Jim Oakes Awarded First Ever FNA Industry Award

At the opening night kickoff reception, Furnaces North America (FNA 2022), North America’s premier trade show and technical conference, recognized Jim Oakes, President of Super Systems in Cincinnati, OH with the first ever FNA Industry Award.

This award is given to an individual in recognition of their contribution(s) and current/ongoing commitment to the betterment of the heat treating industry with one or more significant accomplishments in the last 5 years in the area of innovation, leadership, academia, or research.

The Metal Treating Institute’s 2018 President, Pete Hushek, who gave the award to Jim stated, “Over the last five years, no one has been more deserving of this award than Jim Oakes.  Having served as President of ASM for two years and immediately being elected as President of the Metal Treating Institute, serving two years during the pandemic, along with his service in a host of other technical standards groups, Jim’s leadership shined as he led two of the major industry associations the last 5 years.”

Jim Oakes stated upon receiving the award, “This is truly an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers.  We don’t do what we do for awards.  We do it to make a difference.  It is through that difference that we make a better future for everyone.  It has always been a pleasure to serve this great industry.”

The following is the full list of individuals and companies who were recognized for their excellence, leadership, and service in the heat treating industry:

Commercial Heat Treater of the Year Award

Cincinnati Steel Treating – Cincinnati, OH

This award, given in partnership with Heat Treat Today and the MTI Educational Foundation, recognizes the company who has demonstrated a level of excellence in quality programs, pollution/hazardous waste control, and community involvement/leadership.

MTI Associate of the Year

Idemitsu Lubricants – Southfield, MI

Given in recognition of current/ongoing commitment over the previous year to the betterment of the Metal Treating Institute, with one or more notable accomplishments. 

Heritage Award

John Reger – Winston Heat Treating – Dayton, OH

This award is given out sparingly, and is the "most prestigious" of all MTI awards.  It is given in recognition of the individual’s lifetime commitment to the betterment of the commercial heat treating industry, with one or more notable accomplishments. 

Award of Industry Merit

Roy Adkins – Braddock Metallurgical – Daytona Beach, FL

Given in recognition of current/ongoing commitment to the betterment of the commercial heat treating industry, with one or more significant accomplishments. 

 Lance Miller Legend Award

Buster Crossley – Texas Heat Treating – Round Rock, TX

Given in recognition of a lifetime commitment to the betterment of the Metal Treating Institute, with one or more notable accomplishments.

Distinguished Service Award

Ryan Fussell – Southwest Metal Treating Corp – Ft. Worth, TX

Given in recognition of current/ongoing commitment over the previous year to the betterment of the Metal Treating Institute, with one or more notable accomplishments. 

Emerging Leader Award

Heather Falcone – Thermal-Vac Technology – Orange, CA

This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment towards professional development through the Young Executive Series Program (YES) and/or the MTI Online Academy, a commitment to advancement of the heat treating industry, made an impact on the Institute through volunteering at the Chapter or National Level, and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities.

MTI Presidents Award

Michael Mouilleseaux – Erie Steel LTD – Toledo, OH

Given in recognition of current/ongoing helpfulness over the previous year to the President and Board of Trustees of the Metal Treating Institute.

Service and volunteering is a true investment in the industry by any individual and company.  Each volunteer commits their time and expense to participate on committees or the Board of Trustees.  MTI volunteers truly believe in being a part of a movement bigger than themselves.  MTI thanks all of our volunteers for their dedication to making MTI a world class organization for its membership.

MTI would like to congratulate all of the 2022 award winners, and thank them for their service, leadership, and excellence to the Institute and the heat treating industry.