2025 Foundry Leadership Summit Schedule

Monday, September 22, 2025
Noon
Optional Golf Tournament

For attendees of the Foundry Leadership Summit, join us for golf at the Nemacolin Resort on Monday, September 22nd with Shotgun start at noon on the Shepherd’s Rock Golf Course. Golf green fees are $290.00 per person and includes 18-holes of golf and a cart. Pre-registration to golf is required as there are a limited number of spots and is a selection option on the Foundry Leadership registration form. If you need to rent golf clubs, you can do so by contacting the Golf Pro Shop at 724-329-6455 by September 15th. Club rental is $100.00 for 18-holes and is a separate fee.

Golf Attire: Proper casual golf attire is requested; soft spikes only, please. Denim is discouraged on the courses and in the Golf Academy. Collared shirts for both men and women is required.

Golf Check-In: Meet with AFS staff member Ben Yates at the Golf Pro Shop. If you rented clubs, you will need to check-in with the Golf Pro Shop prior.

Getting to the Golf Course: The Nemacolin has a complimentary shuttle bus on property that will take you to their facilities on-site including the golf course. It can be picked up in the hotel lobby at the Chateau and you should allow 10 minutes for shuttle time.

For additional questions about the golf outing, please contact Ben Yates at byates@afsinc.org.
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.   
AI: Transforming What Was Once Thought Impossible into Tangible Reality

KSurace
Kevin Surace
Chief Technology Officer for AppVance and AI Expert
9:45 – 10 a.m. 
Networking Break
10 – 11 a.m.
How Your Business Can Prepare for 2026

GMarks
Gene Marks
Author and public speaker
11 a.m. – Noon
Meeting America’s Energy and Electricity Needs

DRomito
Dan Romito
Managing Director, Pickering Energy Partners and author, "The Radical Middle: How Fossil Fuels and Renewables Can Collaborate on the Future of Energy"
Noon – 1 p.m.   
Networking Lunch
1 – 2 p.m.
Life-Changing Choices About Business Ethics In the Age of AI

CGallagher
Chuck Gallagher
Business Ethics Expert
2 – 3 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Foundry Outlook, Opportunities and Challenges

Moderator:
DGilson
David Gilson
AFS President; Sales and Marketing Director, SinterCast

Panelists: 
GBoyd
George Boyd, Jr.
Managing Member, Goldens’ Foundry & Machine Company

ARenkey
Andrew Renkey
President, V-process Foundry Group

JCook
Jeff Cook
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Eagle Alloy
 


Michael Hawthorne
CEO, Waupaca Foundry
 
6 – 7 p.m.
Networking Reception
7 – 9 p.m.
Annual Banquet
  • The State of AFS address
  • Presentation of the William J. Grede Award and the Keating Founders Freedom Award
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
The Economic Outlook for 2026: Trends and Expectations

GFaucher
Dr. Gus Faucher
Senior VP & Chief Economist, PNC Financial
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Networking Break
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Major Changes in Washington and in America’s Role in the World

MThiessen
Marc Thiessen
Past Chief White House Speechwriter, Fox News Contributor
10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Metalcasters’ Agenda in the Nation’s Capital

SSalmon
Stephanie Salmon
AFS Washington Representative
11:30 – 11:40 a.m.
Announce 2026 Summit Location
11:40 a.m.
Foundry Leadership Summit Adjourns