STINA names Mark Bula HSS director

CHICAGO – The Steel Tube Institute of North America (STINA) has announced the appointment of Mark P. Bula as its HSS Director, a newly created position.

Mr. Bula has extensive experience in the steel industry, holding management, sales and marketing positions with National Steel, Nucor and SeverCorr Corporation. Most recently he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Steel Development Company, a primary steel producer of carbon rebar. He also served as Managing Director at the Strategic Consulting Firm, Root Learning, and was the founder and Managing Partner of Marketing Minds, LLC, a strategic marketing firm that provided sales and marketing services in the domestic and international metals industries.

Bill Wolfe, executive director of STINA said that the Institute was fortunate to have found someone with Mr. Bula’s set of skills and experience to head the HSS group. “Mark brings a unique mix to the position,” Mr. Wolfe said. “He not only knows the steel industry very well, he also has in-depth experience working with various end-market segments, as well as both the supply and distribution chains.”

Mr. Wolfe also mentioned that Mr. Bula’s marketing experience will be a valuable asset in the introductory phases of STINA’s new HSS Producer Certification Program. “This is the most extensive program STINA has ever undertaken,” Mr. Wolfe said. “Mark’s background in marketing and sales will be invaluable in creating awareness of the program and the benefits it provides. The job will require contact with top-level architects, engineers, government officials, fabricators and contractors, as well as executives in a number of end-markets and throughout the distribution chain.”

In his new position, Mr. Bula will be responsible for all of the HSS Committees’ activities, including: budgeting, programs, technical support, promotions, marketing and marketing communications.

Mr. Bula holds an MBA Degree from the University of Toledo and a BS Degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University, in Pittsburgh. A native of western Pennsylvania, he currently lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, and their two children. He has coached Junior Olympic volleyball, served on the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and does volunteer work for St. Jude Childrens’ Hospital in Memphis.