Justin Scott to Succeed Retiring Doug Kurkul As American Foundry Society CEO

Partner

Foundry Daily News

The American Foundry Society (AFS), the largest professional and trade organization serving the $52 billion metalcasting industry, announced today that Justin Scott, Ph.D., CAE, will become its next Chief Executive Officer.

Lesedauer: min | Bildquelle: AFS - American Foundry Society

Scott will be the successor to longtime CEO Doug Kurkul, 66, who announced his intention to retire in spring 2025. Scott’s first day with AFS will be February 2 and he will spend much of the initial weeks of his tenure visiting members and chapters, as well as meeting the staff members. Kurkul and Scott will serve concurrently until Kurkul’s retirement date – May 1 – to ensure an orderly transition.

Scott has served as Vice President for Innovation & Analytics at Metal Service Center Institute in the Chicago area since September 2021. Previously, he worked at The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society for more than 8 years and at the IDA Science & Technology Policy Institute for more than 2 years. Across roles in associations and public policy, Scott has worked to bridge technical expertise, industry needs, and organizational strategy to strengthen manufacturing-focused communities.

Scott earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley in 2004 and a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Northwestern University in 2010.

Scott was selected by a Search Committee co-chaired by AFS President David Gilson (SinterCast) and Immediate Past President Angela Schmeisser (St. Marys Foundry). Other Search Committee members included John Lancaster (General Motors), Jeet Radia (McWane), Peter Reich (LaempeReich) and Brad Muller (Charlotte Pipe & Foundry).

Justin Scott new CEO of American Foundry Society

“Justin Scott is uniquely qualified to carry on and build upon the strong foundations of advocacy, education, innovation and superior member service at AFS,” said David Gilson. “He was selected from more than 360 applicants and his selection was ratified by the AFS Board of Directors.”

“We are delighted to announce this hire and excited to introduce Justin to our membership in the months ahead,” said Angela Schmeisser.

“The American Foundry Society has an incredible legacy of technical leadership and industry stewardship,” said Scott. “I’m energized by the opportunity to serve as CEO and to partner with the AFS community at a pivotal moment for metalcasting.”

Doug Kurkul former American Foundry Society CEO

Kurkul joined AFS as CEO in January 2016, succeeding Jerry Call. During Kurkul’s tenure, AFS has aggressively implemented a six-pillar strategic plan, grown its corporate membership from 794 to 1,115, expanded its technical and management programs, conducted a landmark economic impact study, introduced Foundry E-Learning, and bolstered its balance sheet by terminating the frozen defined-benefit pension plan. This year, AFS will implement year 2 of the federally funded 5-year Technical Resource Digitization program, expand the use of AI in the Technical Library, implement the congressionally funded Aluminum Casting Performance Initiative, enhance AFS Institute training offerings and develop a 5-year AFS Institute Roadmap, lobby for meaningful public policy improvements in Washington, and present the April 14-16, 2026 Metalcasting Congress in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

About AFS

The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $52 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.