Why This Matters to Distributors: One of the largest independent electrical distributors in the U.S. is preparing for a leadership change in 2027, with Crescent Electric Supply planning a national search for its next president and CEO.
Crescent Electric Supply Company will conduct a national search for a new president and CEO as current chief executive Penny Cotner prepares to retire in April 2027.
The East Dubuque, Illinois-based electrical distributor said Cotner has informed its board of directors of her decision and will remain CEO through April. She will work with the board to support the transition to her successor.
The company did not identify potential candidates or provide a timetable for naming its next CEO.
“This is a deeply personal decision, driven by a shift in my own circumstances that caused me to think carefully about the next chapter,” Cotner said. “My priority now is to drive the momentum we’ve built and position the company and its next leader for continued success.”
Board chair Mike Sullivan said the advance notice gives Crescent time to conduct the search while maintaining continuity across the business.
The transition will put new leadership at the top of a distributor with a broad national footprint. Crescent operates at more than 140 branches in 28 states and serves contractors, original equipment manufacturers and commercial, industrial, institutional, and utility customers with electrical hardware and supplies, including products used for maintenance, repair, and operations.
Crescent also serves customers through several regional electrical distribution brands. They include BA Supply in Missouri; Interstate Electric Supply in Idaho and Oregon; Mesco Electrical Supply in Ohio; National Electric Supply in New Mexico; Womack Electric Supply in Virginia and North Carolina; Stoneway Electric in Washington and Idaho; and Lowe Electric in Georgia and South Carolina.
Crescent did not announce other senior leadership changes in connection with Cotner’s planned retirement.
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