WELCOME NEW FORGING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CEO - MARK AMES, AAiP

The Forging Industry Association (FIA) is pleased to announce Mark Ames, AAiP, as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective October 27, 2025. Ames will lead the association in advancing the interests of the North American forging industry, working closely with FIA’s Board of Directors, committees, and member companies to promote innovation, advocacy, and workforce development across the sector.

Ames will officially join the FIA team later this month and will attend his first event as President & CEO at the FIA Fall Meeting of Members & Marketing Conference, taking place November 4–6, 2025, at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the FIA,” said Jeff Jones, FIA Board Chair and President of Forge Resources Group. “His proven leadership in government relations, workforce development, and organizational strategy makes him an ideal fit to guide the association through its next chapter of growth and impact.”

“Now more than ever, the world relies on the strength and innovation of the forging industry. I’m honored to be selected to lead the FIA and am committed to working tirelessly alongside our members to overcome challenges, seize growth opportunities, and amplify the voice of the North American forging industry for a prosperous future,” said Ames.

Ames brings more than two decades of executive experience in nonprofit and policy leadership. Most recently, he served as Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), where he achieved historic milestones, including securing the organization’s first federal grant—a $500,000 CDC pandemic-response award—and increasing grassroots engagement by 850% from 2022 to 2024. His innovative advocacy strategies have been credited with shaping federal and state legislation, earning him national recognition as one of the country’s Top Lobbyists by The Hill, the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, and the Advocacy Association.

Ames is a respected expert in business growth, organizational strategy, project management, communications, and team leadership. His work blends ethical artificial intelligence, behavioral science, and strategic process improvement to deliver measurable results.

He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from The American University in Washington, D.C., is a Certified Association AI Professional (AAiP), and an Education Policy Fellow.

Angela Gibian, who has served as Interim President & CEO since 2024, will return to her role as Deputy Chief Executive, continuing to oversee FIA operations and initiatives in collaboration with Ames and the Board. “We are grateful to Angela for her leadership and dedication over the past year,” said Paul Spitz, FIA Vice Chair and Vice President of Unit Drop Forge. “Her guidance has positioned the association for continued success under Mark’s leadership.  We would also like to thank the entire FIA staff for their commitment and support.  The stability and success of this past year are a testament to their collective efforts.”