Thomas J. Gibson, former president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute(AISI), has been awarded the industry’s highest honour — the Gary Memorial Medal — at AISI’s board of directors meeting in Washington, DC.

Gibson had been president and CEO of the Institute since 2008 and retired in June of 2020. His selection for the honour was originally adopted by the AISI board of directors in October 2020; however, the announcement was delayed due to the pandemic.

In presenting the award, Leon Topalian, president and CEO of Nucor and incoming AISI chairman, said, “We at AISI have valued Tom’s articulate advocacy and wise strategic counsel. His unique understanding of the issues and ability to lead in a collaborative manner enabled the industry’s aggressive outreach on our priority concerns. Tom laid the groundwork for outstanding engagement on Capitol Hill and with the executive branch, and steel producers will always remember the impact he had on the industry.”

“We at AISI have valued Tom’s articulate advocacy and wise strategic counsel. His unique understanding of the issues and ability to lead in a collaborative manner enabled the industry’s aggressive outreach on our priority concerns. Tom laid the groundwork for outstanding engagement on Capitol Hill and with the executive branch, and steel producers will always remember the impact he had on the industry.”

Leon Topalian, president and CEO of Nucor.

John Brett, CEO of ArcelorMittal North America who chaired AISI when the selection was made, said, “Tom worked hard to maintain relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle during his years in government, and he brought that approach to AISI. From shepherding legislation to strengthening trade laws for the first time in decades, to successful passage of transportation and infrastructure bills to benefit the steel industry, to ensuring a balanced approach to energy and environmental regulations, the industry benefitted from Tom’s passionate voice for steel.”

“Tom worked hard to maintain relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle during his years in government, and he brought that approach to AISI."

John Brett, CEO of ArcelorMittal North America.

The citation to Gibson from the board of directors reads: “In recognition of his outstanding leadership in advancing public policy issues critical to the steel industry and American manufacturing; his unwavering commitment of time and energy to matters central to the future of the Institute and the interests of its members; and for his thoughtful, articulate advocacy on behalf of steel as the material of choice.”