SCHAUMBURG, IL -The American Foundry Society (AFS), North America’s largest metalcasting association, today announced promotions for three of its key staff leaders: Brian Began, Cathy Potts and Chris Oswald. The promotions reflect growth in responsibilities and contributions to the industry, as well as outstanding performance.
Began joined AFS nearly four years ago as Vice President, Metalcasting Technical Services. He is now being promoted to Senior Vice President, joining Mike Lakas as the two AFS staff members at that level. Began previously worked at AFS Corporate Member Company Foseco as well as at ASM International. He heads up the AFS technical services, technology transfer and research programs, and is liaison to key private-sector and government Boards with a focus on metalcasting and defense preparedness.
Potts, who joined AFS in 2015, is being promoted from Senior Director to Vice President for Human Resources and Administrative Services. She previously worked at Navistar International. She manages the human resources function at AFS and is the staff liaison to the Management Council, the Talent Development Division and the AFS Young Professionals, as well as a contributor to trade show planning.
Oswald is being promoted from Senior Director to Vice President for Accounting & Finance. He joined the AFS staff in 2021. Chris previously worked at McDonnell Investment Management, Van Kampen Investments, Citibank and other financial institutions. He manages AFS’s Accounting & Finance Department and is the primary contact for all matters related to audits and taxation.
“AFS is an organization devoted to advocacy, education, innovation, and superior member service,” said Doug Kurkul, CEO of AFS. “The fine professional staff plays an integral role, side by side with member volunteers, in advancing the AFS mission. These promotions recognize the increased responsibilities that Began, Potts and Oswald have undertaken and the increased positive impact they are making for the benefit of AFS, the Society’s members and the $50 billion foundry industry.”
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $50 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org. |