Michael Cowden
Michael Cowden is managing editor for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He has since 2014 specialized in flat-rolled steel but has previously reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden reported for Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a copy editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Contact him at michael@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7872.
David Schollaert
David Schollaert is a senior analyst and editor for Steel Market Update. Schollaert has been in the metals and mining industry since 2009. Before joining SMU in 2020, Schollaert covered steel-making raw materials and ferroalloys for CRU, and more recently held roles as a metals buyer and operations manager for raw material suppliers in Pittsburgh and Montreal. Based in CRU’s Pittsburgh office, David can be reached at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.
Laura Miller
Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held a variety of positions within the steel industry since 2007, including reporting and editing for Steel Business Briefing/Platts, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Kallanish Commodities. She also worked in marketing for what was then known as ThyssenKrupp Steel USA (now AM/NS Calvert). After a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel in 2021 and has covered the flat rolled, tubular, and trade areas of the industry. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.
Ethan Bernard
Ethan Bernard is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York for AMM’s daily publication. He also copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine. Bernard has experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing. He also holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.
Brett Linton
Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.
Kaylee Turner
Kaylee Turner is a digital content administrator with Steel Market Update. Kaylee brings a dynamic marketing background with global experience, having started her career in Sydney, Australia. From fine jewelry marketing to advertising and account management, she has excelled in diverse roles. Currently serving as a content administrator at CRU Group, Kaylee is passionate about fostering connections among colleagues and creating a seamless and enjoyable work environment. She can be reached at kaylee@steelmarketupdate.com
Jill Waldman
Jill Waldman is an agenda manager and sponsorship, exhibitions and advertising sales manager for Steel Market Update and CRU. She has been with SMU since 2017 and has held several positions including event consultant, event coordinator, and project manager. She has been an occasional contributor to the newsletter. Jill is also an event producer with The Main Event Colorado, her event production company, running live events since 2001. She previously worked in the television and film industries. Jill is a member of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a dual BA in English Literature and International Relations/American Foreign Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jill can be reached at jill.waldman@crugroup.com or 303-570-6570.
Luis Corona
Luis Corona is a senior account executive with Steel Market Update. Luis has held various sales positions in the real estate, steel, and market intelligence industries. Most recently he was an account manager at a major steel tube and pipe supplier, and an account executive with a metal market information provider. Luis lends his industry experience to his sales consults to ensure our clients have solutions that drive value for their organizations. He can be reached at luis.corona@crugroup.com or +1 724-221-9997.