Lucas had been with Twin Metals Minnesota, and before that, Hibbing Taconite.

But she said her reason for coming to the Range, was to teach. And she plans on using that background to help educate and advocate for the industry.

"We have build on what we've been doing. W need to go to the folks who question us and challenge what we do.  And respect where they are at, and hear their concerns. And most importantly respect those concernss. And explain mining down to the nuts and bolts," she told us.

Her first day will be August 1st.

Frank Ongaro, current executive director, is retiring after 15 years at the helm.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO News website.