The Copper Development Association gets new leader

Andrew G. Kireta Jr. will become the president and CEO of the Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA), headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Jan. 1, 2022. He succeeds Thomas S. Passek, who is retiring after nearly seven years with the organization. 

“The Copper Development Association's board of directors is thankful for the nearly seven years of thoughtfulness, balance and skill with which Thom led the organization,” says Devin Denner, chairman of CDA’s board of directors and president of Wieland Chase LLC, Montpelier, Ohio. “He has encouraged and stimulated member engagement, navigated the organization through a period of significant change and created a culture of staff support and growth. He has left his mark and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Denner adds, "We’re confident that Andy will continue to lead CDA and its member companies forward to a position of strength and resilience, necessary for bringing the value of copper and its alloys to society.” 

Kireta brings nearly 30 years of copper industry experience to his new role. He has been with CDA since 1992, having previously served in multiple roles in market development, strategy and organizational management in regional and national roles, most recently as vice president of market development across all copper and copper alloy product and market areas. Kireta also has served in various team roles with the International Copper Association (ICA), including time as the leader of the global strategy team, and as a board member with various roles on the executive committee of ASTM International including a term as the 2020 chair of the board.

“Andy has immense knowledge of copper markets and the opportunities and challenges associated with copper use. He is well-known throughout the industry and has the respect and trust of the CDA staff team," Passek says. "His support and leadership during my seven years shows his character and confirms that he is ideally placed to take on this new role.”