BIOGRAPHY

Ryan joined CRU in 2018 and is now the editor of the Steel Sheet Monitor. He also forecasts North American prices, production, demand, and trade for sheet and plate products in CRU's Steel Sheet and Plate Market Outlooks.

Ryan has eight years of experience in steel market analytics, covering markets from steel metallics, steel long products, stainless steel, and now steel sheet and plate markets. Prior to joining CRU, he covered a variety of local North American scrap markets at Argus Media.

He holds a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and an MA in Energy Politics in Eurasia from European University located in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation. Ryan is based in Denver, Colorado.

BIOGRAPHY

Alexandra Anderson is a Senior Steel Analyst and currently covers long products and metallics for North America. 

She joined CRU in 2016 and was responsible for assessing US ferroalloys market. Alexandra also facilitated the price assessment, short-term market analysis, and editorial components of the prices service.

Prior to CRU, she covered Bulk Ferroalloys and Chrome at Asian Metal and worked for several years in the insurance industry. Alexandra graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ball State University in the US in 2010 with dual degrees in Journalism and Spanish.

BIOGRAPHY

Brian joined the consulting division in April 2023, based in Pittsburgh.

Before coming to CRU, he spent over thirty years at United States Steel (USS), where he worked in various roles, including R&D, IT/ERP, Business Planning, Supply Chain, Marketing, Economics and Revenue Management.

Most of his time was spent in Pittsburgh, with a stint in Košice, Slovakia, to migrate the North American business planning systems to USS Europe. Brian was the USS representative to the American Iron and Steel Association (AISI), where he was chair of the commercial marketing committee, and the Worldsteel Association, where he was on the Economic and Economic Forecasting committees. Before U. S. Steel, Brian worked at Alcoa in the R&D function.

Brian holds an MS in Industrial Engineering and Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science, all from the University of Pittsburgh.

BIOGRAPHY

As the Vice President of Sales for the Americas, Aaron Pollock is responsible for regional business development across the continents.

He leads the regional sales team, supporting CRU's customers through identifying solutions and driving commercial value.

Aaron is passionate about helping customers make important business decisions with the support of CRU’s portfolio of services and global team of analysts and consultants.

Prior to joining CRU in 2014, Aaron held several managerial roles with American Metal Market. He excelled on both the events and sales teams with roles including Logistics Manager, Conference Program Manager, and Key Account Manager.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

David Stickler serves as Hybar’s chief executive officer. Hybar was formed in August 2023 when the company closed on the $700 million of financing necessary to build a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable scrap metal recycling steel rebar mill in northeast Arkansas.

Dave also serves as senior managing partner of Global Principal Partners. Dave and his partners formed Global Principal Partners more than two decades ago to provide capital raising services and to facilitate the investment of the partnership’s capital in metals related greenfield and expansion projects. Throughout his career, Dave has invested in, structured and raised billions of dollars of capital for numerous high-profile steel projects, including a number of greenfield mini mill projects in North America and Asia. In addition to providing and raising capital for projects, Dave frequently provides ongoing management assistance to the projects Global Principal Partners invests in.

BIOGRAPHY

Barry was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario.

He received his early education in Windsor and later attended York University in Toronto, Ontario. His University education was interrupted in 1986 with the sudden passing of his father, the late Harry Zekelman, when the ownership of Atlas Tube Inc. was assumed by Barry and his two brothers.  Atlas Tube has grown from $1.5m in revenue in 1986 to over $1.2B by 2006.

In October 2006, John Maneely Company, a maker of steel tubing that was owned by private-equity giant Carlyle Group announced a merger with Atlas Tube Inc. creating the largest independent tubing company in North America.   In March of 2011 the Zekelman’s’ purchased back Carlye’s 55% interest in JMC. Then, in June of 2016 the company was renamed Zekelman Industries.

Today, Zekelman Industries, the parent of Atlas Tube, American Tube, Wheatland Tube, Western Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma and Z modular produces over 2.4 million steel tons per year in 19 plants, manufactures and builds over 1500 multifamily residential apartments thru Z modular and employs over 2900 people throughout the United States and Canada. Zekelman Industries maintains the #1 market position in North America in HSS, Standard pipe, Electrical conduit and Electrical fittings, with sales in excess of $5B annually. Barry is currently the Chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries and is responsible for taking the company to new heights.  

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland with an office in Orlando, Florida.  The firm provides strategic analytical services to energy suppliers, law firms, medical systems, government agencies, and real estate developers among others.  

In 2014, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed Dr. Basu as Chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission (2014-2021). Dr. Basu serves as Chairman of the Baltimore County Economic Advisory Committee.  He also serves the chief economist function for Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Financial Management Association, the Modular Building Institute, the Maryland Bankers Association, the International Food Distributors Association, and several others.  

He has taught at several universities, most frequently at the Johns Hopkins University.  He currently teaches History of Economic Thought at Goucher College as their Distinguished Economist in Residence.    

In 2007, 2016, and 2022, the Daily Record newspaper selected Dr. Basu as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010.  

Dr. Basu is currently on the boards of the University of Maryland School of Law, St. Mary’s College, the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University System of Maryland Foundation, the Lyric Opera House, and the Center Club. He is also on Truist Bank’s advisory board.  

Dr. Basu earned his B.S. in Foreign Service at Georgetown University.  He earned his Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and his Master’s in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.  He acquired his Juris Doctor at the University of Maryland School of Law.  He completed his doctoral work at UMBC with a concentration in health economics.

BIOGRAPHY

Rich Wrightington is the Executive Director -Sourcing for Metals, Plastics and Packaging at GE Appliances located in Louisville Kentucky. He is responsible for $1.3B in total direct spend and the associated commodity and supplier strategies in support of 8 Appliance manufacturing sites.

Rich started his 31-year career with GE Appliances in the Edison Engineering Program. For the first half of his career Rich held several roles of greater responsibility in Six Sigma and Manufacturing including Plant Manager – Dishwasher Operations. In 2005 Rich transitioned to Sourcing and has held various Executive Leadership Roles for Dishwasher, Laundry, Capital Equipment and currently Metals, Plastics and Packaging.          

Rich attended the University of Louisville and graduated with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering in 1991 and received his Masters in Industrial Engineering from UofL in 1992.    

BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Alexandra Anderson is a Senior Steel Analyst and currently covers long products and metallics for North America. 

She joined CRU in 2016 and was responsible for assessing US ferroalloys market. Alexandra also facilitated the price assessment, short-term market analysis, and editorial components of the prices service.

Prior to CRU, she covered Bulk Ferroalloys and Chrome at Asian Metal and worked for several years in the insurance industry. Alexandra graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ball State University in the US in 2010 with dual degrees in Journalism and Spanish.

BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Dempsey is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Iron and Steel Institute, a leading advocacy group representing electric arc furnace and integrated American steel producers. He previously served as senior vice president of public policy and general counsel to the Institute during which AISI achieved landmark policy successes on trade, tax and infrastructure, and successfully showcased the steel industry’s sustainability accomplishments.

Mr. Dempsey is well known in industry and trade circles, on Capitol Hill and by government officials in the U.S. and globally. He is a regular speaker at industry, policy and media events, and has been featured in dozens of national, regional and trade media. Before joining AISI, Mr. Dempsey led numerous international trade cases on behalf of American steel producers and other U.S. industries and served as a legal counsel in the U.S. Senate. 

BIOGRAPHY

Philip K. Bell is president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, the largest steel industry association in North America when it comes to the number, capacity, production, investment, workforce and economic impact of its members. 

Phil previously served as director of external communications and public affairs for Gerdau Long Steel North America. He has held executive-level positions with the SGL Carbon Group and Qualitech Steel Corp. 

He is a member of the International Trade Advisory Committee on Steel (ITAC 12), the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) and the Association of Iron & Steel Technology. 

Phil has a master’s degree in global strategic communications from the University of Florida.

BIOGRAPHY

Alan Price is a Partner at Wiley and Co-Chair of the firm's International Trade Practice where he represents numerous steel producers on trade matters in the United States.

He has more than 30 years of experience representing clients in complex international trade regulatory matters and provides counsel on antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, bilateral and multilateral agreements, trade legislation, customs regulation, national security matters, trade-related climate change issues, and World Trade Organization dispute resolution.

He is known for achieving effective solutions to address challenges related to international competition.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Lewis Leibowitz practices international trade and Customs law. He has worked for international and domestic clients for more than 40 years, handling international trade matters involving US and international proceedings. In addition to handling disputes and trade litigation, Lewis advises foreign and domestic companies on trade opportunities and challenges in the United States and around the world.  He speaks frequently on international trade legal and policy issues and writes extensively on legal and policy issues.

Lewis handles trade issues involving the steel and automotive industries, textiles, energy, technology and many other areas of business. He provides strategic advice on political and legal issues involving trade. He has assisted clients affected, both favorably and unfavorably, by tariffs, quotas, international trade negotiations and agreements. He has handled many international disputes under WTO, USMCA and other bilateral and regional trade agreements.

BIOGRAPHY

Philip K. Bell is president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, the largest steel industry association in North America when it comes to the number, capacity, production, investment, workforce and economic impact of its members. 

Phil previously served as director of external communications and public affairs for Gerdau Long Steel North America. He has held executive-level positions with the SGL Carbon Group and Qualitech Steel Corp. 

He is a member of the International Trade Advisory Committee on Steel (ITAC 12), the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) and the Association of Iron & Steel Technology. 

Phil has a master’s degree in global strategic communications from the University of Florida.

BIOGRAPHY

As Head of Consulting - Americas, Lynn is focused on guiding the CRU Consulting team to bring exceptional insight into strategic questions to companies with interests in the mining, metals and fertilizer related industries throughout North America. 

Lynn is focused on working with customers to develop and execute projects related to important and strategic issues such as market analysis, strategy development, risk assessment, as well as valuation services and negotiation support.

Prior to joining CRU, Lynn worked for nearly 20 years with domestic as well as international manufacturers (primarily in the metals and mining industries) determining strategic growth opportunities as a Managing Consultant with Hatch Consulting. Throughout, her career she has worked with North American as well as global companies on issues such as market assessment/forecasting, capital investment plans, marketing and competitive strategy.

Lynn holds a BSBA and a Certificate in International Business from Duquesne University.

BIOGRAPHY

Joe Pickard serves as the Chief Economist and Director of Commodities at the Recycled Materials Association (formerly ISRI). Since 2010, Mr. Pickard has directed the association’s research and analysis on recycled commodity markets and the key economic role recycling plays in the United States and globally.

Previously, Mr. Pickard served as the Economist for the International Copper Study Group in Lisbon, Portugal. As a member of ITAC No. 5 for Nonferrous Metals and Critical Minerals, he serves as an advisor to the U.S. Commerce Department and USTR.

Mr. Pickard holds an M.A. in Economics from Virginia Tech and a B.A. from Loyola University Maryland.

BIOGRAPHY

Adina Renee Adler was appointed Executive Director of the Global Steel Climate Council in 2023.  She was previously Deputy Executive Director at Silverado Policy Accelerator providing thought leadership on trade and Circular Economy.  

In addition, Adina was VP of Advocacy at ISRI (now Recycled Materials Association); Director of Global Government Affairs for Alcoa and Arconic; and International Government Relations Advisor for Shell. Adina also served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce.   

She has a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and M.A. in International Economics and International Law from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Alan Kestenbaum has extensive investing and operating experience in the natural resources sector as well as a successful track record in turnarounds and restructurings. He currently serves as Executive Chairman and CEO, responsible for our strategic direction and growth initiatives, and previously served as our CEO from July 2017 to February 2019. Mr. Kestenbaum founded Bedrock Industries in 2015, in partnership with Lindsay Goldberg, where he is its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, investment objectives and providing direction to achieve the strategic objectives of the company.

Mr. Kestenbaum  was previously the Executive Chairman and founder of Globe Specialty Metals and Executive Chairman of Ferroglobe PLC (NASDAQ: GSM).  Prior to forming Globe Specialty Metals, Mr. Kestenbaum founded Marco International, a leading international metals trader and investor, and led its expansion in North America and around the globe. Prior to founding Marco International, he was employed by Glencore and then Philipp Brothers. In 2019 he became a minority owner and limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons. He has a BA in Economics from Yeshiva University and has been involved in numerous educational and communal boards.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is a senior analyst and editor for Steel Market Update (SMU). David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his experience and expertise is within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers.

BIOGRAPHY

Andrew Pappas is a Managing Director/Team Leader and Heads up the ABL Metals vertical within BMO Bank. He is responsible for leading a team of 22 individuals focused on sourcing, structuring, closing and managing senior credit facilities, primarily for metals companies.  Mr. Pappas is responsible for ~115 accounts and ~$8 billion in commitments and has been a frequent speaker at metals events, including ISRI, Steel Success Strategies and AMM.  

Prior to BMO, Andrew spent 5 years with MFC Capital and 14 years with Bank of America and predecessor companies, both focused on business development within the metals/industrials and private equity sectors.  Andrew graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a B.A. in Accounting, and from New York University with an M.B.A. in Finance. 

BIOGRAPHY

Vince Pappalardo is a Managing Director and leads the Metals & Advanced Metals Manufacturing group at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company. Vince advises companies involved in the production and distribution of ferrous and nonferrous metals and alloys as well as diversified industries. He has over 25 years of investment banking experience advising on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and debt and equity placements. His areas of expertise include steel mills, metal service centers, metals recycling, and advanced metals manufacturing.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Alan Amici is the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Chrysler and TE Connectivity, holding a variety of positions in engineering, manufacturing, and service.  His roles at TE Connectivity included VP & CTO of Transportation Solutions and VP of Engineering and Automotive Americas.  Highlights of his tenure at Chrysler include Head of Global Uconnect - Infotainment and Connected Car Platform, Head of Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Torino, Italy & Auburn Hills, Michigan), and Senior Manager of Global Service & Parts (Stuttgart, Germany).

Alan is the owner of two patents and is the recipient of the Walter P. Chrysler Technology Award. He holds an MBA, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan.  He currently serves on the Board of Advisors at Penn State Harrisburg and the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wayne State University.  He is a graduate of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering.

BIOGRAPHY

Dan Bowerson has been with Auto Innovators since its inception and was previously with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which he joined in 2018. 

Based in the Auto Innovators Michigan office, Dan covers fuels and vehicle electrification topics, including fuel quality, low carbon fuels, EV battery lifecycle, and electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure.  

Prior to joining the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, he worked at all levels of the automotive industry from a supplier (Roush Industries) to an OEM (FCA) to a trade association (NGVAmerica).  He holds a M.S. in Engineering Management from University of Michigan-Dearborn and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University.

BIOGRAPHY

Dean Kanelos is the Automotive Market Development & Product Applications Manager at Nucor.  He has been with Nucor for 22 years, overseeing automotive market development, product applications, early vendor involvement and assisting in product development.  Dean is also the Chairman for WorldAutoSteel and Chairman of the Auto/Steel Partnership’s Joint Policy Council.

He has 44 years of experience in the steel industry, having worked in production supervision, applications engineering, marketing, and market development.  Dean has a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s in Business Administration from Indiana University-Northwest.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Davenport is the Executive Director and President of the Auto/Steel Partnership Foundation, a non-profit consortium specializing in advanced automotive steel research. With a career spanning the automotive and steel industries, he focuses on efficient and environmentally conscious engineering solutions. Additionally, as the Associate Director at Michigan Technological University, Michael facilitates technical research partnerships.  

In the past, he has held roles including Director of Application Engineering at U.S. Steel and various positions at FCA (formerly Chrysler Corporation), showcasing his extensive experience in product development, management, and technical leadership within the automotive sector.  

Mr. Davenport holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technology University and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Dan Needham is Executive Vice President of Commercial for Nucor Corporation.

Mr. Needham began his career with Nucor in 2000 as Controller at Nucor Steel Hertford County. In 2002, he transferred to Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC as Controller. In 2004, Dan transferred to Nucon Steel as Manager of their Commercial Business Group. And in 2008, he transferred to Nucor Steel Utah as Controller.

In 2011, Dan was promoted to General Manager at Nucor Steel Connecticut, Inc. In 2014, he transferred to Nucor Steel Utah where he served as Vice President and General Manager until 2019, when he was named Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Indiana. In 2021, he became Executive Vice President of Bar, Engineered Bar and Rebar Fabrication Products.

BIOGRAPHY

Philip K. Bell is President of the Steel Manufacturers Association, the largest steel industry association in North America when it comes to the number, capacity, production, investment, workforce and economic impact of its members. 

Phil previously served as Director of External Communications and Public Affairs for Gerdau Long Steel North America. He has held executive-level positions with the SGL Carbon Group and Qualitech Steel Corp. 

He is a member of the International Trade Advisory Committee on Steel (ITAC 12), the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) and the Association of Iron & Steel Technology. 

Phil has a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications from the University of Florida.

BIOGRAPHY

Brenda Petrilena joined U. S. Steel in 2017 and currently serves as the Director of Global Decarbonization and Program Management, responsible to identify growth opportunities and develop partnerships aligned with U. S. Steel’s long-term sustainability and decarbonization strategy.  Prior to her current role, Petrilena led the development and implementation of project management standards, processes, tools, and the utilization of continuous improvement methodologies to enable stabilization of assets and successful project portfolio execution.  She is also President of U. S. Steel’s Steel PRIDE Employee Resource Group, accountable to bring together and ensure dignity, respect, and inclusivity for members of the LGBTQ+ community along with their allies.

Prior to joining U. S. Steel, Petrilena served in various leadership roles in engineering, supply chain management and project execution for 11 years at Westinghouse Electric Company.  Petrilena began her professional career at Ford Motor Company advancing through 11 years of increasingly responsible positions in engineering and plant operations.

Petrilena holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of Duquesne University’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program.

BIOGRAPHY

John has been leading the North American region for CRU since late in 2012.

He leads CRU’s multi-disciplinary team in the US, collaborating with the global Analysis, Prices, Consulting, Sales, and Conference teams. He works out of the Pittsburgh office, and supports the 25-person operation to drive closer market relationships across the North American region.

He previously held executive leadership positions with Westinghouse Nuclear, responsible for global security of supply, procurement of steel fabrications, market intelligence, and business strategy. Prior to Westinghouse he worked across the semiconductor industry, including 8 years with Intel Corporation and 3 years in manufacturing operations at a Motorola/Siemens Joint Venture. He began his career in the United States Navy while managing nuclear plant operations on a guided missile cruiser. He traveled on multiple deployments including Operation Desert Storm.

John holds a BS in Nuclear Engineering, as well as an MBA in Global Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University.

BIOGRAPHY

Pam Heglund serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mill Steel Company, one of the largest privately-owned companies in Michigan, and one of the nation’s leading steel service centers. Known for her dynamic leadership, Pam brings a commercial mindset and a commitment to fostering an award-winning culture. Her leadership style prioritizes communication and collaboration, uniting Mill Steel’s 400+ associates in the pursuit of the company’s shared vision to lead the industry in customer experience. 

Pam has played a pivotal role in establishing Mill Steel as an industry leader, contributing to the development of its substantial business portfolio over the course of her career. Her commercial expertise led to her appointment as Partner and Vice President of Sales, and in 2016, she ascended to the role of President with a consistent track record of driving growth. With over 18 years of executive leadership experience, Pam assumed the position of CEO in 2021, becoming the third-generation steel leader of the Samrick family.

Shortly thereafter, Mill Steel earned certification as an Exceptional Women's Business Enterprise (EWBE) with revenue exceeding $1.45 billion, placing the company among the top 2% largest WBEs in the United States.

BIOGRAPHY

Geoff Gilmore became President and CEO of Worthington Steel in December 2023 as part of the planned separation of Worthington Steel from Worthington Industries. Prior to that, Mr. Gilmore served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Worthington Industries.

Mr. Gilmore joined the company in 1998 as an Inside Sales Representative for the Steel Processing segment. During his 25-year tenure Mr. Gilmore took on several leadership roles, including Vice President of Purchasing and President of Worthington Industries’ largest business segments, Steel Processing and Pressure Cylinders. He led each to record earnings, oversaw one of the company’s largest acquisitions and enhanced a culture of safety and innovation. Mr. Gilmore earned his Bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and his MBA from The University of Michigan.    

BIOGRAPHY

Thad Solomon serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Steel Technologies; a value-added metals processor with 33 locations across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. 

Prior to joining Steel Technologies in 2020, Thad spent 25 years at Nucor Corporation in a variety of leadership roles from Metallurgist to Operations Manager, to General Manager, and Vice President - at 5 different mills including Berkeley, Memphis, Decatur, Texas, and Nucor Yamato Steel Company.  Prior to Nucor, Thad began his metals career as a Process Metallurgist at United States Steel. Thad holds a B.S. degree in Materials Engineering – Metallurgy from the University of Florida. 

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is a senior analyst and editor for Steel Market Update (SMU). David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his experience and expertise is within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers.

BIOGRAPHY

With a reputation as an accurate, straightforward economist, Alan has been delivering award-winning workshops and economic analysis seminars in countries across the world to thousands of business owners and executives for the last 30 years.

He is co-author of Prosperity in the Age of Decline, a powerful look at how to make the most of the US and global trends over the next 20 years. Alan also coauthored Make Your Move, a practical and insightful guide on increasing profits through business cycle changes, and noted by one reviewer as “simple, yet awesome.”

As the result of his years of work with domestic and international associations, it has been remarked that Alan’s “insight into our business, a track record of accurate forecasting, and unparalleled knowledge of global markets has earned him the respect and appreciation of key business leaders in our industry.”

Pronouncements from ITR Economics™ and/or Alan have appeared in/on: the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Knight Ridder News Services, Business Week, Associated Press, The Washington Times, and numerous other outlets.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is a Managing Editor for Steel Market Update (SMU) and has covered the steel industry since 2007. Since 2014, he has specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube as well as aluminum.

Before joining SMU, Michael held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago - where he was involved in launching AMM’s daily hot-rolled coil index, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a Copy Editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.