Schaumburg, IL: The American Foundry Society (AFS), North America’s largest metalcasting professional society and trade organization, today announced that Sandra Calabrese (Norican) has been selected to serve as AFS 2nd Vice President in 2026-2027. She will be formally elected at the Society’s Annual Business Meeting at Metalcasting Congress 2026 in Grand Rapids and will serve in a succession of leadership positions over a four-year period.
Sandy is a proven manufacturing leader who is passionate about mentoring young people and developing talent. A trained metallurgist, she earned a Master’s of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Tech University. She held several foundry-related managerial positions over a 27-year period with General Motors. Since 2023, she has been Director of Sales for DISA Industries and SIMPSON.
She served on the AFS Board of Directors from 2015 to 2019, was active at the AFS regional chapter level, and has been on the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) Board of Directors for more than 13 years.
“Sandy is a respected leader in our industry who has devoted countless hours to AFS, Women in Metalcasting and FEF,” said David Gilson (SinterCast), the 2025-2026 AFS President. “She will bring a clear vision for the future and will continue the tradition of strong volunteer leadership at AFS.”
Calabrese commented, “I am honored by this selection and I am very much looking forward to serving. AFS plays a tremendous role in the success and growth of our industry. Involvement in AFS has been a constant throughout my metalcasting career.”
Her term as Second Vice President will begin in April 2026 at Metalcasting Congress. At that time, John Lancaster (General Motors) will become President, George Boyd, Jr., (Goldens’ Foundry) will become Vice President and David Gilson (SinterCast) will become Immediate Past President. Joining the Board of Directors for the beginning of a four-year term in April 2026 will be Jeff Hall (Benton Foundry), Melinda Keway (Epic Machine), Tom Crawford (McWane) and Scott Nachazel (EJ). For further information, contact AFS CEO Doug Kurkul at dkurkul@afsinc.org. To register for Metalcasting Congress 2026, visit www.metalcastingcongress.com.
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.