#USA #San Antonio #Battery Council #Chris Pruitt #David Shaffer

Battery Council International Honors Two Leaders with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Battery Council International (BCI) has officially announced that the 2025 Distinguished Service Award will be given to two impactful figures in the energy storage sector: Chris Pruitt, President and CEO of East Penn Manufacturing Co., and David Shaffer, the former CEO of Enersys. This prestigious recognition is BCI’s highest accolade, aimed to honor those who have made significant contributions to the battery industry and the association itself.

In a statement, Roger Miksad, BCI's President and Executive Director, commended the two leaders, saying they exemplify true leadership qualities. "Chris and Dave have not only led their respective companies to great success but have also been dedicated to advancing the battery industry through extensive collaboration with BCI," Miksad remarked. Their commitment is especially distinguished due to the times of considerable change they navigated while serving as chairmen on BCI’s board.

The award ceremony will take place during the Battery Council International's 2025 BCI Convention + Power Mart Expo, scheduled for May 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas. This event promises to gather leaders from the battery industry to celebrate achievements and discuss future directions.

A Closer Look at Chris Pruitt

Chris Pruitt joined East Penn Manufacturing over thirty years ago, starting his career as a controller back in 1994. Over the years, he took on various roles, including that of CFO, demonstrating a clear trajectory of growth within the company. In 2018, he ascended to the position of President and CEO, where he is currently steering the company towards further innovation and growth.

Pruitt’s influence isn’t limited to his company alone; he has been an active member of BCI’s Board of Directors, even chairing the board from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has been pivotal during the restructuring of the organization, helping to redefine its mission and vision to maximize impact for its members. Moreover, he has been a staunch advocate for legislative efforts promoting domestic battery manufacturing—a critical issue in today’s energy landscape.

Spotlight on David Shaffer

David Shaffer has an extensive background in the battery industry, having served as the Chief Executive Officer of EnerSys since November 2024. His tenure at EnerSys spans more than two decades, where he has occupied multiple key leadership positions, significantly shaping the company's trajectory. Shaffer’s innovative approach has propelled EnerSys to the forefront of technological advancements in battery safety, sustainability, and recycling.

His contributions to BCI’s board from 2016 to 2025 have also been notable. As president of the board from 2019 to 2021, he provided critical leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the BCI community received necessary support and advocacy during a challenging time.

Conclusion

The Distinguished Service Award remains a testament to the enduring contributions made by individuals in the battery sector. Both Chris Pruitt and David Shaffer exemplify dedication, innovation, and a commitment to the collective advancement of the energy storage industry. Their leadership inspires many and highlights the potential for robust partnerships within this crucial sector in the years to come.

As BCI prepares to celebrate these industry stalwarts, the future of energy storage looks promising under visionary leaders who are ready to navigate challenges and drive forward progress.