The Forging Industry Association (FIA) named James R. Warren as president and CEO, effective Dec. 4, 2017. In this role, Warren will be responsible for carrying out FIA’s mission of improving its members’ global competitiveness. He will oversee all FIA initiatives, including strategic planning, membership development, education, committees and events. He is also accountable for the overall financial and operational success of the association.

Warren has 30 years of trade-association experience working with manufacturers. Since 2006, he has served on the executive leadership team and was most recently the executive director of member services, education and foundation for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA). While at FMA, Warren led the growth of Manufacturing Day, the largest collection of plant tours in North America. He also served as executive director for three FMA-affiliated organizations: the Association of Steel Distributors, the Sustainable Manufacturer Network and the Tube & Pipe Association.

“Jim has an optimal mix of metalworking background and association expertise,” said Jeffrey T. Jones, chairman of the FIA Board of Directors. “That is why we are confident he is the right person to lead FIA into the future.”

Before taking on his role at FMA, Warren held management positions at the University of Michigan, TechTrax LLC and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

“I’m excited and humbled to have been chosen to be the staff leader of one of the country’s preeminent trade associations focused on the forging industry – a manufacturing process so integral to our country’s history and growth,” said Warren. “I look forward to serving and growing the FIA membership, advocating for its members’ future security and global growth, and cultivating and sustaining a world-class association staff.”