Workforce Development is a strategic imperative that empowers NAED members to attract, develop, and retain the talent essential to driving innovation, growth, and long-term competitiveness in an ever-evolving electrical distribution landscape. By equipping members with forward-thinking tools, actionable insights, and talent strategies, NAED is helping to future-proof their workforce and strengthen the industry's collective success.
“The pace of change in our industry is accelerating like never before. Workforce development has become a strategic imperative—one that directly addresses one of the most critical challenges we face: building and sustaining a strong, future-ready workforce. This focus is essential for the long-term health and success of the entire electrical distribution industry. We’re proud to lead this effort and excited about the collective impact we can achieve together.”
NAED President and CEO, Wes Smith
Watch Wes’s interview discussing Workforce Development:
STRATEGIC GOALS
Elevate Awareness of the Electrical Distribution Industry and Its Careers Opportunities
Increasing awareness of the industry through enhanced branding, targeted outreach, and equipping members with the tools to showcase the industry’s impact, we can reshape public perception and make electrical distribution a sought-after career choice.
Strengthen and Broaden Talent Pipelines for the Electrical Distribution Industry
Strengthening and expanding workforce pipelines, providing a framework for enhancing new talent to enter, and increasing awareness of available scholarship opportunities, the industry can proactively build a diverse, skilled workforce pipeline prepared to meet both current and future demands.
Support Career Growth and Retention in the Electrical Distribution Industry
Maintaining a thriving, competitive, and future-ready workforce, the industry must not only attract new talent but also retain and develop the employees already contributing to its success. Supporting career growth through our core NAED Education offerings and improving retention are deeply interconnected goals — when individuals see a path forward, feel valued, engaged, and a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to stay.
Support Career Growth and Retention in the Electrical Distribution Industry
Maintaining a thriving, competitive, and future-ready workforce, the industry must not only attract new talent but also retain and develop the employees already contributing to its success. Supporting career growth through our core NAED Education offerings and improving retention are deeply interconnected goals — when individuals see a path forward, feel valued, engaged, and a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to stay.
Evaluating Impact & Guiding Strategy
The Workforce Development strategy spans a five-year horizon and is built around long-term impact, practical implementation, and adaptability to evolving member needs. To evaluate progress and ensure accountability, we will use a combination of key performance indicators (KPIs) and continuous member engagement through the Workforce Development Advisory Group.
The Workforce Development Advisory Group is serving as a strategic partner and plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall strategy by bringing the voice of the industry directly into the process. Comprised of member leaders from across the industry, the group offers real-world insights that guide decision-making, keep initiatives member-focused, and ensure NAED’s efforts remain relevant and future-ready. Their input is helping prioritize strategic action items and align efforts with the greatest areas of member need. Through their continuous feedback and guidance, the Advisory Group will help NAED check progress, adjust direction as needed, and ensure our approach remains responsive to emerging workforce trends and member priorities.
The Workforce Development Advisory Group is serving as a strategic partner and plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall strategy by bringing the voice of the industry directly into the process. Comprised of member leaders from across the industry, the group offers real-world insights that guide decision-making, keep initiatives member-focused, and ensure NAED’s efforts remain relevant and future-ready. Their input is helping prioritize strategic action items and align efforts with the greatest areas of member need. Through their continuous feedback and guidance, the Advisory Group will help NAED check progress, adjust direction as needed, and ensure our approach remains responsive to emerging workforce trends and member priorities.
Workforce Development Advisory Group Members:
- Micah Carlton, VP Human Resources at Summit Electric Supply
- Lindsey Cropper, VP Human Resources at United Electric Supply
- Erin Dunn, Director of Talent Development and Planning at Graybar
- Colleen Kozak, Executive VP of HR at Border States
- Melissa Lunak, Chief People Office at DSG
- Melissa Neiberlein, VP of HR at Mars Electric
- Emily Schaffer, Director of HR, Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc.
For more information, contact Chaney Disselhorst,
Senior Manager, Workforce Development Strategy, NAED.