2023 Foundry Leadership Summit Schedule

Monday, September 18, 2023
12:30 p.m.
Annual Golf Outing (optional)

This fun event is chaired by Mike Didion (Didion International). We encourage you to register!
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Welcome/Opening Remarks

Angela

 

 

 

Angela Schmeisser
AFS Vice President; President & CEO, St. Marys Foundry
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
Successful Succession Strategies for Manufacturers of Every Size

Meridith

 

 

 

Meridith Elliott Powell
Business Growth Strategist and Author of "Who Comes Next: Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy"
9:45 - 10 a.m.
Networking Break
10 - 10:45 a.m.
The Promise of Industry 4.0 for North America's Foundries

David

 

 

 

David Blondheim
Director of Global Operations Excellence & Advanced Manufacturing, Mercury Marine
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Manufacturing (in) a New World

Peter

 

 

 

Peter Zeihan
Global futurist and author, “Disunited Nations”
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Networking Luncheon
12:45 - 2 p.m.
Executive Forum: Opportunities & Challenges for Metalcasters in 2024

Moderator:
Brad

 

 

 

Bradford Muller
AFS President; Vice President of Marketing, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry

Panelists:
Kiley

 

 

 

Kiley Eck Hayon
President, Eck Industries

Matt

 

 

 

Matt Hladki
Chief Administrative Officer, Grede Foundry

Sachin

 

 

 

Sachin Shivaram 
CEO, Wisconsin Aluminum

Nathan

 

 

 

Nathan Heisler 
President, Bradken Specialty Products
2 - 3 p.m.
Panel: The Future of Motor Vehicles in an Era of Transition and the Implications for Metalcasters

Moderator:
David

 

 

 

David Gilson 
AFS Second Vice President; Sales & Marketing Director, SinterCast

Panelists:
Paul

 

 

 

Paul Eichenberg
Chief Strategist, Paul Eichenberg and Associates

Brian

 

 

 

Brian Leuenhagen
Product Interface Manager – Castings, General Motors

John

 

 

 

John Wiesbrock
Executive Vice President, Waupaca Foundry
3 - 3:20 p.m.
The WFO Young Professionals Conference: Engaging Young Researchers

Dr. Carsten Kuhlgatz

Dr. Carsten Kuhlgatz
President, World Foundry Organization
6 - 7 p.m.
Gala Reception
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Dinner Banquet

Master of Ceremonies:
Brad2

 

 

 

Bradford Muller
AFS President; Vice President of Marketing, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry

State of AFS Address:
Doug

 

 

 

Doug Kurkul
CEO, American Foundry Society

Award Presentations:
Patrico

 

 

 

Patricio Gil
Board of Awards Chair

William J. Grede Award recipient:
Charles M. Kurtti
Neenah Foundry Co. (retired)

Keating Founders Freedom Award recipients:
Joey Leonard
TalentCast HR


Patrick Ameen
Amsted Rail Company Inc.

 
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
7:15 - 8 a.m.
Breakfast
8 - 9 a.m.
The Political and Economic Climate: A View from Washington

Stephen

 

 

 

Stephen Moore
Distinguished Fellow, The Heritage Foundation, and Senior Economic Advisor to the 2016 Trump Campaign
9 - 9:40 a.m.
What Every Businessperson Should Know about Social Security, Medicare, and the Sustainability of the Federal Budget

Charles

 

 

 

Charles Blahous, Ph.D.
Senior Research Strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and former Deputy Director for President George W. Bush's National Economic Council
9:40 - 10 a.m.
Networking Break
10 - 10:50 a.m.
The Economic Outlook for Uncertain Times

Mark

 

 

 

Mark Vitner
Former Senior Economist, Wells Fargo
10:50 - 11:15 a.m.
Metalcasters' Agenda on Capitol Hill

Salmon

 

 

 

Stephanie Salmon
AFS Washington Representative
11:15 - 11:30 a.m.
Concluding Remarks and Announcement/Video of 2024 Location

Angela

 

 

 

Angela Schmeisser
AFS Vice President; President and CEO, St. Marys Foundry, Inc.

Dave

 

 

 

David Gilson
AFS Second Vice President; Sales and Marketing Director, SinterCast