A longtime AFS member and metalcasting professional will be honored for his dedication and career achievements during Metalcasting Congress 2023.
Kelley Kerns, Director of New Business Development for HA International (Westmont, Illinois), is the 2023 recipient of the AFS Service Citation, which honors outstanding general service to AFS, its chapters, and the broader industry. Service Citations primarily recognize exceptional management achievements by AFS members.
Kerns’ citation specifies that he is being honored “for making substantial advancements in the technical, educational, and managerial areas of the foundry industry while tirelessly promoting metalcasting throughout his career.”
Kerns has been a member of AFS since 1993, when he started his metalcasting career. He worked for John Deere, Ashland Chemical, and Fairmount Minerals before joining HA International in 2019. He has served AFS in many roles over the years, including as a member of various Additive Manufacturing Division committees and the Government Affairs Division. He is a member of the AFS Alumni.
Kerns has been highly active in metalcasting education, having served as a director of the Cast Metals Institute (now AFS Institute) from 2006-2010, including as vice chairman and chairman. Among the other educational initiatives he supports, he is also highly active in the Foundry Educational Foundation, sitting on its executive board and fund enhancement committee.
Kerns has two degrees from the University of Northern Iowa – a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Design and a Master of Arts in Manufacturing Process Development. He earned his MBA from Ohio State University.
The 2023 AFS Service Citation will be presented to Kerns during the Volunteer Leadership Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, April 25, at Metalcasting Congress 2023 in Cleveland. Members wishing to attend the luncheon or register for Metalcasting Congress can do so here.