Leadership

Dr. Jack Cheng

Dr. Jack Cheng is Founder, President and CEO of AA Metals. Jack began his career as a researcher but quickly transitioned to an entrepreneur and visionary leader who empowers his employees to push the status quo and drives his company to become a global leader in metal manufacturing and distribution. A humble first-generation Chinese immigrant who has never forgotten his roots, Jack is committed to giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of leaders and achievers.
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, a master’s degree in steel-making and a Ph.D. in metallurgical physical chemistry—all in China—Jack came to the United States with big dreams. After earning a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2000, Jack took a position as senior research associate at UK’s Center for Aluminum Technology while he worked toward an MBA.
In 2003, Jack launched AA Metals from his home office in Lexington, Kentucky, with just $600 savings in the bank. Thanks to his vision and leadership, Jack has grown AA Metals into a rapidly expanding global aluminum manufacturing and distribution leader with 500 employees and $1.2 billion in revenue. AA Metals serves over 500 customers around the world, providing 500 million pounds of aluminum and steel per year, with a global supply network in Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, Jack has acquired multiple aluminum manufacturing and processing facilities in United States, Turkey and Colombia, as well as operation centers in China and Germany.

In 2019, Jack received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Florida and became a National Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the United States. He was featured in The American Dream, an Emmy Award Winning show by Bloomberg TV. Jack was also named the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida’s Entrepreneur of Year in 2022.
Jack has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for UK College of Engineering since 2022. On UK’s “One Day for UK” giving day, Jack made a $1 million gift for research and teaching spaces within the College of Engineering. His gift was presented as a matching gift, which inspired not only gifts from the UK community but also team members at AA Metals in Florida, Pennsylvania, Turkey, Colombia and China.
In addition to his volunteer work at UK, Jack is an activist and supporter for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s campaign since 2017. Jack is also devoted to Orlando Chinese American communities by sponsoring many initiatives with the Greater Orlando Chinese Professionals Association.

Donald Lawson, MBA

Donald Lawson is the Chief Financial Officer for AA Metals. In this role, Don is responsible for leading the company in the achievement of its overall growth, service and profitability goals.

Don has a wide-ranging professional background spanning 25 years and multiple functional experiences including general management, sales, manufacturing, supply chain and engineering/R&D. His industry experiences include building products, consumer packaged goods, metals, plastics and pulp & paper manufacturing.

Don excels in strategic planning, building strong cross-functional teamwork and customer/supplier relationships. He enjoys solving complex problems within organizations and building platforms capable of sustainable growth.

Before joining AA Metals, Don was a VP with Omnimax International where he was responsible for procurement, supply chain, transportation and coating operations. Prior to that, he served in a variety of leadership roles with Trinidad-Benham, Novelis and Kimberly-Clark. Don holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Global Business – both from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA..

Ying Jiang, LL.M.,SHRM-SCP

Ying Jiang serves as the Corporate Secretary and Vice President of Personnel and Public Relations of AA Metals. Ying joined the company in 2018 and works directly with the CEO, Dr. Jack Cheng, while also overseeing public relations and human resources. She strives to optimize corporate operational effectiveness, promote company culture and amplify brand recognition and value with talent development, employee engagement and strategic marketing and PR campaigns.

Ying enjoys welcoming new members to the AA Metals family and facilitating their transition and growth within the Company. Ying has extensive experience managing employees and employment policy and public affairs related issues in both the public and private sectors. Ying has been invited to speak about her experience in these areas at conferences and understands the importance of clear and effective communication.

Ying earned a bachelor of law degree from Soochow University, China, where she graduated near the top of her class, and also has earned a Master of Law degree in Comparative Law from the University of Florida, College of Law. As a HR professional, Ying is certified as SHRM Senior Certified Professional® (SHRM-SCP). Ying also serves as the President of Jetport Park Nonresidential Property Owners’ Association and is actively involved in the local business community’s development.

Nestor Rentas

Nestor Rentas is the VP of Information Technology for AA Metals.

Ruth Gomez

Ruth Gomez is the Director of Business Development for AA Metals. In this role, she is responsible for developing new business opportunities globally, including oversight of customer relations to ensure customer satisfaction. She has a proven ability to leverage business acumen and tactical planning skills to drive change, resolve complex business challenges, and attain superior results.

Ruth joined AA Metals in 2015 and previously held positions in both Operations and Administration within the company. She has over two decades of experience in international trade, business development, operations, and project management.

Ruth has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Universidad Externado De Colombia in Bogota, Colombia and a master’s degree in International Business from both Universidad Externado De Colombia and Columbia University in N.Y.

Robert Rogers

Robert Rogers is the Director of Sales for AA Metals. In this role, Robert is responsible for the continuous growth and overall sales of the company’s metals division. His holds primary responsibility in leading the sales team in achieving and surpassing sales goals.

Robert joined AA Metals in 2010, with experience in sales, operations, and supply chain management. His experience spans several industries including metals, electronics, retail, distribution, and hospitality, with companies such as Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Avery Dennison, Walt Disney, Universal, and Sony.

Robert has an established track record of obtaining and growing market share aa well as the ability to combine business acumen with leadership skills to build strong relationships with top performers.

Ni NI, MBA

Ni Ni is the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for AA Metals. In this role, she is responsible for the company’s budgeting, forecasting, planning and strategic analysis.

Ni joined AA Metals in 2013 and has previously held positions in both the Sales Department and Supply Chain Department. Ni always finds swift resolution to organizational challenges through her solid understanding of the metal market products and suppliers..

Ni holds an undergraduate degree with double majors in Accounting and Technology Management, an MBA and a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management from Indiana University Bloomington..

Graeme Scott

Graeme Scott is Director of Supply Chain for AA Metals. In this role, Graeme develops the supply chain strategy to align with the company sales plan so that the company can achieve growth, profitability and service goals.

Graeme has over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, working for companies such as Rolls Royce Aerospace, Exxon Mobil, Glaxo SmithKline and Ball Corporation.

Graeme’s experience with aluminum products spans more than a decade. Before joining AA Metals, he oversaw aluminum purchasing at a national transportation provider. Graeme holds a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Northumbria University in England.

Terry Nelson

Terry Nelson serves as the Controller for AA Metals. In this role, Terry ensures the company maintains operational cash flow and provides financial metrics that better inform organizational decisions, expand growth, and drive profitability.

Terry’s finance career spans 35 years across industries such as manufacturing and wholesale distribution. His experience includes oversight of financial activity across countries such as China, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy, and Canada.

Terry excels at treasury management, financial analysis, building cross-functional teams, and relationship development. Before joining AA Metals, Terry held senior leadership roles at companies such as Dixon Ticonderoga, Sun & Skin Care Research, Louisville Slugger, and Zeon Chemicals. Terry holds a CPA certification and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois.