IDEA Announces New Chief Executive Officer

EIN IDEA CEO 400

Feb 21, 2020

The Industry Data Exchange Association, Inc. (IDEA) Board of Directors announced they have selected David R. Oldfather as the new IDEA President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 18, 2020.

Oldfather is a well-known electro-industry veteran having served in leadership roles at Affiliated Distributors, Hagemeyer North America, and most recently Jigsaw Systems. He and his wife Grayson have two recently married children.

“The Board is delighted to see someone with significant industry experience take the helm. David will ensure a successful new platform launch and drive execution of user enhancements without a steep learning curve,” said Rick Gigliotti, IDEA Board Chair.

“A good deal of progress has been made since NEMA and NAED announced their partnership to develop a data warehouse to promote the exchange of product information electronically through a common interface point more than 20 years ago” said Oldfather.

“With the demand of product content accelerating, I believe a focus on the fundamental purpose of IDEA is as appropriate now as it was then: IDEA should continue to offer an efficient, robust digital exchange between electrical trading partners, with complete product information synchronization coming directly from manufacturers through IDEA to their authorized distributors.”

He noted that this process is made possible through IDEA commitment to standards oversight and facilitation with a strong focus on industry-wide priorities.

“I look forward to working with the IDEA staff to provide complete, cost-effective data management solutions to our distributor and manufacturer partners/customers,” said Oldfather.

Related Articles

Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    February 6, 2026 By William (Bill) Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or Read More…

  • 3D Printing: Inside Lighting’s Next Revolution

    February 5, 2026 While 3D printing in mass production was once a dream, advancements in the technology have moved it more into the mainstream. The technique, which is also referred to as additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a transformative production method for many sectors, including the lighting industry. As Read More…

  • Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    February 5, 2026 In an era of extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and ever‑rising energy demands, many facility managers are rethinking their relationship with the grid. Microgrids offer a way to take control and operate autonomously when necessary. A microgrid is more than just backup, when designed properly, it becomes a platform for resiliency, efficiency, and Read More…

  • ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    February 5, 2026 Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures NEMA Ratings are an essential classification system used across North America to define the environmental and mechanical protection provided by electrical enclosures. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), these ratings help engineers, installers, and specifiers identify the appropriate enclosure type for industrial, commercial, and outdoor Read More…

Changing Scene

  • Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    February 6, 2026 “We didn’t get here by standing still. For 65 years, we’ve shaped how we think, how we design, and what responsibility means,” the company said in a LinkedIn post. “Today, that thinking takes a new form. Not to change who we are, but to express our evolution more clearly. This is Stanpro, Read More…

  • Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    February 6, 2026 Efforts to support the creation of new affordable housing and reduce chronic homelessness are on track, but there is still lots of work to do, according to David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. New data indicates progress has been made on three key government priorities related to Read More…

  • BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    February 6, 2026 BJ Electric had been teasing a major announcement on their social media recently, before finally announcing last week they have rebranded as Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd, a nod to the company’s founder and legacy. “BJ Electric Supplies is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies—in honor of our founder, Bernard Joseph Thompson, and the values Read More…

  • The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    February 6, 2026 The Government of Canada has introduced the Build Canada Homes Act, legislation that will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation whose mandate will be dedicated to building affordable housing in communities across the country. As Canada’s affordable housing builder, this legislation will equip Build Canada Homes with the necessary tools to Read More…