Ridgeway, who serves as the plant’s meltshop manager, is the first African-American to lead the 85-year-old Metal Makers Guild. 

“It is a great honor and a privilege to be chosen as president of this great organization. The guild is made up of very knowledgeable steelmaker professionals, and I am proud to represent them this upcoming year,” he said. 

Ridgeway started his steel industry career in 1979.

The other officers are: 

First Vice President Brendan Connolly, of Ellwood Quality Steels, New Castle, Pa., USA; Second Vice President Damon Keck, of Steel Dynamics Inc., Pittsboro, Ind., USA; Secretary/Treasurer Mike Russ, of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Hamilton, Ont., Canada; and Officer Without Portfolio Philippe Belanger, of ASW Steel, Welland, Ont., Canada.  

The officers were appointed during the guild’s 85th annual meeting, held this year at CMC Steel Texas. 

During the meeting, Matt Davis of TimkenSteel Corp. received the 2018 Ron E. Lincoln Guilder of the Year Award, which was presented to him in recognition of his contributions and participation to the organization over the past year.