Deidra Minerd Takes Gavel as 2026 MTI President
The Metal Treating Institute (MTI) has long been recognized for the strength of its leadership, and that legacy continues in 2026 with the election of Deidra Minerd of Euclid Heat Treating as President. She was formally passed the gavel during the Fall Meeting’s Final Night Awards Dinner on September 24th in Napa, CA, succeeding 2025 President, Paul Armitage of Service Heat Treating.
Deidra’s election represents not only a continuation of her family’s deep ties to MTI—her father, John Vanas, served as MTI President in 1991—but also a powerful signal of the next generation of leadership shaping the heat treating industry. Growing up in the business, she has a lifelong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing commercial heat treaters. Deidra has served on numerous MTI committees, task force groups, including the Education Committee, Executive Committee, Jobs of Tomorrow Task Force, and By Laws Task Force.
Under her leadership, Deidra is expected to focus on strengthening workforce development, advancing technical knowledge, and ensuring MTI continues to provide its Members with the tools and resources they need to compete in an evolving global market. Her unique perspective as both a business leader and lifelong Member of the MTI community positions her to make a lasting impact.
Reflecting on her election, Deidra shared, “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been in the heat treating world through my family at Euclid Heat Treating. To follow in my father’s footsteps and now be chosen by my peers to lead this incredible organization is an honor. I am excited to build on MTI’s legacy of innovation and collaboration, and to help drive our industry forward and make each one of our Members MTI strong.”
With her passion for people, commitment to progress, and dedication to MTI’s mission, Deidra Minerd is set to guide the Institute into another year of growth, connection, and industry leadership.
MTI also announced the new slate of 2026 officers who will join her, as well as newly elected Board Members for 3-year terms:
2026 OFFICERS
President
Deidra Minerd – Euclid Heat Treating – Euclid, OH
President-Elect
Ben Gasbarre – Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems – Madison Heights, MI
Treasurer
John Quaglia – Bennett Heat Treating – Newark, NJ
Immediate Past President
Paul Armitage – Service Heat Treating – Milwaukee, WI
NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
Associate
Stacey Liebke – ECM-USA – Pleasant Prairie, WI (1st term)
Greg Steiger – Idemitsu Lubricants – Southfield, MI (1st term)
To see the full list of Board members, visit CLICK HERE.
The Metal Treating Institute is a non-profit trade association representing the largest network of heat treaters in the world. MTI helps heat treaters succeed by driving prosperity through connection, innovation and collaboration.