The SMU NexGen Leadership Award 2025 - sponsored by SMA, recognizes and celebrates the excellence of emerging leaders within the greater steel community.

The SMU NexGen Leadership Award, sponsored by the Steel Manufacturers Association, is awarded to an individual working in manufacturing or fabrication companies that utilize mild carbon or automotive grade steels in their products, steel distributors (service centers or wholesalers), steel mills, trading companies or toll processors.

Qualifications for Nomination:

The NexGen Leadership Award will be awarded to the candidate whose emerging leadership within their company sets a standard for the rest of the industry, and exemplifies the best the industry has to offer regarding innovation, leadership, and rising star qualities as outlined below.

*Nominate yourself, or a colleague for the SMU NexGen Leadership Award. All nominees will be evaluated based on these criteria:

Must be 35 years of age or younger by August 1, 2025

• Identified ways to improve processes or service delivery
• Implemented change in a creative manner

• Inspired and encouraged professional and personal development in self and others
• Contributed to the success of an initiative that benefited those outside his/her own department
• Assisted in attracting other young people into the industry

• Recognized by peers as a positive force within the company
• Outstanding contributions toward completing a successful project and/or a change management program

All submissions for nominations are due by May 16, 2025. Any submissions received after this date will not be considered.