Crescent Electric Supply Company Welcomes Penny Cotner as New CEO

Introduction

Crescent Electric Supply Company, recognized as one of the leading independent distributors of electrical hardware in the United States, recently made headlines with the announcement of Penny Cotner's new role as President and Chief Executive Officer. Effective October 1, 2025, Cotner's appointment signals an exciting evolution for a company with a storied history. When a company makes a decision to entrust its future in the hands of a new leader, it is a profound moment, particularly for a family-owned business like Crescent Electric, which has built a reputation over decades.

A Proven Leader

Penny Cotner's professional journey equips her uniquely for this challenge. Before joining Crescent, Cotner spent 12 years at Infinite Electronics, where she held the CEO position for the last seven years. Her leadership there produced significant growth through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements, demonstrating her capability to lead and scale complex organizations effectively. Furthermore, her extensive career spans more than 20 years in executive leadership roles, sales transformation, and global operations, with previous posts at Arrow Electronics and involvement in NASA's International Space Station program. This diverse background makes her a fitting choice to guide Crescent toward continued innovation and growth.

Vision for Crescent Electric

Mike Sullivan, Chair of the Board at Crescent Electric, expressed confidence in Cotner’s leadership style, seeing her as a growth-oriented leader with the vision and discipline necessary to further develop the company’s foundation. Sullivan commented on Cotner’s proven track record in building strong organizational cultures while delivering consistent results. This insight into her leadership philosophy may be crucial for Crescent as it seeks to capitalize on new market opportunities while maintaining the values that have driven its success for well over a century.

Upon her appointment, Cotner shared her enthusiasm for joining Crescent Electric, recognizing the company's deep commitment to its customers, suppliers, and employees. She conveyed her eagerness to work collaboratively with the Board and the management team, emphasizing a focus on nurturing existing strengths and building deeper relationships across the business landscape. Her wealth of experience and a commitment to operational excellence are expected to position Crescent for long-term success—an essential factor in today's competitive market.

Acknowledging the Interim Leadership

The transition in leadership comes after Kristi Dahlke served impressively as the interim CEO following the departure of the previous CEO in January 2025. Her contribution was acknowledged by Sullivan, who stated that Dahlke played a significant role during the leadership transition, and her experiences will be invaluable as she returns to her responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer. The balance between continuity and fresh perspective is crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of the electrical supply industry.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Crescent Electric operates from its headquarters in East Dubuque, Illinois, proudly serving contractors and customers across numerous sectors with its expansive network of over 140 branches in 28 states. The commitment to meeting diverse customer needs—from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO)—places Crescent in a strategic position for growth. In addition to its core Crescent brand, the company also satisfies the needs of clients through several other brands, such as BA Supply, Interstate Electric Supply, and Stoneway Electric.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Cotner aims to strengthen Crescent's legacy by driving innovation and exceptional value to its customers. As one of the industry's leaders, the launch of this new chapter under her leadership offers promising potential for the company's future. With a well-rounded background in engineering, executive education, and operational excellence, Cotner is poised to take Crescent Electric Supply Company to new heights, ensuring it remains a trusted name in the electrical supply industry.

Ultimately, the move to appoint Penny Cotner underscores a significant commitment to maintaining Crescent Electric's esteemed reputation while navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment. As she steps into her new role, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Cotner to see how she translates her impressive background into success for Crescent Electric in the years to come.