February 2024 Volume 6

PRESIDENT'S NOTE

One other thing to note on this topic: our engaged members are always noticed, and we have a nice list of new board prospects every year. It is never a chore finding someone to serve, which is a great sign of organizational health. So, as the staff leader – a role I cherish – what really is the legacy opportunity here? What should I be aiming for? I’ve had a lot of success that has fulfilled me these last 35 years: meeting my wife at my first job and having two beautiful daughters; being on the founding team of MFG DAY while at FMA; starting my own company, creating dozens of new programs for industries that endure to this day, and finally the big one; interviewing with the FIA hiring committee and getting a tap on the shoulder by Ron Hahn of Scot Forge in-line boarding a flight back to Chicago sharing that I would be the next President & CEO of FIA. That made for a better weekend. Thanks Ron! The trust given to lead this industry group is my career opportunity of a lifetime. So that brings me to what has really been on my mind: succession planning. Creating an environment and mentoring/leading a team that endures. That is the legacy opportunity. The biggest gut punch I have in this position is learning of a forge that is closing due to no succession plan; just shutting the doors, auctioning off the equipment, and selling the property. Painful.

The FIA Team spent their holiday party at Sur La Table making pasta from scratch. Pictured left to right: Gabby Schultz, Events & Marketing Specialist, Megha Patel, Government Affairs Manager, and Tricia Abruzzino, Membership Programs & Sales Manager

Because of consistent board chair support, we have been able to recognize, promote and financially recognize our great performers, which is all our staff. We are a small enterprise (currently 11 staff) and proper and consistent recognition of one’s expertise is key. I am so blessed with a great team that really cares about you all and this industry, and I know from the constant feedback I get that you appreciate them. We have added two important pieces to the puzzle. First, we hired our intern Niamh Field to be a full-time member of the team as the Digital Marketing & Sales Specialist. We have seen great improvements in our social media engagement since she came on board. And most recently, we hired a new Senior Technical Manager, Dekland Barnum, who will relieve a few of us of the extra load we have been carrying as it relates to the foundation, government relations and general technical tasks. FIA Deputy Chief Executive, Angie Gibian and Sr. Manager Foundation & Workforce Development, Amanda Dureiko in Walker Forge sweatshirts

So, as we start our 2024 just a great big thanks to you all who support FIA; volunteering, speaking at events, committee work, lobbying work, serving on the boards. And thank you to those who pass along kind words for the staff; it is a joy to pass those along and the feeling is mutual. Let’s have a great year everyone! Best regards, Pictured: The FIA Team - Kathy Edwards, Amanda Dureiko, Angie Gibian, Andrew Zielinski, Lorean Crowder, Jim Warren, Gabby Schultz, Tricia Abruzzino, Megha Patel, Abiyah Yisrael, and Niamh Field

James R. Warren President and CEO Forging Industry Association

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FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024