January 13, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO - The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has named Fernao A.O. Cesar, Director of Marketing–Gerdau Long Steel North America, to its Board of Directors. He brings more than 15 years of experience in the steel industry, both in Brazil and the U.S.

"Interacting with the fabrication community as a supplier over the last years has been an amazing experience," said Cesar. "Now, I am looking forward to contributing to the advancement of steel construction in a new capacity as a member of the AISC Board."

With AISC embarking on a reinvigorated market development program, Cesar's experience in both sales and marketing is expected to be invaluable. "Fernao has been helping steel fabricators at Gerdau for years, and that gives him uniquely valuable insights into what they need in today's market," said Stephen Knitter, AISC’s Board chair and president of steel fabricator Geiger & Peters in Indianapolis. "It's a pleasure to welcome him to the Board, and I look forward to working with him!"

Cesar is well-known and respected particularly for his expertise in market intelligence and forecasting. He previously led Gerdau's U.S. innovation program. He earned a bachelor's of engineering (materials engineering) from the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Brazil, a master’s degree in business economics from Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brazil, and an MBA from Michigan State University.

"AISC's successes are driven by the diverse and deep experience of our volunteers. This starts with our Board, which represents the combined expertise of the American fabrication industry as well as leading steel manufacturers and distributors,” said AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD. "I'm looking forward to working with Fernao and know he'll be an invaluable contributor to AISC and the steel industry."