At the 2025 CastExpo in Atlanta, five distinguished leaders will be honored by the American Foundry Society (AFS) for their outstanding contributions to the metalcasting industry. All awards will be bestowed during the 2025 CastExpo at the Georgia World Conference Center, Atlanta, April 12-15. The Peter L. Simpson Gold Medal and William H. McFadden Gold Medal will be awarded at the annual banquet on Sunday, April 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Scientific Merit and Service Citation Awards presentation will take place at the Volunteer Leadership Awards Luncheon, Sunday, April 13, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Bruce Dienst, President of Norican Group North America, LaGrange, GA, will be honored with the Peter L. Simpson Gold Medal for his decades of commitment to advancing metalcasting through leadership, innovation, and strategic insights. His contributions in leading AFS, FEF, and CISA had a lasting positive impact. Known for his integrity and dedication, Dienst embodies the standards of excellence that the Peter L. Simpson Gold Medal represents.
Robert Scholz, Senior Project Manager at TRC Environmental Corporation in West Allis, Wisconsin, will receive the William H. McFadden Gold Medal. Recognized for his contributions to safety and employee health, Scholz has devoted his career to innovative solutions in industrial ventilation and hygiene. His commitment to teaching and mentoring, including volunteer ESL instruction, has left a lasting legacy within the industry.
“Bruce Dienst, and Robert Scholz exemplify the dedication, expertise, and leadership that drive the success of the metalcasting industry,” said AFS CEO Doug Kurkul. “Their contributions have fostered a culture of excellence and pride that benefits everyone involved in metalcasting.”
Established in 1924, AFS's Gold Medals honor individuals whose work has had a profound and positive impact on the foundry sector, celebrating leaders whose careers embody a spirit of innovation, service, and knowledge-sharing.
Paul David Paulsen, Scientific Merit award recipient, has had a successful career in the foundry industry, driven by his commitment to environmental sustainability and energy reduction. A respected expert on advanced oxidation processes and bond consumption, he has made significant contributions to environmental remediation and sustainable energy within metalcasting. As a dedicated member of the Green Sand Committee, he has consistently championed eco-friendly initiatives and educated future metalcasters, with many committee ideas inspired by his work. An active leader in the AFS Molding Division, his extensive papers and presentations showcase his invaluable knowledge and innovation in the field. Paulsen is President of Furness – Newburge, Inc in Versailles, KY.
Additionally, two Service Citation Award recipients will be honored recognizing outstanding general service, primarily of a non-technical nature, to AFS and the casting industry through committees, shared interest groups, regional chapters, student chapters, volunteer course instruction, and other forms of service.
Jay Morrison, VP Equipment Sales/Eastern Region Sales Manager, Carpenter Brothers, Inc., Mequon, WI, will be recognized for his 25 years of industry service and impactful work on both the supply and foundry sides. His service on the AFS Board of Directors coupled with leadership roles with the AFS Western Michigan Chapter and Central Indiana Chapter showcase his commitment to advancing industry standards and driving significant increases in chapter involvement. Additionally, Jay has bridged generational gaps by fostering collaboration between experienced and new professionals, and his work with educational programs fosters a strong future for the industry.
Colbey Solis, Plant Manager, Oil City Iron Works, Corsicana, Texas will also receive the AFS Service Citation Award for his service in AFS chapter leadership and encouraging area students. Colbey became Chair of the AFS Texas Chapter and worked with former Chairs and new volunteers to revive the Chapter, hosting its first successful regional event in six years, attracting renewed energy from local foundries. Colbey’s efforts helped the Chapter grow, regain financial strength, and support educational goals, all while he managed a successful ferrous foundry. Further, his commitment to speaking with student chapter members encourages young people to select metalcasting for their career direction.
All awards will be bestowed during the 2025 CastExpo at the Georgia World Conference Center, Atlanta, April 12-15. The Peter L. Simpson Gold Medal and William H. McFadden Gold Medal will be awarded at the annual banquet on Sunday, April 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Scientific Merit and Service Citation Awards presentation will take place at the Volunteer Leadership Awards Luncheon, Sunday, April 13, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Visit afsinc.org for more details.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $50 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.