Tim O’Bryan, Co-President of O’Bryan Barrel Company and former Chair of the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association, has been selected by his industry peers to receive the 2025 Morris Hershson Award of Merit. Mr. O’Bryan will be given the award at the Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort Hotel on October 16, 2025, during the association’s Annual Conference. RIPA presents the prestigious award to an individual for “distinguished and longstanding service” to the reusable industrial packaging industry.

The Morris Hershson Award of Merit commemorates Mr. Hershson who was president of RIPA (then called the National Barrel and Drum Association) for 35 years. Mr. Hershson is credited with developing the association into a leading advocate for the reconditioning industry in North America and around the world.

Tim O’Bryan has been deeply engaged in association activities for decades, and his impact on the group has been significant. He has been a member of the RIPA Board of Directors since 2016, leading to his election as Association Chair in 2022. During his tenure, Tim helped guide the association through one of its most worrying crises, the battle against U.S. Environmental Protection Agency efforts to impose restrictive operating regulations on reconditioning companies. Also, Tim played a leading role in RIPA’s successful effort to obtain authorization from the Department of Transportation to recondition 10/8/10 steel drums. More recently, under Tim’s leadership, O’Bryan Barrel became the first company to obtain a Special Permit from DOT to forego the annual design-type re-test period for steel drums. Tim currently serves as RIPA International Committee Chair and is a member of the RIPA planning committee for the 2026 International Conference on Industrial Packaging.

“Every RIPA member knows and appreciates the work Tim has done to better the association and the industry over the years,” says RIPA Chair and colleague, Eric Bernath. “Tim has given tirelessly of his time and energy to ensure that RIPA serves the interests of all members. In my opinion, there is no more deserving recipient of this honor than Tim O’Bryan.”

Reusable Industrial Packaging Association
150 South St. Suite 103-B
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
301-577-3786
www.reusablepackaging.org