Alabama Iron and Steel Council names Phil Goodwin as chairman, Maury Gaston thanked for 'exceptional' leadership

The Alabama Iron and Steel Council (AISC), an affiliate of Manufacture Alabama, named Phil Goodwin as its new chairman. The group also extended its heartfelt appreciation to Maury D. Gaston for his dedicated service as chairman since 2017.

Goodwin, the Director of Sales Operations and Government Affairs for U.S. Pipe & Foundry Co., brings 28 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to the iron and steel sector in Alabama.

An active member of Manufacture Alabama and the original U.S. Pipe representative at the inception of the Alabama Iron & Steel Council in 2008, Goodwin’s extensive experience and dedication to promoting ductile iron pipe in the water industry make him a natural fit for this leadership position, the group announced.

Goodwin has been with U.S. Pipe for 23 years, holding leadership roles in Customer Service, Marketing, Sales Operations, and Government Affairs. “It is an honor to assume the duties as Chairman of the Alabama Iron & Steel Council,” said Phil Goodwin.

“Our industry has a storied history in Alabama but holds an even brighter future. I look forward to partnering with our members to advance our industry in Alabama and beyond. I also want to say thanks to Maury Gaston for leading this group. Maury has been a stalwart for the iron and steel industry for many years and I am humbled to follow him as Chairman.”

Maury Gaston, Manager of Marketing Services for AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe has been a guiding force for the Council, contributing significantly to its mission of promoting and enhancing the competitiveness of Alabama’s iron and steel industry, says Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama.

“Maury has been an exceptional leader for the Alabama Iron and Steel Council,” Barganier said. “His dedication and vision have been instrumental in driving the council’s success and supporting the industry. We are deeply grateful for his service and the substantial impact he has made.”

The council emphasized that under Gaston’s leadership, they made great strides in advising public officials and representing the interests of iron and steel manufacturers throughout the state.

“As I approach professional retirement, my engagement with Manufacture Alabama and the Alabama Iron and Steel Council is a gratifying highlight of my 42-year career with AMERICAN,” said Gaston.

“I’ve often said I’m pleased and grateful to work for a manufacturing industry and especially one with the sustainable and resilient attributes found within iron and steel products which contribute to the health and safety of mankind. Affiliating with Manufacture Alabama increased AISC’s engagement and impact. It’s been delightful to work alongside Jim Bennett, Ernie Glenn, Tom Surtees, George Clark, Brooks McClendon, Jon Barganier, Amanda Salazar, Paul Vercher, and the entire Manufacture Alabama team to advance our industry. I look forward to Phil’s leadership and the increased impact I know the Alabama Iron and Steel Council will have through him.”

The Alabama Iron and Steel Council (AISC) is an advisory group of Manufacture Alabama, representing the interests of iron and steel producers and their supplier-vendor partners throughout the state. Formed in 2008, the council promotes and advises public officials on strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Alabama’s iron and steel companies.

Jon Barganier said he’s thrilled for Phil Goodwin to step into the role as chairman.

“Phil’s extensive industry experience and his dedication to this critical sector make him the ideal leader to continue advancing the goals of the AISC. We are confident that under his leadership, the Council will continue to thrive and positively impact Alabama’s iron and steel industry,” Barganier said.

A native of Valley, Alabama, Goodwin holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Samford University. He resides in Hoover with his wife Wendy and their two children.

“We are thrilled to have Phil step into the role of chairman for the Alabama Iron and Steel Council,” said Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. “Phil’s extensive industry experience and his dedication to this critical sector make him the ideal leader to continue advancing the goals of the AISC. We are confident that under his leadership, the Council will continue to thrive and positively impact Alabama’s iron and steel industry.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270