The Alabama Iron and Steel Council (AISC), an affiliate of Manufacturing Alabama, has appointed Phil Goodwin as its new Chairman. The Council also expressed its sincere gratitude to Maury D. Gaston for his dedicated service as Chairman since 2017.

Goodwin, director of commercial operations and government relations for U.S. Pipe & Foundry Co., brings 28 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to Alabama's steel sector.

The group said Goodwin is an active member of Manufacture Alabama, was the founding U.S. Pipe representative for the Alabama Steel Council in 2008 and has extensive experience promoting ductile iron pipe in the water industry, making him uniquely qualified for the leadership position.

During his 23 years with U.S. Pipe, Goodwin has held leadership roles in customer service, marketing, sales operations and government relations. “I am honored to accept the duties of president of the Alabama Iron and Steel Association,” said Phil Goodwin.

“Our industry has a storied history in Alabama, but an even brighter future awaits. I look forward to working with our members to advance our industry in Alabama and beyond. I would also like to thank Maury Gaston for leading the group. He has been a leader in the steel industry for many years, and I am honored to succeed him as chairman.”

Maury Gaston, marketing services manager for AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe, has been a driving force in the council’s leadership and has contributed greatly to the council’s mission of promoting and strengthening the competitiveness of Alabama’s steel industry, said Jon Barganier, president and CEO of Manufacture Alabama.

“Morley has been a tremendous leader for the Alabama Iron and Steel Association,” Verganier said. “His dedication and vision have driven the success of the association and played a key role in supporting the industry. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and the profound impact he has had.”

Related: Manufacture Alabama appoints Berganier as CEO to succeed founder George Clark

The council highlighted the great strides it has made under Gaston's leadership in advising public officials across the state and representing the interests of steel manufacturers.

“As I approach professional retirement, my involvement with Manufacturer Alabama and the Alabama Iron and Steel Council have been gratifying highlights of my 42-year career with AMERICAN,” Gaston said.

“I often say I am excited and grateful to work in manufacturing, especially in an industry with the sustainable and resilient attributes found in steel products that contribute to human health and safety. Our partnership with Manufacture Alabama has increased AISC's involvement and impact. It has been a pleasure working with Jim Bennett, Ernie Glenn, Tom Surtees, George Clark, Brooks McClendon, Jon Barganier, Amanda Salazar, Paul Vercher and the entire Manufacture Alabama team to advance the industry. I look forward to Phil's leadership and the great impact the Alabama Steel Council will have through him.”

The Alabama Steel Council (AISC) is an advisory group to the Alabama Manufacturers Association that represents the interests of steel producers and their supplier vendor partners throughout the state. Founded in 2008, the council promotes strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Alabama steel companies and advises public officials.

Related: Manufacture Alabama Elects New Members to Board of Directors – “Excellent Talent”

John Varganier said he was delighted that Phil Goodwin would take on the role of chairman.

“Phil's extensive industry experience and dedication to this important field make him the ideal leader to continue to advance AISC's goals. I am confident that under his leadership, the council will continue to thrive and positively impact Alabama's steel industry,” Vargania said.

A native of Alabama Valley, Goodwin earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and his MBA from Samford University and currently resides in Hoover with his wife, Wendy, and their two children.

“We are excited to have Phil assume the role of chairman of the Alabama Steel Council,” said John Verganier, president and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. “Phil's extensive industry experience and dedication to this important area make him the ideal leader to continue to advance AISC's goals. We are confident that under his leadership, the council will continue to thrive and positively impact Alabama's steel industry.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson