David Green – Allegheny Coatings

For nearly four decades, Allegheny Coatings has been a pioneering force in the metal protection industry, providing state-of-the-art solutions catering to various industrial needs. As a family-owned business, Allegheny Coatings has built a solid reputation with its specialized offerings, including zinc-flake coatings, dry-film lubricants, high-temperature-resistant coatings, and other finishes. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has driven its remarkable expansion from one facility to five locations across multiple states, doubling its workforce and revenue.

David Green | Allegheny Coatings | General Counsel, Sr. HR Director, and Head of Total Rewards

At the heart of this extraordinary growth is David Green, the general counsel, senior HR director and head of total rewards at Allegheny Coatings. Green’s multifaceted role is crucial to navigating the complexities of a rapidly expanding business and ensuring its continued success. His responsibilities span a broad spectrum, from legal oversight to human resources and employee benefits, and each plays a vital role in supporting the company’s ambitious goals.

“At Allegheny Coatings, our commitment to innovation and quality drives everything we do. My work is dedicated to supporting our remarkable growth and ensuring we continue to lead the industry with excellence,” Green says.

Legal oversight and strategic projects

Green’s legal expertise encompasses a wide range of functions, including managing contracts, agreements, litigation, product issues, and employment law. His role as general counsel involves crafting and negotiating customized commercial contracts that safeguard the company’s interests and foster strong client relationships. This includes ensuring that all agreements, whether about terms and conditions, master service agreements or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), are meticulously reviewed and aligned with the company’s operational goals.

One of Green’s significant achievements in this area is developing a self-funded consortium model for employee healthcare. By partnering with other similar-sized companies, Green has been able to negotiate better prices and secure a surplus if the company’s claims are lower than anticipated. This innovative approach has resulted in an average surplus of 20%, translating to substantial cost savings and improved financial performance. The model enhances employee benefits and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.

Green has also managed Allegheny Coatings’ property and casualty insurance portfolio. His strategic approach ensures that liability coverage aligns with commercial policies, protecting in the event of significant issues such as product recalls or quality concerns. This proactive management helps mitigate financial risks and supports the company’s resilience in the face of potential challenges.

“I believe in building strong, mutually beneficial relationships through meticulous contract management and innovative solutions. Our self-funded healthcare model provides exceptional benefits for our employees and ensures our financial stability. It’s all about aligning our legal and financial strategies to support our company’s growth and safeguard our interests,” Green says.

HR leadership and innovative solutions

In his role, Green has overseen developing and implementing modern HR practices and policies. One of his notable achievements is the design and deployment of a state-of-the-art HRIS system tailored specifically to Allegheny Coatings. This system integrates seamlessly with the company’s existing infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and providing valuable insights into employee management.

Green’s leadership in HR extends to the Total Rewards program, where he has spearheaded initiatives to improve employee benefits and compensation. His focus on creating a self-funded healthcare model is a prime example of his commitment to offering superior benefits while controlling costs. Green’s efforts ensure that Allegheny Coatings remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

Green’s influence also extends to the company’s culture and employee engagement. His approach to recruiting and retention emphasizes the importance of a positive work environment and a high-performance culture. By fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, Green helps attract talented individuals aligned with the company’s values and goals.

His efforts include revamping internal compensation policies and benefits packages to align with the company’s continuous innovation and high-quality service mission. Green’s focus on maintaining a quality workplace environment and ensuring employee satisfaction is central to Allegheny Coatings’ success and growth.

Path to leadership

Green’s rise at Allegheny Coatings reflects his dedication to legal expertise and employee well-being. With a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a background in Crime, Law, and Justice from Penn State University, Green’s career has focused on helping others navigate complex challenges.

Starting as a legal administrative manager at Allegheny Coatings in April 2012, Green oversaw HR and legal functions, establishing modern HR practices that paved the way for the company’s growth. His ability to simplify legal jargon and provide practical advice made him a key resource for the company and its employees.

In January 2016, Green joined the executive leadership team as HR and legal director, guiding the company through a significant expansion from one location with 100 employees to five with over 200 employees. He also oversaw employee benefits, property, and casualty insurance, further enhancing his impact.

By July 2020, Green had advanced to his current role, managing all HR, legal, and total rewards functions across the enterprise. His skill in balancing legal compliance with business needs has become a hallmark of his leadership, driving employee engagement and ensuring the company’s profitability. Green’s commitment to making a difference at individual and organizational levels is evident in every aspect of his work.