Carrabba (at far left in photo), who is retiring at the end of the year, was recognized with the award during AISI’s November Board of Directors’ Meeting in Washington, D.C.
 
In presenting the award, Mike Rehwinkel (at right in photo), AISI chairman and executive chairman of EVRAZ North America, said, “On behalf of the Institute I am very honored to present the Gary Memorial Medal to Joe in recognition of his remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry. 
 
“In his role as previous Chairman of AISI, and in his eight years at Cliff’s and 22 years of leadership with our mining partners, he has been a strong and passionate voice for steel. AISI has valued his articulate advocacy on policy issues, wise strategic counsel and dedication to the industry. This award is much deserved.”
 
The medal’s inscription reads: “In recognition of his leadership, breadth of industry insight and tremendous understanding of the global marketplace during a pivotal time for the North American steel industry; for his optimism in challenging times; for his commitment to strengthening pro-manufacturing policies; and his strong belief in steel’s importance to America’s manufacturing renaissance.”
 
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.
 
Carrabba joined Cliffs in April 2005 as president and chief operating officer. He assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of the company in September 2006, and was elected chairman of the Board of Directors in May 2007. Carrabba came to Cliffs from Rio Tinto, a global mining company, where he served for 22 years in a variety of leadership capacities at locations worldwide.
 
Carrabba served as chairman of the AISI Board of Directors from May 2012-May 2013 and chaired a number of key committees. A native of Ohio, Mr. Carrabba earned his bachelor’s degree in geology from Capital University and his MBA from Frostburg State University in Maryland. In addition to his service at AISI, Carrabba also sits on the Board of Directors of the National Mining Association, Newmont Mining Corporation, Capital University Board of Trustees, the Frostburg University Foundation and KeyCorp.