August 2023 Volume 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Forging Industry Association Names New Executive Leaders

The Forging Industry Association (FIA) has announced the promotion of two executives and officers to new positions as of July 2023. Andrew Zielinski has been promoted from Finance Director to the title of Chief Financial Officer for the Forging Industry Association. Andrew has been with the Forging Industry Association for three years. A graduate of Cleveland State University, his experience includes Senior Accountant, Global Financial Consolidations for Endeavor, Senior Accountant at Koinonia Homes, Inc. and Accountant at Hickock, Inc. Andrew will continue to maintain all FIA Financial records, handle payroll and manage the employee 401k and healthcare benefits. “FIA has consistently had solid financial reporting throughout its history. Andrew has taken us to another level of efficiency while navigating a significant software update amongst many other accomplishments. FIA members are in good hands with Andrew’s financial abilities, and it has been a pleasure for me and the staff to work with him,” said Jim Warren, FIA President & CEO.

Angela has been with the Forging Industry Association since 2019. For the association portion of her current position, she will continue to lead the FIA team in their marketing efforts and direct the planning and execution of all meetings, training courses, conferences, and trade shows, including Forge Fair, which is North America’s largest forging industry trade show. She will also continue as the Editor-in-Chief of FIA Magazine, the associations quarterly publication. Angela is also the staff liaison for the FIA Plant Engineering Committee, Marketing Committee and Energy Subcommittee. As Executive Director of FIERF, she will continue to serve as staff officer liaison for the Board of Trustees, manage day to-day foundation activities, and direct organizational strategy to ensure the foundation meets (or exceeds) its goals. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue to help lead the Forging Industry Association into the future and the ability to support FIA members in increasing their competitiveness on a global scale,” said Angela Gibian, “I love our team and working with our members, and I look forward to the many exciting initiatives and challenges ahead.” Angela recently authored the association’s first children’s book series – “Forging with Freddy,” which was published in May 2023, and “Forging with Freddy: Safety First,” which will soon be released. “Angie is as talented as they come and FIA and FIERF are better organizations for all of Angie’s efforts. She manages some of FIA’s most important assets including Forge Fair, FIA Magazine and the Forging Foundation (FIERF). FIA and FIERF are in some very capable hands with Angie on the team! We (staff and members) are all delighted she has this new role and look forward to her further growth and accomplishments,” said Jim Warren, FIA President & CEO.

Angela Gibian, former Director of Marketing & Events, has been promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Executive and will retain her current role as the Executive Director of the Forging Foundation (FIERF). Angela is a 2008 graduate of Cleveland State University with a degree in Promotional Communications. She has received a Certificate in Association Management from The Center for Association Leadership (ASAE) and a

Digital Event Strategist (DES) Certification from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Angela has worked in marketing, event and public relations positions throughout her career including roles with Automotive Events, Inc., The American Red Cross, North Coast Media, LLC, and The Erie Agency, LLC.

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2023 45