The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), announces that Mark A. Thimons will succeed Gregory Crawford as Vice President of the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI). Crawford announced his upcoming retirement earlier this year. Thimons joined SMDI in November, 2010 as director of construction sustainability and has over 25 years of experience in steel construction products and steel product sustainability.

“Under Greg’s leadership, the Steel Recycling Institute has driven increases in steel recycling rates while positioning the organization to take a lead role in steel sustainability in North America. Mark’s particular expertise will ensure a smooth transition and enable the organization to focus on steel’s superior environmental performance versus competing materials,” said Lawrence W. Kavanagh, president of the Steel Market Development Institute. “Our industry owes Greg a large debt of gratitude for his service, and we wish him and his family well.”

As part of this transition, SRI will focus its efforts in two core areas-recycling programs and life cycle research. The recycling focus will include national and regional recycling initiatives, outreach and growth, while SRI’s life cycle research will include life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, as well as other sustainability-related initiatives relevant to the North American steel industry.

“Applying life cycle science and similar tools in all steel markets is a task we will take on with urgency,” said Thimons. “We are committed to credibly documenting steel’s environmental advantages versus competing materials in all markets and applications.”