Cliffs Names New Michigan Operations GM
Cliffs Natural Resources announced today James M. Kochevar has been named General Manager, Michigan Operations. Kochevar replaces Jeffrey Lipovetz who was named Vice President Eastern Canada Iron Ore earlier this year. Kochevar has been serving as interim general manager since Lipovetz’s departure.
Kochevar will be responsible for managerial and operational oversight for all Michigan Operations, which includes the Empire and Tilden mines and the LS&I Railroad.
“Jim has been providing senior operational oversight on an interim basis for the past several months. His extensive knowledge and experience in our organization makes him a valuable member of our team,” said Terry Fedor, Cliffs’ vice president, U.S. Iron Ore Operations. “Jim will continue to lead our workforce to provide the best quality product for our customers.”
Kochevar joined Cliffs’ Michigan operations in 2008 as an area manager serving in both the energy and technical services departments. Prior to employment with Cliffs, Kochevar held engineering and management positions in the utilities field with Northern States Power Company in Minnesota and Hibbing Public Utilities also in Minnesota.
Kochevar has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota.