The Metal Finishing Association of California has named James Simonelli as its new Executive Director.
James SimonelliSimonelli takes over for Bryan Leiker, who has served in the role for the last 12 years.
For the past 28 years, Simonelli has been leading several trade groups in California, including Executive Director for the California Metals Coalition, which it says is the U.S.’s “largest state trade association serving all sectors of the metals industry.”
Simonelli is no stranger to the Metal Finishing Association of California, as for the past several years, the CMC has been working with the MFAC to help fight state regulatory measures to they feared that losing a major part of the metal finishing industry due to unfair regulatory scrutiny will hurt their businesses, too, as metal finishing is a critical part of the manufacturing process.
“James brings a wealth of experience, a strong vision for the future, and a deep commitment to advancing the mission and priorities of our association,” says Keshav Kumar, President of the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California and owner of Plateronics Processing in Chatsworth, California.
“We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to grow, adapt, and effectively address the evolving needs of our industry and members,” Kumar says. “The leadership transition will take place during October and November 2025, with James officially assuming the role in December 2025."
Simonelli brings nearly 30 years of experience representing California’s metals industry. As the current leader of six California metal trade associations, including the California Metals Coalition, American Foundry Society of California, and North American Die Casting Association Chapter 30, Kumar says he has built a reputation for strong, collaborative leadership across the metals manufacturing sector.
H Simonelli also served for 15 years as a registered state lobbyist for the California Metals Coalition, where he authored and advanced multiple pieces of legislation signed into California law.
“James’s deep understanding of the metals industry and proven record of advocacy and association leadership make him exceptionally well-suited to guide MFASC & MFANC into the future,” Kumar says.
Bryan LeikerLeiker served as Executive Director during a challenging time for manufacturing in California, and the metal finishing industry was especially hit hard by local and state regulators who passed new measures to phase out hexavalent chromium in the state.
Leiker’s is also associated with the family-owned K&L Anodizing in Burbank, California. The company was founded in 1950 by DJ “Lefty” Leiker.
“Bryan has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, most notably securing critical chrome plating extensions with the South Coast Air Quality Management District,” Kumar says. “These efforts, along with his leadership on numerous other initiatives, have had a lasting and positive impact on our members and the broader industry. We are truly grateful for Bryan’s dedication, perseverance, and service over the past decade-plus, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
With Simonelli at the helm, CMC in 2020 took the nation’s first step to study the low-exposure inhalation cancer risk factor for hexavalent chromium by funding a study led by Dr. Loren Lipworth, the Division of Epidemiology of Vanderbilt University, biomathematician Bruce C. Allen, and ToxStrategies, a scientific consulting firm.
“Throughout his career, James has demonstrated exceptional skill in board governance, conference and event planning, regulatory compliance coordination, member benefit program development, and government relations,” Kumar says.
