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New Leadership Takes Charge at US Steelmakers Group

Steel Manufacturers Association names its 2026–2028 executive committee to guide industry priorities.

Washington, D.C., 3 February 2026 – The Washington-based Steel Manufacturers Association has announced its newly elected leadership team that will guide the association through the 2026–2028 term. The group represents steel producers that mainly use recycled materials and electric arc furnace technology, a segment that continues to grow across the US steel industry.

At the top of the new slate is Barry Schneider of Steel Dynamics Inc., who has been elected board chair. He is joined by first vice chair Ben Pickett of Nucor Corp. Schneider serves as president and chief operating officer at Steel Dynamics, while Pickett is an executive vice president at Nucor.

According to the association, the new executive committee will focus on pushing forward its long-term strategy, with particular attention on government engagement, public awareness of the steel sector, and improving industry data and insights. In simple terms, the goal is to help member companies operate more effectively while strengthening the voice of recycled-content steelmakers.

The committee also includes Ed Goettl of Optimus Steel as treasurer, and Ty Garrison of Commercial Metals Co., who will serve as immediate past board chair.

Four vice chairs at large round out the leadership team. They are Lenore Trammell of Big River Steel, Michael Williams of Metallus, Rob Simon of JSW Steel USA, and Conrad Winkler of North Star BlueScope.

Commenting on the new appointments, Philip K. Bell, president and chief executive of the Steel Manufacturers Association, said the incoming leadership brings deep experience and is well-positioned to guide the association in the years ahead.

With demand rising for sustainable steel, recycled materials, and efficient production methods, the new SMA leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping industry collaboration, supporting innovation, and strengthening the US electric arc furnace steel sector.