In 1932, the Priestley Medal was awarded to Charles L. Parsons by the American Chemical Society “to recognize distinguished services to chemistry,” the Society’s most prestigious award.

Parsons became a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 1896 when he attended the World Congress of Chemists. In 1919, Parsons became full-time executive secretary of the ACS and chief administrative officer in charge of its day-to-day operations. A position he held until he retired on December 31, 1945.