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New Executive Director Named for FEF

Nov. 17, 2014
Experienced non-profit exec to replace Sorensen January 1 Focused on “service, growth and driving revenue” 23 candidates evaluated Five-year strategic plan

Brian Lewis is a chemical manufacturing engineer who has worked in the non-profit sector since 2000. He has experience administering large budgets, working with boards, managing programs and events, and developing strategic partnerships with public and private entities.

The Foundry Educational Foundation has selected Brian Lewis as its new executive director, a position held by Bill Sorensen since 1983.

The FEF was established in 1947 as an independent extension of metalcasting educational programs at colleges and universities, to assist the process of educating individuals for careers in the industry. Currently, the Foundation sponsors programs at 19 colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and has certified programs at 14 more schools.

Bill Sorensen has been the executive director of the Foundry Educational Foundation since 1983. He will remain with FEF in an advisory role through April 30, 2015.

Last year, FEF completed the strategic five-year plan that was formally adopted by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in November of 2013. Then, a transition team was formed to conduct an executive search to replace Sorensen, who had announced his intention to retire.

An executive search firm, Leading Transitions, was retained to provide impartial and professional assistance. Twenty-three candidates were considered, according to FEF, and the transition team narrowed the search to the four most qualified candidates, before selecting two for final interviews.

Brian Lewis was selected following extensive reviews and other evaluations. Brian has experience as an executive for a multi-million-dollar events business unit for the United States Bowling Congress in

Arlington, TX. “Throughout his career he has managed diverse teams focusing on service, growth and driving revenue,” according to an FEF announcement. “He has experience administering large budgets, working closely with boards, managing programs and events, and developing strategic partnerships with public and private entities.”

Lewis is a degreed chemical manufacturing engineer who has worked in the non-profit sector since 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an Associate’s degree in Computer Science from Penn State University.

Lewis has assumed responsibilities at the FEF office and will take the title of Executive Director on January 1, 2015. He will attend and be formerly introduced at the FEF Board of Directors meeting and College Industry Conference, November 20-21.

Bill Sorensen will assist Brian in an executive advisor role until April 30, 2015. “I am excited and looking forward to working with Brian Lewis in my final months with FEF,” Sorensen explained.

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others.