Taking the reins of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) would be a challenge even in the best of economic times. For Thomas J. Gibson, it's been a baptism by fire as the bottom dropped out of the world steel market in fall 2008 at almost the same time he assumed the top position at the Washington-based institute.

"In a perfect world, you'd want to come on in September 2007, not September 2008," Gibson conceded. "I don't think anyone wants to take over when everything is going downhill. But even in the midst of all this, I think we've done a good job in keeping our eye on policy and the members' objectives."

When Gibson signed on as AISI's president and chief executive officer, a post held for a decade and a half by Andrew G. Sharkey III, who retired last summer, the halcyon days of skyrocketing steel prices and robust market demand were coming to a sudden and abrupt end.

Insiders say the institute's executive search committee hired Gibson for his ability to deal with the highly charged political maneuvering required on Capitol Hill. Prior to accepting the AISI's top slot last September, the U.S. Naval Academy graduate and alumnus of Georgetown Law School worked as senior vice president of advocacy at the American Chemistry Council and at the Portland Cement Association.

"Tom came out of a background on policy legislation. The members wanted someone who could be policy driven," AISI vice president Nancy Gravatt, said. "I have to give him a lot of credit. He maintains a steady demeanor through very tough times."

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