eBiz 2026 Speakers
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
Jeanette Abrahamsen
Vice President of Marketing, Trade Hounds
As Vice President of Marketing for SPARXiQ and Trade Hounds, Jeanette Abrahamsen leads marketing, growth, and go-to-market strategy focused on digital transformation, AI, eCommerce, and customer engagement across the electrical industry. She works closely with distributors, manufacturers, and contractors to understand how technology is changing buying behavior and creating new opportunities for growth.
Jay Andrews
Platform Director - ProjectNexus, IDEA
Jay joins IDEA as Platform Director for ProjectNexus. He has been in the electrical industry since graduating from Georgia Tech in 1997. During the first half of his career, Jay held various sales and marketing positions with Lithonia Lighting (now Acuity Brands), Con-Tech Lighting, and Cree Lighting. In 2013, he co-founded Next Generation Lighting, a manufacturers rep firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, which was acquired in early 2026.
Johna Aro
Customer Success Manager, 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.
Cliff Barrett
Chief Product Officer, Conexiom
Cliff is Chief Product Officer at Conexiom, where he leads product and design for the company’s AI-powered commerce execution platform. His team helps manufacturers and distributors transform complex orders and invoices into accurate, ERP-ready transactions while creating greater visibility across the transaction lifecycle.
Cliff specializes in AI product strategy, building high-performing product and design teams, and taking products from zero to one and beyond. His approach begins with a clear understanding of the customer problem, followed by creative discipline and the conviction to ship. He believes AI should be transparent and trustworthy, earning confidence through every transaction rather than asking businesses to take its decisions on faith.
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.
Scott Costa
Publisher, tED magazine
As Publisher of The Electrical Distributor (tED) magazine, Scott drives innovation in industry media, shaping conversations that matter while building strong teams and championing excellence across every aspect of the publication.
Lucy Edosomwan
Manager, Data Governance and Digital Integrity, Siemens
Lucy currently serves as the Manager, Data Governance and Digital Integrity at Siemens. She is a strategic leader at the intersection of content, technology, and growth — designing systems that help global organizations communicate with clarity, scale intelligently, and lead through transformation.
Ana Franco
Head of Strategy & Product Management Siemens SI Electrical Products, North America, Siemens Industry
Ana is the head of strategy and product management for Siemens Electrical Products, North America leading both the portfolio advancement for power distribution, circuit protection and energy monitoring equipment for residential, commercial and industrial markets. She started her career as an engineer in the automotive and defense industry and later transitioned to the electrical industry where she has been the last 13 years in roles with experience in product management, portfolio advancement, strategy and sales.
Bonnie Haina
Business Systems Analyst, IDEA
Bonnie Haina is a Business Systems Analyst at IDEA with over 25 years of experience spanning electrical distribution, supply chain operations, and technology solutions. She has been with IDEA for 12 years, where she began in Customer Success and progressed into leadership before moving to the Product Team. Today, Bonnie works to improve system functionality and drive enhancements across IDEA’s offerings. Her background in distribution and warehouse logistics brings a well-rounded, end-to-end perspective to delivering value for customers.
Sean Grasby
Senior Vice President - Construction & Energy Solutions, Wesco
Sean Grasby is a transformative leader with over 20 years of experience driving business growth and strategic innovation across diverse industries, currently serving as the senior vice president and general manager of construction and Energy Solutions at Wesco. Previously serving as president of EECOL Electric, he guided the organization's strategic direction for the past five years.
Sean's leadership background also includes senior roles at Grainger Canada, transforming the Customer Solutions Group, and engineering and leadership roles in the automotive sector with Cooper-Standard Automotive and Travos Automotive.
Izzat Hasan
Data Analyst and Developer, IDEA
A graduate of Lewis University, Izzat is a Data Analyst & Developer with IDEA who brings a proven track record in data and computer science to the position. With a strong focus on the electrical industry, he has expertise in business analysis, data visualizations, design, and executing large-scale business incentive projects.
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.
Allyson Larson
Account Executive, Bluemeteor
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.
Edwin Lopez
Edwin is a Business Systems Analyst at IDEA with nearly 20 years of experience in customer support, data management, account management, and technology solutions. Since joining IDEA in March 2007, Edwin has held several roles, including Customer Support Specialist, Data Management Specialist, and Account Manager, building a broad understanding of IDEA’s customers, solutions, and business processes.
Over the years, Edwin has supported and trained customers on IDEA’s core solutions while working with distributors and manufacturers across the electrical industry.
In his current role as a Business Systems Analyst, Edwin focuses on improving and enhancing existing tools, researching and troubleshooting system issues, supporting testing efforts, and identifying opportunities to strengthen IDEA’s solutions and better support customer needs.
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.
Julia Pollock
Digital Transformation Director, Cooper Lighting Solutions
Julia is the Digital Transformation Director for the North America Signify businesses, Cooper Lighting Solutions and Genlyte Solutions. With more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and over 15 years in the lighting industry, she leads strategic programs focused on digital transformation, customer experience, operational excellence, and partner engagement.
Throughout her career, Julia has worked at the intersection of business and technology, helping manufacturers, distributors, sales agencies, and technology partners improve how they connect, share information, and serve customers. She currently leads initiatives spanning customer-facing digital platforms, partner integrations, sales enablement technologies, and operational modernization efforts that support the Signify digital strategy.
Julia is actively involved in industry collaboration efforts, including Signify's participation in the Project Nexus pilot. She is passionate about leveraging technology, data, and cross-industry partnerships to simplify business processes, improve transparency, and create better experiences throughout the electrical distribution ecosystem.
Tyler Rauber
Tyler is a lighting and controls professional based in the Denver area, currently serving with CT Lighting & Controls. A graduate of Ithaca College with a background in finance and marketing, Tyler brings a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and a relationship-driven approach to helping customers find effective lighting solutions.
Ramsay Stevens
Clean Energy Advisor & Program Director, IBEW-NECA of Greater Boston & California
Ramsay supports project and market development initiatives for IBEW-NECA in both Greater Boston and California, helping position the organized electrical industry at the forefront of clean energy, sustainable real estate, infrastructure, and emerging markets. His work focuses on building strategic industry partnerships, strengthening contractor competitiveness, advancing policy priorities, and translating emerging opportunities into projects that support long-term industry growth.
Shahan Syed
Director of Engineering, IDEA
Shahan is a software professional passionate about designing scalable systems, improving performance, and solving complex problems. With a collaborative, analytical approach, he drives quality development while continually learning and growing.
Rachel Slade
Director of Sales & Marketing, IDEA
Rachel is a results driven sales leader with over 12 years of progressive new business sales and account management experience. She is dedicated and passionate about helping companies (Contractors, Distributors and Manufacturers) within the pre-construction vertical.
Ceejay Teku
Founder, Catsy
As CEO & Founder at Catsy, Ceejay spends every day helping professionals spend less time in spreadsheets by simplifying their product content management processes. He has worked in the PIM space for 20 years and is a recognized PIM expert in the industry.
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.
Denver Thrash
Director of Product Management, IDEA
Denver earned his Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Lamar University and began his career at Accenture, gaining valuable experience in technology and consulting. He joined IDEA in 2021 and has since managed efforts and teams focused on expanding IDEA Connector’s capabilities and improve the platform for customers.
Scott Wagner
Director of Industry Transformation, NAED
Scott is a transformation-focused leader with over 35 years of experience spanning electrical distribution, manufacturing, and technology. His passion is helping organizations harness the power of data, digital tools, and process excellence to drive meaningful, measurable change.
Throughout his career, he's led initiatives like building Mayer Electric’s enterprise-wide business intelligence ecosystem and guiding industry-wide digital strategy at NAED. He specializes in translating complexity into clarity, connecting strategy to execution, and helping organizations evolve with confidence.
Elizabeth Wolford
Director of Project Management, QED
Elizabeth serves as Director of Project Management at QED, where she leads complex projects in the electrical distribution industry with a focus on clarity, precision, and successful execution. Drawing on her background in education and leadership, Elizabeth brings a thoughtful, communication-driven approach to project management, emphasizing stakeholder alignment, proactive planning, and accountability. She excels at guiding cross-functional teams through evolving scopes, tight deadlines, and technical challenges while building strong partnerships across engineering, procurement, vendors, quoting, and field operations.