Minded Professional, devoted to supporting communal growth and empowerment.
