Staff

Justin Scott, PhD, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

Justin Scott became CEO of the American Foundry Society in 2026. He brings more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing, and association leadership. Prior to joining AFS, Scott served as Vice President of Innovation & Analytics at the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI), where he led cross-functional initiatives spanning industry intelligence, marketing, and technology modernization.

At MSCI, he expanded the organization’s benchmarking and forecasting portfolio, guided implementation of a new Association Management System, and supported AI policy guidance and workforce programming. Earlier, at The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), he led technical initiatives, secured federal research funding, and served as Principal Editor of JOM, the Society’s flagship peer-reviewed journal. He began his career in science policy in Washington, D.C., supporting federal manufacturing and research initiatives.

He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2019.

Mike Lakas

Senior Vice President for IT, Operations, and Trade Shows

Mike Lakas joined AFS in 2014 and made immediate contributions by beginning to modernize the organization’s technology functions and instituting an internal Kaizen team. He was promoted to Vice President of IT and Operations in September 2017. In his expanded role, he heads up not only IT, but also conference management, customer service, and building operations. Before joining AFS in 2014, Lakas held IT roles at a medical society and at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He holds an MBA and a bachelor of science degree from that institution.

Cathy Potts

Vice President of Human Resources & Administrative Services

Cathy Potts joined the American Foundry Society in 2015 and currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources & Administrative Services. She oversees all human resources functions and provides administrative and organizational support to AFS leadership and staff.

Potts also serves as the staff liaison to the AFS Management Council, Young Professionals Division, and Talent Development Division, supporting volunteer leaders, programs, meetings, and strategic initiatives.

Before joining AFS, Potts spent 16 years at Navistar, where she gained extensive experience in human resources, global recruiting and staffing, organizational development and training, employee relations, and compensation.

Ben Yates

Vice President of Business Development

Ben Yates joined AFS in 2017, where he is responsible for marketing and public relations, membership development, chapter relationships, advertising sales, event sponsorships, and industry solutions programs. Before joining AFS, Yates spent 14 years with Associated Equipment Dealers, a North American trade group serving construction equipment dealerships. In addition to regular writing and speaking duties at AFS, he has extensive experience in grassroots advocacy, having hosted facility tours with more than 60 U.S. senators and congressmen. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and master’s degree from Florida State University.

Chris Oswald

Vice President of Accounting & Finance

Chris Oswald joined AFS in 2021, overseeing accounting and reporting requirements for AFS and the Institute. He is a CPA with an accounting degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Oswald has years of experience as a CFO, financial reporting director, accounting manager, and auditor.

Brian Began

Senior Vice President of Metalcasting Technical Services

Brian Began has more than two decades of technical experience in the metalcasting industry. He joined AFS in 2021, having worked 23 years in key roles with Foseco. He also served on the staff at ASM International. Began has a degree in materials science from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Ashland University. As an AFS member, he volunteered in leadership positions for the AFS Technical Council and the Aluminum & Light Metals Division.