Barbara R. Smith, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, Commercial Metals Company was named Steelmaker of the Year at AISTech 2019. The Steelmaker of the Year Award is presented annually by AIST to recognize notable leaders and their contributions to the steel industry.
Smith was honored during the AISTech president’s Award Breakfast, recognizing her for her leadership and strategic evolution of Commercial Metals Company. Through fostering a corporate culture of safety, community and customer service, investment in a second continuous process mini-mill in Oklahoma, introducing of spooled rebar to the North American market, and maintaining high customer satisfaction and profitability in the challenging long products market, Smith has positioned Commercial Metals Company as an industry leader.
Other award winners announced during the president’s Award Breakfast included:
AIST Distinguished Member and Fellow Award
Harriet G. Dutka, technical marketing manager, SANGRAF International, Westlake, Ohio was given this award for her sustained contributions and leadership in the Electric Steelmaking Technology Committee training seminars resulting in the education of primary operations personnel, for her fellowship in creating a diverse and sustainable steelmaking community through participation in AIST study tours, and in recognition of her distinguished career in the steelmaking industry spanning more than thirty years.
Yakov Gordon, technical director — ironmaking, Iron & Steel, Hatch Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario Canada, received this award in recognition of his dedication and contributions to improving and expanding the science of ironmaking. A recognized expert in ferrous metallurgy, process design and technology development, he freely and frequently shares his knowledge with others. Through his commitment to research, pursuit of innovative technologies and devoted mentorship skills, he has become an internationally recognized leader in developing successful iron- and steelmaking processes.
Johannes (Hans) Schade, AK Steel Corp., Middletown, Ohio was awarded posthumously in recognition of his long-standing commitment to AIST, and for his exemplary career as a researcher, manager and mentor. His work in continuous casting technology, especially in tundish and mold operations, greatly advanced process knowledge related to steel cleanliness. His passion for technical excellence and innovation contributed significantly to the success of his longtime employer, AK Steel Corp., whom he faithfully represented at AIST Technology Committee meetings and in many technical papers and publications.
AIST Tadeusz Sendzimir Memorial Medal
Raul G. Quintero-Flores, president, Lumidim de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, N.L., Mexico was awarded in recognition of his contributions as co-developer and champion of the HYL direct reduction process for more than 40 years. A holder of five international patents related to direct reduction technology, Quintero-Flores’ work has led to greater energy efficiency and higher productivity for the utilization of DRI in steel plants around the world.
Published in the June 2019 Edition