MI2 Expands Leadership Amidst Growth

[Image: Leadership Update 2]

The Metals Innovation Initiative has announced an expansion of its leadership team, in response to MI2’s significant growth since its founding two years ago.

Principal among those changes is industry veteran Mike Buckentin becoming MI2’s next CEO, while founding CEO Vijay Kamineni takes on the new role of Chief Innovation Officer.

“The Metals Innovation Initiative is a great example of how industry leaders work together to move Kentucky forward,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I am supportive of MI2’s continued growth and want to congratulate those taking on new roles with the organization. I look forward to what comes next as Team Kentucky and MI2 continue to work to strengthen our New Kentucky Home.”

This leadership expansion comes alongside plans to grow corporate membership—adding metals company members, downstream manufacturers who use metals in their production, and value provider suppliers who work alongside the metals industry. Learn more here.

“We started two years ago with a commitment from a few leading metals companies and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to launch this initiative,” Kamineni said. “As we embark on our third year, we are proud of the impact we’ve had in our formative stages and the growing commitment we’re seeing from this industry and our partners.”

In its first two years, MI2 has:

• grown from eight member companies at its founding to more than 20 members
• produced two successful conferences, most recently partnering with multiple organizations for October 2024’s inaugural Kentucky Industry Conference
• conducted two nationwide Metals Innovation Search competitions for startups
• created a first-of-its-kind Kentucky Metals industry Guide in partnership with founding partner the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
• received a Department of Energy innovation prize for its energy and talent initiatives

"MI2 has created a powerful mechanism for Kentucky’s metal industries to strengthen our competitiveness," said Henry Gordinier, MI2 board member and President and CEO of Tri-Arrows Aluminum. "I appreciate the practical approach that the organization takes to both identify shared opportunities and to broaden the resources available to its members. Through commitment and authenticity, MI2 is working to make sure that manufacturing in the Commonwealth is positioned for growth over the long-term.”

Since Fall 2022, after establishing the MI2 concept via a white paper he wrote with partner Sam Ford, Kamineni has acted as founding CEO for MI2. He served in this role while employed by Logan Aluminum, where he had been Chief Innovation & Technology Leader.

“We are grateful to Logan Aluminum not just for being a founding MI2 member company but for donating two years of my time to seeing our white paper become reality and the potential value of this model begin to be realized,” Kamineni said.

Kamineni is departing Logan Aluminum in early February. In his new role as Chief Innovation Officer, he will envision the organization’s further continued growth and next steps. He will do alongside growing his new strategy firm, Innovation Engine.

Mike Buckentin joins MI2 as CEO after serving as a founding board member. Buckentin takes this role after retiring from his position as CEO of Logan Aluminum in October 2024.

“As a board member, I’ve seen the power that comes from my fellow metals industry leaders standing side-by-side with leaders in our innovation ecosystem to work on common challenges and opportunities,” Buckentin said. “MI2 has quickly demonstrated its strength as a vehicle for innovation initiatives, and I’m excited to work with our leadership team to realize that value.”

Dixon Strategies Founder Summer Dixon Goldman will continue as MI2’s COO, overseeing execution of the organization’s initiatives in energy, recycling, and talent/workforce development.

Meanwhile, Sam Ford—a co-founder of Innovation Engine with Kamineni—will take on the position of Chief Partnership Officer, after serving as MI2’s Director of Strategic Communications since its founding.

Alongside this expansion, MI2 also announced today the appointment of Logan Aluminum CEO Steven Clarke and Wieland Recycling North America President Marcel Christians to the organization’s Board of Directors. Learn more about the two new board members here.

"I am committed and looking forward to advancing innovation and collaboration in Kentucky's metals industry,” said MI2 board member and North American Stainless President and CEO Cristobal Fuentes. “Looking ahead to 2025, MI2 is poised to continue its mission, with exciting organizational changes and the introduction of new board members, further strengthening its role in making Kentucky a preeminent destination for metals innovation."

MI2 will be rolling out news on several other initiatives in the months ahead. For instance, the organization recently announced plans for the 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference in partnership with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the University of Louisville Manufacturing Extension Program in October 2025.

In light of this news, MI2 board member and Nucor Steel GM and VP Bob Eviston provided the following statement:

Nucor Corporation is proud to continue our support of MI2. MI2 has played a pivotal role in advancing Kentucky as a preeminent destination for metals innovation by fostering collaboration, driving sustainability, and promoting talent development in our industry.

We are excited about the new leadership team that will guide MI2 into the future. Mike Buckentin’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer is a testament to his proven leadership and his vision for the organization. His strategic direction and ability to build relationships will elevate MI2’s influence and effectiveness. Vijay Kamineni, as Chief Innovation Officer, brings deep expertise and a track record of success in building key connections and executing impactful initiatives. Together, Mike and Vijay form an exceptional team that will continue to drive MI2’s mission forward.

Nucor stands firmly behind this leadership transition and the direction of MI2. We are confident that, under Mike and Vijay’s guidance, MI2 will achieve even greater milestones and further cement Kentucky’s leadership in metals innovation.