United States Steel Corp. announced the appointment of Dennis G. Quirk to the position of General Manager of Minnesota Ore Operations, reporting to David H. Lohr, Vice President—Plant Operations.

In his new position, Quirk succeeds James D. McConnell, who has been named General Manager—Raw Materials and will be relocating to the company's headquarters in Pittsburgh. In his new position, McConnell will oversee procurement of raw materials for the company's domestic and Central European operations.

Both appointments are effective April 1.

"Throughout his career with U. S. Steel, Dennis has demonstrated strong leadership skills," said Lohr. "Following the acquisition of the National Steel assets in 2003, he played a primary role in the successful integration of Granite City Works into U. S. Steel, and he was a major contributor to its excellent performance in 2004. We believe his leadership ability, along with his technical expertise and financial proficiency will help our Minnesota Ore Operations achieve even higher levels of performance."

Quirk, 50, began his career with U. S. Steel in 1976 as a summer student trainee at National-Duquesne Works near Pittsburgh, which manufactured tubular products. He was named Turn Foreman—Finishing Operations in 1978 and Turn Foreman—Forming and Welding in 1981. In 1983, Quirk moved to Fairfield Works in Alabama where he was named General Foreman in the seamless pipe mill. He moved through a series of increasingly responsible positions in tubular and flat-rolled operations and was named Manager—Tubular Operations in 2001. When U. S. Steel acquired Granite City Works in 2003, Quirk was appointed Plant Manager—Finishing Operations, a position he held until being named to his new position as General Manager of Minnesota Ore Operations.

Quirk graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1977 with bachelor's degrees in both industrial management and economics.