AISI Names Winner of its Highest Honor
05/10/2010 - The American Iron and Steel Institute names James L. Wainscott the 2010 recipient of the Gary Memorial Medal, which recognizes an individual for remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry. Wainscott is AK Steel Corp.'s Chairman, President and CEO.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) announced that James L. Wainscott is the 2010 recipient of the Gary Memorial Medal, the Institute’s highest honor. Wainscott, AK Steel Corp. Chairman, President and CEO, was recognized with the award at the recent AISI 118th General Meeting.
In presenting the award, 2010-11 AISI Chairman Daniel R. DiMicco, Chairman, President and CEO of Nucor Corp., praised Wainscott for providing the commitment and leadership that was so significant during the economic crisis brought on by the global recession.
The medal’s inscription reads: “In recognition of his outstanding leadership during a critical time in the history of our industry and our institute; for answering an early and extended call to leadership with insight, energy and enthusiasm; and for his eloquent voice on behalf of the industry to tell our story of vitality and commitment to the future.”
Established in 1927, the Gary Medal is named for Judge Elbert H. Gary, the first president of AISI. The medal recognizes an individual for his or her remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry.
Wainscott has served the steel industry for nearly 30 years, beginning his steel career with the former National Steel Corp. where he held a number of executive level positions. In 1995, Wainscott joined AK Steel as Vice President and Treasurer and was named Chief Financial Officer in 1998. In 2003, he was named President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of AK Steel. In January of 2006, he was named Chairman of the Board of Directors. Wainscott is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Parker Hannifin Corp.
Wainscott recently served as AISI’s 2009-2010 Chairman, and previously served as the chairman of the Institute’s Policy and Planning Committee and as chairman of its Finance Committee.
Wainscott received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Ball State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. He has been honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards from both Notre Dame and Ball State, as well as the Award of Distinction from Ball State’s Miller College of Business.
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology.
