U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt Headlines Joint Rotary, Kiwanis & Rotaract Meeting
RCB President Jeff Stone, Rotaract President Alex Bowker, Kiwanis President John Saxon and Rotarian Craft O’Neal with David Burritt
This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) hosted the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and the Rotaract Club of Birmingham for a joint meeting featuring David Burritt, President & CEO of U.S. Steel.
Burritt reflected on Birmingham’s historic role in the steel industry, calling the city “destined to make steel” because of its unique natural resources and industrial foundation. He praised the civic leadership represented by Rotary, Rotaract, and Kiwanis, emphasizing the shared focus on service and the importance of leaving communities stronger for future generations.
Burritt shared stories about the history of U.S. Steel in Alabama dating back to the company’s acquisition of Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad in 1907, while also discussing the company’s recent partnership with Nippon Steel. He described the lengthy negotiations surrounding the agreement and emphasized the importance of persistence, partnership, and long-term investment in American manufacturing.
Burritt highlighted U.S. Steel’s continued commitment to Alabama, including the company’s state-of-the-art electric arc furnace at the Fairfield Tubular Facility and a recently announced $75 million investment focused on premium threading technology for the domestic energy industry. He noted that U.S. Steel supports nearly 2,000 jobs across Alabama and works with hundreds of Alabama suppliers while generating significant economic impact statewide.
During the meeting, Burrittt announced U.S. Steel would contribute $400,000 toward completing the revitalization of the Willie Mays Youth Ballpark in Fairfield. The investment will support new batting cages, pavilion renovations, and lighting upgrades to create expanded opportunities for young people and families in the community. Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes Jr. and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin were present for the surprise announcement.
Burritt closed by emphasizing three themes that he believes will shape the future of American manufacturing: partnership, capability, and commitment. He pointed to Birmingham and Alabama as important contributors to the future of domestic steel production, energy infrastructure, and workforce development while reinforcing the value of civic leadership and community investment.
The ballpark announcement was shared by multiple media outlets following the meeting:
Rotary, Rotaract and Kiwanis members with Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes Jr. and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin following the meeting.
Bio for David Burritt
David B. Burritt was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of United States Steel Corporation in May 2017. At that time, Mr. Burritt was also named to the company’s Board of Directors. He had been elected President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2017 with executive responsibility for all aspects of the company’s day-to-day business in the United States and Central Europe.
Burritt joined U. S. Steel in September 2013 to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s strategic and financial matters. Prior to joining U. S. Steel, Mr. Burritt, served as Chief Financial Officer at Caterpillar Inc.
Burritt was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977 from Bradley University in Peoria. Mr. Burritt received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 1990. Burritt serves on the board of directors of Lockheed Martin. He is also a member of The Business Council and a member of the G100.