David Zalesne has served as President of Owen Steel Company since 2004, overseeing operations for one of the eastern United States’ largest structural steel fabricators, which maintains a strong regional footprint with facilities in Wilmington, Delaware, and Columbia, South Carolina. Under David’s leadership, Owen Steel has contributed to iconic landmarks across the East Coast, including rebuilding structures at the World Trade Center site. An influential spokesperson for the industry, David has served on the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) since 2006, chairing the Board from 2017 to 2019, and actively contributing to its Executive and Government Relations committees. Under four U.S. presidential administrations, he has been appointed as an Advisor to the Steel Industry Trade Advisory Committee, representing domestic manufacturing on issues of infrastructure policy, Buy America standards, and international trade. Locally, David’s deep legal and professional ties to Philadelphia include a prior partnership at Klehr Harrison and service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

John O’Quinn brings over forty years of distinguished executive experience in steel fabrication and infrastructure to our panel. Currently serving as President of High Steel Structures, John has served multiple terms on the AISC Board of Directors, chairing several bridge committees, and serves on the National Steel Bridge Alliance Executive Council. In 2025, John was presented with the prestigious AISC Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional leadership and outstanding advocacy for national bridge standards and technical industry groups.

As Chairman & CEO of W&W | Afco Steel, Rick Cooper brings extensive operational expertise and market insight to our regional panel. Under his guidance, W&W | Afco Steel maintains a premier presence in the Mid-Atlantic market, contributing to substantial commercial, infrastructure, and industrial projects throughout the Eastern Seaboard.