Keynote Speaker
Shawn Kanungo
Disruption Strategist, Bestselling Author, Former Innovation Expert for Deloitte
As a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author, Shawn Kanungo has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after voices on innovation and generative AI. He spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to help them better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. In his high energy keynotes, Kanungo draws on his extensive experience to provide audiences with an optimistic roadmap for the future; one that embraces unexpected approaches to innovation to remain competitive and relevant.
Called the “best virtual speaker I’ve ever seen” by Forbes and recognized as one of Edify’s “Top 40 Under 40”, Kanungo has spent over two decades working with and advising Fortune 500 companies. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and behavioral economics, enabling him to guide organizations through complex transformations.
General Session & Breakout Session Speakers
Brett Anderson
Director of Business Products & Solutions, IDEA
Brett is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. He is skilled in Customer Service, Data Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Sales Operations, and Strategic Partnerships.
Johna Aro
Director of Customer Success, IDEA
Johna is a seasoned customer success professional with over 30 years of experience driving client satisfaction and organizational growth. Johna has been with IDEA for over 12 years and is currently serving as Customer Success Manager, where she combines deep industry expertise with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Angela Baraks
Director of Data Quality & Standards, IDEA
Angela brings 25+ years of experience in the electrical industry. She has contributed to the industry data standards through her volunteer work on standards development and consulting work through DATAgility for the past 15 years. Angela has a master’s degree in communications from Eastern Illinois University.
Alexa Burr
Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth & Membership, NEMA
Alexa is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth & Membership at NEMA, where she leads the organization’s membership growth strategy and drives the development of a comprehensive, non-dues revenue model. In this role, she oversees market expansion, cultivates strategic partnerships, and launches high-impact initiatives—most notably the Make It American™ certification program, which supports manufacturers in meeting domestic content requirements under the Build America, Buy American (BABA) Act, as well as navigating evolving trade and tariff policies.
Patrick Knight
President & CEO, IDEA
Patrick is an experienced and outgoing leader and consultant with strong analytical skills. He has a demonstrated history of success in National Accounts, GPOs, and value-add industries. Patrick is a strong professional, skilled in Strategic Planning, Business Process Improvement & Business Development.
Jesse Lessinger
System Developer II, IDEA
Jesse is a systems developer at IDEA, where he has worked since 2021 building and maintaining software that supports digital business processes across the electrical industry. Jesse earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Tufts University and brings a mix of technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving to his work in software and systems development.
Gail Mayo
Professional Data Services Program Manager, IDEA
Gail is the Professional Data Services Program Manager at IDEA, where she helps manufacturers transform, standardize, and optimize their product data for the electrical industry. In her role, she works closely with customers to improve data quality, streamline data loading processes, and ensure accurate syndication through IDEA platforms and services.
Mark McGready
Director of Data Analytics & Solutions, IDEA
Mark has over 25 years of experience in the electrical industry, with deep expertise in data analytics and converting insights into actionable strategies that drive sales growth and operational efficiency. He began his career at Schneider Electric in Channel Development, where he focused on expanding channel-led sales. In 2008, Mark founded Jigsaw Systems to help manufacturers and distributors optimize business processes. Jigsaw was acquired by SparxIQ in 2019.
Mark holds dual degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from the University of Edinburgh. He lives in Naperville, IL, with his wife Shona and their two sons, Finn and Rafe.
Sherri Thorne
VP of Program Management, IDEA
Sherri brings over 35 years of electrical industry experience to her role as Senior Director of Program Management at IDEA. She leads strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, cross-functional alignment, and customer value. With a deep background in wholesale distribution sales and operations, Sherri ensures that IDEA’s programs deliver measurable impact across the supply chain.