New VP at Steel Recycling Institute
The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI; Washington, D.C.), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), has announced that Mark A. Thimons will succeed Gregory Crawford as the vice president of the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI). Crawford announced his upcoming retirement earlier this year. Thimons joined SMDI in November, 2010, as the director of construction sustainability and has over 25 years of experience in steel construction products and steel product sustainability.
“Under Greg’s leadership, SRI has driven increases in steel recycling rates while positioning the organization to take a lead role in steel sustainability in North America. Mark’s particular expertise will ensure a smooth transition and enable the organization to focus on steel’s superior environmental performance versus competing materials,” said Lawrence W. Kavanagh, the president of SMDI. “Our industry owes Greg a large debt of gratitude for his service, and we wish him and his family well.”
As part of this transition, SRI will focus its efforts in two core areas — recycling programs and life cycle research. The recycling focus will include national and regional recycling initiatives, outreach and growth, while the organization’s life cycle research will include life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, as well as other sustainability-related initiatives that are relevant to the North American steel industry.
“Applying life cycle science and similar tools in all steel markets is a task we will take on with urgency,” said Thimons. “We are committed to credibly documenting steel’s environmental advantages versus competing materials in all markets and applications.”
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. It also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. It is comprised of 21 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. These member companies represent more than three quarters of both U.S. and North American steel capacity.
SMDI grows and maintains the use of steel through strategies that promote cost-effective solutions in the automotive, construction and container markets, as well as for new growth opportunities in emerging steel markets.
