March 11, 2014 – The Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA) has announced its 2014-2015 board, which includes eight voting directors and two non-voting observers appointed by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

The board elected Jack Carlson (in photo), executive vice president and president, North American Business, Southwire, as chair and Wes Smith, president, Mayer Electric Supply, as vice chairman. Carlson previously served on the IDEA board as a voting director in 2012 and 2013.

“It’s an honour to serve as the chair of the IDEA board alongside some of the best leaders and innovators in the electrical industry. We’re committed to IDEA’s position as the industry’s preferred source for eBusiness and product content,” said Carlson. “IDEA has made significant progress through the industry’s ‘Innovating for the Future’ plan, and I’m enthusiastic to continue this momentum in 2014.”

Carlson manages all sales, marketing and product development efforts within Southwire’s Electrical, Energy, OEM and Industrial divisions. He also directs Southwire’s research and development program.

The 2014-2015 IDEA officers:
• Chair: Jack Carlson, EVP & president, North American Business, Southwire 

• Vice Chair: Wes Smith, president, Mayer Electric Supply  

• Treasurer: David Rosenstein, president & CEO, Connexion

• Secretary: Ted Crandall, senior VP & CFO, Rockwell Automation

NAED-appointed board members:
• Phil Hale, CIO, Elliott Electric Supply 

• David Rosenstein, president & CEO, Connexion 

• Bob Siegel, vice president of Investment & Inventory Management, Graybar 

• Wes Smith, president, Mayer Electric Supply

NEMA-appointed board members:
• Jack Carlson, EVP & president, North American Business, Southwire

• Ted Crandall, senior VP & CFO, Rockwell Automation 

• Chris Curtis, senior advisor, Schneider Electric 

• Tom Gross, vice chair & COO, Eaton

Bethany L. Sullivan was selected as the NAED observer and Don Leavens, Vice President and Chief Economist, NEMA, was selected as the NEMA observer.