AISI elects new chairman, vice chairmen

The Board of Directors of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has elected John P. Surma, Jr., president and CEO of United States Steel Corp., to a one-year term as AISI chairman. In this role, he will lead the organization's pro-manufacturing agenda—the key to maintaining a vibrant North American economy, according to Andrew G. Sharkey, III, AISI President and CEO. Surma will be chairing the board's winter meeting in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 27.

"John is eager to build upon Dave Sutherland's work in conveying the positive message of a new, transformed North American steel industry—positive not just for the steel industry, but for the economy and our customers," Sharkey said.

Surma succeeds David S. Sutherland, president and CEO, IPSCO Inc., who served as AISI chairman throughout 2004 and will serve as a vice chairman in 2005. The board also elected to one-year terms as vice chairmen Donald A. Pether, president and CEO, Dofasco Inc.; and Guillermo F. Vogel, H., vice chairman of the board, Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A. de C.V.