NEMRA has always been a very member-responsive association and actively involves both its independent manufacturer representative members and its manufacturers in committees and its board to not only gather input, but to assist in key leadership decisions.

With its annual conference coming up next month, NEMRA announced its new Board of Directors, Strategic Advisory Council (SAC), and NEMRA Manufacturers Group (NMG) members:

NEMRA Member Leadership

The National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new officers to its Board of Directors and three new members to the Executive Committee of the NEMRA Manufacturers Group (NMG), effective February 12, 2026.

NEMRA serves as a leading voice in the electrical industry, championing the value and advocacy of independent manufacturers’ representatives. The NEMRA Manufacturers Group (NMG) unites manufacturers who primarily partner with independent representatives to drive market success and enhance industry collaboration.

Board of Directors

NEMRA welcomes its Board:

• Bob Powell of DZ Cook (Hayward, CA)
• Bob Easterlin of Electra Sales of North Texas (Irving, TX); an
• Rick DeFazio of DeFazio (Glen Allen, VA)

“I am very pleased to welcome these newest members to our Board of Directors,” said Jim Johnson, President of NEMRA. “Each brings a unique background and a wealth of experience that will serve as a significant asset to both the Board and the association as a whole.”

In addition, NEMRA announced that Joe Saganowich, Chief Commercial Officer of NSI—who has served on the NMG Executive Committee, including as its Chair—will join the Board as the manufacturer (NMG) member. “Joe’s long-standing leadership within the manufacturer community brings valuable insight and continuity to the Board,” Johnson added.

NMG Executive Committee

NEMRA also welcomes:

• Scott Bausch, Vice President of Sales, Panduit
• Troit Freeland, Vice President, Sales – Central Region, Hubbell Electrical Solutions; and
• Kevin Heffernan, President – Electrical, Zekelman Industries

to its NMG Executive Committee. “Collaboration between representatives and manufacturers is critical for driving growth, strengthening market share, and fostering channel partnerships,” said Johnson. “These new members bring a wealth of knowledge, vision, and energy that will greatly benefit the NMG Executive Committee and the manufacturer community it serves.”

Click here for a full list of current NEMRA Board and NMG members.

Strategic Advisory Council

The Strategic Advisory Council plays a critical role in shaping the vision and strategic pathways that support NEMRA’s Board of Directors in building a stronger, more connected association. The Council is comprised of respected leaders representing both the manufacturers’ representative and manufacturing communities.
The Council’s membership includes the following industry leaders:

• Larry Rodger, President, ELA + Synergy — NEMRA Board Chair
• Chris Allshouse, President, McAuliffe
• Corey Collins, Principal, Agents West
• Brian Rooney, Principal, Callas-Kingsley
• Joe LiPuma, President, The Yusen MacPherson Group
• Pete Jones, President, Nexus Powe
• Chris Marlow, Senior Vice President of Sales, ABB
  Rob Mondillo, Vice President of Sales, Northeast Zone, Genlyte
• Tom Click, President, Patriot Industries
• Scott Bausch, Vice President, Panduit
• Matt Strand, President, Greaves

Each of the committees meets at least twice a year either in person or virtually, ensuring that Jim and his team are listening to the membership, gathering the pulse of the industry, and developing initiatives that can help members, both reps and manufacturers, now and tomorrow.

Congratulations to all and I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming conference.