David H. Gelwicks

David Gelwicks
  • BS Metallurgical Engineering 1982

Dave graduated from Michigan Tech in 1982 with a B.S in Metallurgical Engineering.

Following graduation, he began his steelmaking career in Wilton, IA at North Star Steel Iowa, working as a rolling mill and quality control metallurgist. In 1984 he transferred to the special bar quality division at North Star Steel Michigan where he held positions in technical service, as a melt-shop metallurgist, and as a melting and casting foreman.He spent four years at the North Star Steel wire rod plant in Beaumont, TX.

In 1993, Dave returned to Michigan, accepting a position with Hickman, Williams & Company, a 128 year-old, employee-owned carbon and alloy supplier located in Monroe. For many years, Dave was the manager of sales to steel melt shops throughout the country. In 2003, Dave was named a Vice President and Director of the company, and was elected President and Chief Executive Officer in 2013.

Dave has long been a strong supporter of Michigan Tech and its students. In 1996, he mentored a Michigan Tech senior design team on a project entitled, "Haz-Mat Properties of Ferrosilicon" which was submitted as the winning entry to the 1996 Iron & Steel Society's Charles W. Briggs Award.  Dave currently serves on the National Board of the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF), and leads FEF's Advisory Board for Michigan Tech's metalcasting program and its accreditation activities. He has previously served on Michigan Tech's Industrial Advisory Board. In 2012, Dave organized an alumni-grounded effort that has led to the successful establishment of an endowed scholarship honoring longtime MSE Professor Richard Heckel.  Dave officiates high school baseball and basketball in Michigan.   Dave and his wife Carrie (also an 82' grad) of 36 years have one daughter, Sarah; she and her husband Cory have three children.