Mr. Gundlach was born on July 23, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from St. Martin’s Protestant Episcopal High School in June 1954, and from Tulane University in June 1958, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Mr. Gundlach entered the U.S. Air Force in December 1958, and in February 1959, he was assigned to the 310th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command at Schilling Air-Force Base, Salina, Kansas. From 1959 until May 1962, he served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In June 1962, Mr. Gundlach was employed by Shell Oil Company at the Norco Refinery as a mechanical equipment engineering specialist. In February 1965, he joined Canal Barge Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. The principal activities involved the transportation by barge of several hazardous chemicals and specialized petrochemicals. From 1970 until 1984, he served as a member of several regional and national Joint Industry and U.S. Coast Guard committees to enhance the safe transport and handling of Hazardous Cargoes, and to improve safety of navigation. Mr. Gundlach also served on the National River Academy Board of Directors for several years and as its Chairman for two years.
In March 1984, Mr. Gundlach joined The Laitram Corporation of New Orleans as their Licensing Manager. Later he became the Special Projects Manager and from 1987 through 1998, the Senior Design Engineer for the Intralox Division, manufacturers of plastic conveyor belts. He authored the initial Intralox Product Engineering Manual and Plastic Conveyor Belt Design Manual. Mr. Gundlach retired from Laitram at the end of 1998, but continues to serve as a Consultant.
Since 1978, Mr. Gundlach has served on the Board of Advisors to the Tulane University School of Engineering, and from 1988 to 1989, as its President. In 1989, and in 2000, he served on the Search Committees for the previous and current Deans of Engineering.
Professional Societies and Awards:
- Senior Member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Tau Beta Pi (Tulane)
- Omicron Delta Kappa (Tulane)
- William Benjamin Gregory Medal in Mechanical Engineering (Tulane)
- U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal
- 1990 Outstanding Alumnus Award of the Tulane School of Engineering
- 2000 St. Martin de Tours Award from St. Martin’s Episcopal School
Mr. Gundlach is a longtime member of the Vestry of Trinity Church of New Orleans and served as Junior Warden and as Senior Warden. He served as a member of the Boards of Directors for Kingsley House, the Louisiana Science and Nature Center, and the Longue Vue House and Gardens.
Mr. Gundlach is married to the former Susan Penick Jones and he has four children and eight grandchildren.
