Shane Zutz is the Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey Electronics, where he is instrumental in driving organizational performance and leading a global team through significant digital transformation. With over 5 years at DigiKey, Shane has overseen substantial growth and expansion, implementing key initiatives that support over 5,000 employees worldwide.

His leadership is informed by a rich background in education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, where he managed a $26 million building project and introduced state-recognized programs. Shane holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and degrees from Bemidji State University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.

Tobi Cornell is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience at Kruvand Associates, Inc., a prominent manufacturer’s representative firm. As the current President, Tobi oversees strategic operations and manages key accounts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her career at Kruvand began in 1999, where she has played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with manufacturers and distributor partners to better serve the engineering and purchasing communities.

Tobi’s extensive experience includes roles in both outside sales and distribution management. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Texas Christian University. Tobi is actively involved in industry organizations, including the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) and the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA). Her dedication to her profession and her community is evident through her leadership and active participation in various industry groups.

Rob Brunson is a dedicated Customer Advocate with extensive experience in sales and marketing within the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Currently serving as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales, Rob has been pivotal in sourcing competitive and high-quality solutions for OEMs and driving the company’s customer-centric approach. His passion for customer advocacy is matched only by his love for dogs, making him a well-rounded professional both in and out of the office.

Rob’s commitment to finding the best solutions for his customers, whether through front-end design work or problem-solving, exemplifies his dedication to excellence. With a strong presence in the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point Area, Rob continues to make significant contributions to his field while maintaining a personal touch in all his professional interactions.

Maryellen Stack is an experienced Marketing Communications leader with over two decades of expertise in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics, Maryellen has been instrumental in driving the company’s brand and communications strategy. Her extensive skill set includes advertising, branding, business development, communications, public relations, website development, promotions, negotiations, event planning, and cross-functional team management.

Maryellen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She is also actively involved in industry organizations, serving in leadership roles on various committees, including the Electronics Components Industry Association and the Electronics Representatives Association.

With a demonstrated history of success and a passion for fostering new talent, Maryellen continues to make significant contributions to Sager Electronics and the broader electronics community.

Don Akery is the Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics, based in Rockford, Illinois. With over two decades of experience in the electronics and distribution industry, Don has proven himself as a visionary leader dedicated to driving organizational growth and operational excellence. He specializes in sales growth, business development, and talent recruitment, with a successful track record in both established and emerging markets.

Prior to his tenure at Waldom Electronics, Don held multiple leadership roles at TTI, Inc., where he significantly grew revenue and market share, and led digital transformation initiatives. He also served in various capacities at Arrow Electronics, further honing his expertise in marketing and asset management.

Don holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences from National Louis University and has completed coursework in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He is actively involved in industry organizations such as Women In Electronics and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

Outside of his professional life, Don contributes to advisory boards like Breadboard and Sivad Business Solutions, leveraging his extensive experience to help drive innovation and efficiency in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Walter Tobin is the CEO and Executive Vice President of the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA), a role he has held since August 2015. He leads the organization with a focus on empowering electronics representatives globally. Walter’s extensive career spans over several decades, including significant roles such as Corporate Vice President at Future Electronics and All American Semiconductor, and Executive VP at Bell Microproducts. His leadership in managing global accounts and driving sales initiatives has been exemplary.

Walter is a graduate of Boston College, where he earned both his BSBA and MBA in Marketing from the Carroll School of Management. With a career marked by strategic leadership and industry insights, Walter is also dedicated to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for the Charles River Center, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

He is recognized for his sales management skills, time management, and dedication to ethical leadership. Walter’s contributions to the electronics industry are widely acknowledged, making him a respected figure in his field.