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

Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in New York for AMM’s daily publication. He also copy-edited AMM’s monthly magazine. Bernard has experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing. He also holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University.

BIOGRAPHY

Gaurav Chhibbar is the COO at Friedman Industries. He joined Friedman with over 15 years of experience in leading business transformations, and M&A strategy across the Metals value chain. Mr. Chhibbar previously worked as a Principal at the Boston Consulting Group and held roles with Cargill Metals. At Friedman, Mr. Chhibbar oversees commercial, operations, and strategic market expansion. A graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, he also holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and is an engineer by training.

BIOGRAPHY

Tim Adams is vice president and CFO of Worthington Steel [NYSE: WS], a market-leading, value-added metals processing company. With more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership, corporate strategy and M&A, Tim has helped guide the company’s evolution, including its spin-off from Worthington Industries in 2023.
He previously led strategy and corporate development for Worthington Industries and currently serves on the boards of two joint ventures, TWB Company and Serviacero Worthington. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA in finance from The Ohio State University and brings deep expertise in growth strategy and partnership development.

BIOGRAPHY

Scott Hauncher is the Chief Financial Officer of Mill Steel Company, one of the nation’s largest flat-rolled steel, stainless, and aluminum distributors. He brings over 20 years of experience in middle-market private equity and strategic finance, with a strong focus on M&A execution, financial oversight, and long-term value creation. Before joining Mill Steel, Scott was a Partner at Huron Capital Partners and held senior roles at Superior Capital Partners and Long Point Capital. He began his career at Deloitte. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from the Wharton School, as well as an MBA with honors from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal.

BIOGRAPHY

Barry T. Schneider was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2023. Mr. Schneider is responsible for the company’s steel platform, steel fabrication platform, and metals recycling platform. Prior to that, Mr. Schneider served as Senior Vice President, Flat Roll Steel Group responsible for the company’s entire flat roll steel operations, including the company’s three flat roll steel mills and numerous flat rolled processing, coating, and distribution operations. Mr. Schneider has been with Steel Dynamics since 1995, serving in various operational and leadership roles within the company’s steel operations, including Engineered Bar Products Division and Butler Flat Roll Division. He was also part of the team that constructed the company’s first steel mill in Butler, Indiana.

Mr. Schneider earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master of science in engineering management from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He also received an Executive Certificate in Technology, Operations, and Value Chain Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management. In addition, Mr. Schneider serves as President of the Association for Iron & Steel Technology.

BIOGRAPHY

Karla Lewis started her career as a public accountant with Ernst & Young. In 1992, Ms. Lewis joined Reliance as the company's first controller and served in roles of increasing seniority. In 2021, she was promoted to President and appointed a director of Reliance Ms. Lewis was named President and CEO of Reliance effective January 1, 2023. She served as a director of the Metals Service Center Institute from 2009 to 2020 and has served as a director of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. since 2021. Ms. Lewis earned a B.S. in Business from The Ohio State University.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ 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

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Dan Needham is Executive Vice President of Commercial for Nucor Corporation.
Dan 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 Nuconsteel 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.
Dan was named to his current position effective May 15, 2022.

BIOGRAPHY

Jose Gasca is a global executive and entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in the steel and metals industry, recognized for his leadership in international trade, diversification, and strategic growth. He began his career at EXIM BANK (Bancomext) before joining AHMSA, Mexico’s largest integrated steel mill, where over seven years he held diverse roles in production, technical service, exports, sales, and marketing. He was selected as a World Steel Fellow and served a two-year term at the International Iron and Steel Institute (now the World Steel Association) in Brussels, Belgium.

Jose later held trading roles at MAN Ferrostaal in the U.S., and a few years later was invited to join Coutinho Caro in Hamburg, Germany, where he was appointed Managing Director with global trading responsibilities. He played an active role in the 2008 merger of Coutinho Caro and Ferrostaal, continuing as Managing Director and Board Member of the newly formed Coutinho Ferrostaal.

In 2011, Jose returned to the U.S. and co-founded X Steel in Houston, Texas. A year later, he was invited by Turkish steel producer Colakoglu to establish Medtrade Inc., a company created to market the mill’s products and manage scrap purchasing in North America. Medtrade quickly became a major supplier of flat and long products in the region.

In 2016, together with his partners, Jose co-founded Metrading International AG, a Swiss-based trading house active across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Since 2021, its U.S. operations have been represented by Gambek Metals, a Scottsdale, Arizona–based steel and aluminum processor and distributor. Jose holds a CPA from Tecnológico de Monterrey and an MBA in International Business and Finance from the University of Texas. He currently resides in Lugano, Switzerland, serves as Chairman of the American Metals Supply Chain Institute and is a member of the Advisory Board of Urbix Resources LLC, a graphite innovator focused on EV battery technologies.

BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Dempsey is the president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), a leading advocacy group representing integrated and electric arc furnace  steelmakers, steel pipe and tube manufacturers and steel processors and fabricators, reflecting the production and distribution of both carbon and stainless steels. He has been with AISI since 2009, previously having served as senior vice president of public policy and general counsel. Under Dempsey’s executive leadership, the AISI has achieved policy successes on trade, tax and infrastructure; successfully promoted the steel industry’s global leadership on decarbonization, and showcased steel innovations.
Dempsey serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Climate and Trade Advisory Council. He has been featured in dozens of national, regional and trade media and is a regular speaker at industry and advocacy events. Dempsey received his Juris Doctor Degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts  from Washington University.

BIOGRAPHY

Jerry Richardson is the Executive Director of CSN LLC, the U.S. based subsidiary of Brazilian steel and mining conglomerate CSN. He is responsible for all domestic and import activities of CSN LLC, including financial, commercial and operational management of the company. In June 2018, he led the $475 million sale of CSN’s steel processing plant in Terre Haute, Indiana; a facility which CSN had bought in 2001 for $55 million. Through his guidance and leadership, the company grew from $250 million in revenue to over $900 million at its peak of commercial activity. He is currently the head of CSN Trading, a company specializing in the importation and distribution of steel products.

Over the last 35 years, Mr. Richardson has developed a command of the steel industry while working for international trading companies focused on metals including Duferco, Preussag International Steel Corp., Mannesmann Pipe & Steel and C. Itoh & Co. His broad experience with all types of carbon steel products and international trade gives him a unique view of the world market from a U.S. perspective and his finance background, commercial experience and affinity for operations gives him a unique skill set as a recognized leader in the industry.

Since 2008 he has served on the board of the American Metals Supply Chain Institute (formerly American Institute for International Steel) and has been a featured speaker and presenter for numerous industry events and conferences over the last 15 years. Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. 

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 and South 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.
She has worked for over 25 years with domestic as well as international manufacturers (primarily in the metals and mining industries) determining strategic growth opportunities as well as 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

BIOGRAPHY

Nicola Coslett is Chief Executive Officer of CRU Events, which builds lifetime value for customers through its knowledge and networking events.

Nicola has worked in the conference and publishing business for 26+ years, launching her career with IBC/informa, marketing oil and gas conferences. In 2000, Nicola moved to Metal Bulletin where she held senior positions including Head of Marketing and then Director of Events. Nicola was recognised for establishing a conference team and building a highly successful portfolio of international metals and mining events.

Nicola joined CRU in 2008 and is currently part of the Management Executive team and Group Executive Board. 

Nicola has a BA Honours degree in Business and International Marketing from the University of Greenwich.

BIOGRAPHY

Thais Terzian is a Principal Analyst at CRU and has over 15 years' experience in commodities research. She is currently the lead of CRU’s crude steel and metallics analysis. Prior to joining CRU, she worked at Nexa Resources, a Brazilian mining company, where she was responsible for the analysis of base metals markets. Thais holds a Business Administration degree from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and is based in CRU's Santiago office.

BIOGRAPHY

Frank has over two decades of experience in the mining industry, holding senior leadership roles across strategy, market intelligence, metallurgy, digital transformation, and global commercial operations. During his time at Vale Base Metals, Frank led initiatives that improved Vale Base Metals’ commercial operations, including overseeing global logistics, optimizing contract management, and implementing digital transformation projects that enhanced operational efficiency and provided valuable strategic insights.
Now serving as Vice President for Base and Battery Metals in North America at CRU, Frank focuses on providing thought leadership and strategic guidance to support the commodity value chain as it adapts to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mineral Processing from the University of Toronto and an MBA specializing in Strategic Planning and Industrial Relations from York University.

BIOGRAPHY

Estelle Tran joined CRU as a steel and ferroalloy prices analyst in October 2017. Based in Pittsburgh, Estelle covers the US bulk ferroalloys market and is also the main contact for the data providers who contribute to the CRU Midwest flat roll indices. She started covering the US steel industry as an editor for S&P Global Platts in 2011, and over the years has covered the flat rolled steel, long steel, and primary aluminum markets as well as trade issues. Estelle has served as the president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries since 2017. She earned a B.A. in English writing and history from the University of Pittsburgh.

BIOGRAPHY

Máximo Vedoya is the Chief Executive Officer of Ternium, one of the leading steel companies in the Americas. In 2024, Ternium reported annual revenues of US$17.6 billion and employed 34,000 people.  
In 2025, Máximo was named Steelmaker of the Year by the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST). He is also member of the Executive Committee of the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero); Vice-president of the Mexican Iron & Steel Industry Chamber (Canacero); President of the SME Commission of the Mexican Business Coordinating Council (CCE); and member of the Executive Council and President of the Engineering Committee at the University of Monterrey (UDEM). His prior roles included serving as Chairman of the Economics Committee at the World Steel Association (worldsteel), as President of the Industry and Transformation Chamber (Caintra) of Nuevo León, México, and as President of Alacero and Canacero.  
He graduated as an Industrial Engineer from the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires and holds a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University (USA).
Since 1992, Vedoya’s key positions have included Planning, Sales, Exports and Commercial Director in Ternium companies in Argentina and Venezuela. In 2010, he was appointed Executive President of the Andean Region (Colombia), in 2012, Executive President of Ternium Mexico, and on March 1, 2018, he was appointed CEO of Ternium.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal.

BIOGRAPHY

Stephen Miller started his career in the scrap metal industry in 1978 at Luria Brothers in Cleveland, OH.  Over the last 40 plus years, he has worked in all capacities in the trading business.  He has had positions in both domestic and international scrap trading.  In addition to scrap, Stephen was at the forefront of the pig iron trade and established a pig iron distribution company under the name of Ferrosource, Inc.  Most recently, Stephen has concentrated on the scrap export market and regularly does consulting for several companies in the industry.  

BIOGRAPHY

Frank is a native of Atlanta, Ga. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he majored in Industrial Management and Textile Engineering. He began his recycling career with Newell Recycling in 1979, and worked for the Newell family of businesses for 33 years. During this time he held a number of positions including ferrous and nonferrous scrap buyer, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Equipment sales (sold Newell Shredders), and finally VP of Ferrous Marketing. In 2015 Newell Recycling entered into a joint venture with SA Recycling, naming George Adams the managing partner. Frank was then made the Ferrous Marketing Manager. In 2018 SA Recycling acquired 100% interest in Newell Recycling and He was made Ferrous Marketing Manager for the SE Region of SA. This region covers nine states and includes 12 active shredding operations and 66 recycling yards.  

BIOGRAPHY

Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in New York for AMM’s daily publication. He also copy-edited AMM’s monthly magazine. Bernard has experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing. He also holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University.

BIOGRAPHY

Estelle Tran joined CRU as a steel and ferroalloy prices analyst in October 2017. Based in Pittsburgh, Estelle covers the US bulk ferroalloys market and is also the main contact for the data providers who contribute to the CRU Midwest flat roll indices. She started covering the US steel industry as an editor for S&P Global Platts in 2011, and over the years has covered the flat rolled steel, long steel, and primary aluminum markets as well as trade issues. Estelle has served as the president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries since 2017. She earned a B.A. in English writing and history from the University of Pittsburgh.

BIOGRAPHY

Monica Apodaca is the Director of Steel and Metal Fabrication at Rheem Manufacturing where she leads a team dedicated to strategic sourcing, risk mitigation, and supplier development.  Working at global companies such as ArcelorMittal and Trane Technologies, she brings over 24 years of industry experience in her field. She holds a BA from the University of Chicago and is a sixteen-year member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries where she currently serves as International Programs Chair.  

BIOGRAPHY

Jodi started her professional journey in 1998 at Tuscaloosa Steel (now Nucor Tuscaloosa) as an Inside Sales Representative until she joined O’Neal Steel as a purchasing specialist in 1999. She continued to develop in Supply Chain Management until appointed Vice President of Supply Chain Management, joining the O’Neal Steel leadership team. 2023 brought new challenges when she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer with additional responsibility of both supply chain and operations.  
Jodi graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing, and has served on various boards supporting Breakthrough T1D and local community initiatives.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Rob assumed his current role in late 2023, leading Sales, Service, and Marketing for North American Flat-Rolled (excluding Automotive). Since joining U. S. Steel in 1988 after earning a B.A. in Communication from Vanderbilt University, he has held leadership roles in sales, planning, marketing, and pricing, including Managing Director – Sales and Marketing at U. S. Steel Košice. Rob remains actively engaged in strategic initiatives, including the company’s integration with Nippon Steel. He is a member of the Cleveland Fed’s Pittsburgh Business Advisory Council and has held leadership roles with the Steel Market Development Institute and the Canned Food Alliance.

BIOGRAPHY

Gene Marks is a columnist, author, and small business expert. Formerly writing for The New York Times and The Washington Post, he now contributes to The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian.

He has authored five books on business management for small and medium-sized companies, including ''Want More Cash?: 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company's Cash Flow This Year." 

Gene frequently appears on Fox Business, Bloomberg, CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor, and SiriusXM's Wharton Business Channel, discussing financial, economic, and technology issues impacting business leaders. 

Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, he assists business owners, executives and managers in understanding political, economic and technological trends affecting their companies, emphasizing actionable strategies for growth and profitability.

Gene owns and operates The Marks Group PC, a successful firm providing technology and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses. Before founding The Marks Group, he spent nine years as a Senior Manager in the entrepreneurial services arm of KPMG in Philadelphia.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Marabito is responsible for providing the vision and strategic leadership for the organization by working with the board of directors and the executive management team to establish goals, strategies and policies. Mr. Marabito is also the primary interface between Olympic Steel and its shareholders, investors and the public.

Mr. Marabito joined Olympic in 1994 as Corporate Controller and served as Chief Financial Officer from March 2000 through 2018. He also served as Treasurer from 1994 through 2002 and again from 2010 through 2012. Prior to joining Olympic Steel, he served as Corporate Controller for a publicly traded wholesale distribution compa-ny and was employed in the audit department of a national accounting firm.

Mr. Marabito received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 1985 from the University of Mount Union. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) in the state of Ohio. He also completed the MSCI executive education pro-gram at Washington University.

Mr. Marabito is Chairman of the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI). He served as a board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana chapter from 2006 until 2018 and also served as the Chair of its Northeast Ohio Regional Board. He also served for 10 years on the Board of Trustees and was the Treasurer for Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Marabito was a board member and Audit Committee Chairman for Hawk Corporation (ASE: HWK) from 2008 until Hawk was sold in November 2010.

BIOGRAPHY

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal.

BIOGRAPHY

Todd Leebow is the CEO and President of Majestic Steel USA, a family-owned steel service center specializing in the distribution and processing of flat-rolled steel. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Majestic serves a broad range of customers across construction, manufacturing, and distribution industries from its nine locations throughout North America.  
Leebow joined Majestic in 2007, starting in supply chain management. He played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a successful generational transition, driven by a clear vision for growth and innovation. Since taking on the role of CEO in 2012, he has fostered a forward-thinking culture focused on talent development and technology-driven solutions, enhancing both operational efficiency and the customer experience.
A native of Northeast Ohio, Leebow graduated from Orange public schools in Cleveland before attending the University of Miami in Florida for business and entrepreneurship. He is an active leader in the domestic steel industry and a committed philanthropist in the Cleveland community. In recognition of his service and contributions, particularly to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, he was honored with the Sam Miller Goodness Award by the Values-in-Action Foundation.

BIOGRAPHY

Geoff Gilmore is president and CEO of Worthington Steel (NYSE: WS), where he led the company’s 2023 spin-off from Worthington Industries. Under his leadership, Worthington Steel has expanded globally, including a recently announced majority stake in Italy-based Sitem Group, and grown its capabilities across North America. Geoff previously served as EVP and COO of Worthington Industries during his 25-year tenure. He rose from inside sales to leadership roles across commercial, purchasing and division operations. Geoff serves on the boards of Worthington Steel, The Worthington Companies Foundation and Valparaiso University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He is passionate about leadership, AI and workforce development. 

BIOGRAPHY

As an experienced economist, Taylor St. Germain provides consulting services for small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries. Taylor specializes in forecasting at both the market and company levels and is a key contributor to maintaining ITR Economics’ forecast accuracy rating of 94.7%.

His dynamic personality and extensive knowledge of economic trends and their business relevance are highly valued by clients and colleagues alike.

Taylor spent time in the tech industry providing market intelligence to electronics OEMs, semiconductor companies, and component manufacturers. In his five years with ITR Economics, he has worked with various distributors, manufacturers, and producers, helping each client navigate the business cycle and optimize their corporate planning strategy. Taylor has also spent several years in Texas furthering his research in the industrial sector, with a specific focus on oil and gas.

Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in statistics from the University of Vermont and is finishing a master’s degree in applied economics at Southern New Hampshire University. He has been featured in OEM Magazine, NALP, Lawn and Landscape, and on the Fab Lab and Wealth Formula podcasts.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, 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. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.