August 2026 Volume 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

FORGING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

T he Forging Industry of Angela Gibian, CAE, as its new president. Gibian brings extensive association leadership experience, an understanding of the forging industry and a proven record of advancing FIA’s mission, strengthening member engagement and developing programs that support the industry’s future. Association (FIA) is pleased to announce the selection

Gibian is a seasoned marketing, communications, events and nonprofit professional with experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, workforce development and industry advocacy. Before joining FIA, she held marketing and event leadership positions in the association, media, automotive and nonprofit sectors. She earned the Certified Association Executive designation in 2023 and holds a Certificate in Association Management from ASAE and a Digital Event Strategist certification through the Professional Convention Management Association. Gibian was also recognized as a 2025 Smart Women in Business “Progressive Woman” honoree. As president, Gibian will lead FIA’s operations and strategic priorities while working with its Board of Directors to support members, advocate for the forging industry, develop its future workforce and communicate the essential role of forging in North American manufacturing.

Gibian joined FIA in 2019 and has served the association in progressively senior leadership roles, including Director of Marketing and Events, Executive Director of the Forging Foundation, Deputy Chief Executive and Interim President and CEO. Throughout her tenure, she has worked closely with FIA members, volunteers, industry partners and staff to expand the association’s programs, increase engagement and create new opportunities for the North American forging community. “Angela’s appointment as president marks an exciting new chapter for the FIA. Her extensive experience within the organization spanning marketing, event coordination, foundation leadership, and executive operations, makes her the ideal leader to champion our industry's interests,” said Paul Spitz, FIA Board Chairperson. “The board has complete confidence in her ability to expand member engagement, advance our workforce initiatives, and ensure the North American forging industry remains globally competitive. We look forward to collaborating with Angela in her new role.” In her previous roles with FIA, Gibian led strategic communications, member engagement, events, workforce development initiatives and other programs designed to strengthen and promote the North American forging industry. Her work has included leadership of Forge Fair, North America’s largest forging industry trade show. Gibian also previously served as executive director of the Forging Foundation, where she helped advance educational programs, scholarships, student engagement and workforce development initiatives. She authored FIA’s Forging with Freddy children’s book series, which introduces young readers to forging and manufacturing careers while supporting the Foundation’s mission. The series received a 2025 Association Trends TRENDY Award for innovative, mission-driven outreach. “I am honored to serve as president of the Forging Industry Association,” Gibian said. “FIA’s members manufacture the critical components that support our nation’s defense, transportation, energy, infrastructure and broader manufacturing economy. I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, members, volunteers and staff to strengthen the association, expand member value and ensure the North American forging industry continues to grow and compete.”

FIA also recently announced the promotion of Tricia Abruzzino to membership and engagement director. Abruzzino has served as a key point of contact for FIA members and has played an important role in recruitment, onboarding, retention, benefits and relationship-building. In her expanded role, she will

focus on strengthening the overall member experience and helping companies better connect with FIA’s programs, resources, events and opportunities. Her responsibilities will include supporting membership growth and retention, improving onboarding, deepening engagement across member companies and serving as an internal advocate for the voice of the member. The promotion reflects Abruzzino’s contributions to FIA and the association’s continued investment in membership value and engagement. As FIA moves forward, the organization remains focused on supporting its members, advancing the forging industry and connecting more employees within member companies to the association’s education, advocacy, workforce development, benchmarking and networking opportunities.

54 FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026