Karla Lewis

Karla Lewis started her career as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young (Ernst & Whinney). In 1992, Ms. Lewis left EY to join Reliance as the company’s first Controller. She was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 1999. In 2017, Ms. Lewis further undertook operational responsibility of a number of Reliance subsidiaries and in January 2021, she was promoted to President and appointed a member of the Reliance Board of Directors. Ms. Lewis was named CEO & President of Reliance effective January 1, 2023. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Metals Service Center Institute since 2009 and has served on the Board of Directors of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. since 2021. Ms. Lewis earned a BS degree in Business from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Anirban Basu

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.

Shane Kimbrough

Philip K. Bell

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.

Alex De Parres

Alex De Parres is the Head Commercial Manager at Macsteel International USA Corp., bringing in over 30 years of expertise in trading raw materials, flat, and long steel products throughout the Americas. Throughout his distinguished career, Alex has developed a deep understanding of international steel markets, establishing strong relationships with producers, distributors, and end-users across North, Central, and South America.  
Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Alex has played a key role in expanding Macsteel's commercial reach and optimizing trading operations. His experience spans market analysis, contract negotiation, and supply chain management, making him a trusted advisor and industry leader.  
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and proven track record, Alex will be appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Macsteel International USA Corp. in January 2026. In this new role, he will oversee the company's commercial strategy and drive continued growth across all product lines and markets.

Anton Posner

Prior to joining Mercury Resources, Anton was Chief Executive Officer of CWT Commodities USA, the North American unit of the Singapore based global logistics and financial services company CWT Limited. Over his career Anton held positions at supply chain management companies and steamship lines including sales and marine operations.  
In addition, Anton is a member of the Board of the Americas Regional Committee of The International Trade & Forfaiting Association (ITFA).  
Anton is a frequent contributor in business media including appearances on Bloomberg Television to discuss global supply chain issues. Anton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation / Business Administration from The State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler where he also obtained his United States Merchant Marine License as a Third Mate. After his academic career at SUNY Maritime, Anton served as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve.
Anton has lectured at several colleges and universities on the business of logistics including The State University of New York Maritime College, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, and Baruch College of the City University of New York.

Daniel Brown

Daniel Brown leads advanced steelmaking technology for U. S. Steel and serves as Chief Operating Officer of Big River Steel Works. With over 25 years at U. S. Steel, Dan has held leadership roles across domestic and international operations, including Serbia and key U.S. facilities. He oversees operations at Big River Steel and the company’s new mill in Osceola, Arkansas. Dan holds a B.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State and an MBA in Finance from Duquesne University.

Todd Leebow

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.

Marc Gase

Christopher Elias