Michael Grubb Named Recipient of 2026 AISI Market Development Industry Leadership Award

Pictured Left to Right: Lourenco Goncalves, AISI Chairman and the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.; Michael A. Grubb, P.E., executive director of M.A. Grubb & Associates, LLC.; Kevin Dempsey, AISI president and CEO

May 15, 2026

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presented an award to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the competitive use of steel in the marketplace — specifically in the construction market. The award was presented by Lourenco Goncalves, AISI Chairman and the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., at AISI’s General Meeting held at the InterContinental Hotel–The Wharf in Washington, D.C.

Goncalves presented the “2026 Market Development Industry Leadership Award” to Michael A. Grubb, P.E., executive director of M.A. Grubb & Associates, LLC.

“We are pleased to honor Michael, who has spent more than four decades turning research and innovation into market growth for the steel industry,” said Goncalves. “Through his leadership of the AISI Steel Bridge Task Force and his contributions to national bridge design specifications, he has driven the widespread adoption of steel in bridge construction and strengthened its position as a resilient, efficient and cost-effective solution.”

Leadership in the Steel Bridge Task Force

Michael Grubb has played a central role in the Steel Bridge Task Force (BTF) for more than four decades, helping guide its mission to advance safe, efficient, and cost-effective steel bridge solutions. Through his long-standing service, including participation on the BTF Oversight Council, he has helped connect research, design innovation and practical implementation in the field.

Since its formation in the 1970s, the BTF has provided a critical forum for advancing steel bridge research and translating it into design and specification improvements. Grubb’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring these efforts are effectively transitioned into real-world engineering practice.

Shaping National Bridge Design Specifications

Grubb has been deeply involved in the evolution of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for steel bridges, contributing directly or indirectly to nearly every major AASHTO ballot in this area over the past 30 years. His broad knowledge of steel bridge design history and practice has made him a key contributor in strengthening national design standards.

Through this work, he has helped ensure that research outcomes are consistently integrated into specifications used by bridge designers nationwide, reinforcing the long-term competitiveness of steel in transportation infrastructure.

Commitment to Education, Research and Industry Advancement

Beyond his technical leadership, Grubb has made a lasting impact through education, mentorship and technical dissemination. He has trained and mentored generations of bridge engineers through courses, presentations and professional development programs, helping translate complex design concepts into practical engineering application.

He has authored or co-authored more than 40 publications on steel girder bridge design, contributing significantly to the advancement of industry knowledge and best practices. His work has supported improvements in design efficiency, safety and constructability across the steel bridge sector.

Over his career, Grubb’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Richard S. Fountain Award and the J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award, both reflecting his lasting impact on steel bridge engineering and innovation.

A Lasting Legacy in Steel Bridge Advancement

Michael Grubb exemplifies the intent and spirit of the AISI Market Development Industry Leadership Award. His decades of leadership, technical contributions and commitment to advancing steel bridge design have had a lasting impact on the industry and on the competitive use of steel in bridge construction.

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AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers, steel pipe and tube manufacturers and steel processors and fabricators, reflecting the production and distribution of both carbon and stainless steels. These steels are critical to America’s national and economic security, including roads and bridges, buildings, the electrical grid, cars and trucks and all clean energy technologies. AISI also represents associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.