Mcllroy to receive NEMA Falk Award

This year’s recipient of the Bernard H. Falk award wasn’t old enough to vote when he attended his first NEMA meeting. But Peter McIlroy II made a big impression nonetheless.

“It was 1959 and I was 17 years old,” he recalled. “My father, Bob McIlroy, was then president of Robroy Industries and he took me to New York City as a guest for a NEMA section meeting.”

What began as a simple act of a young guest pouring a glass of water concluded with a flood that sent seasoned members scurrying to save papers.

“What a way to begin my career with NEMA!”

That illustrious career has been acknowledged with the presentation of this year’s Falk award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the electroindustry. Mr. McIlroy has served NEMA as an active member for half a century. During that time, he has contributed professional expertise in numerous capacities, including three separate terms for a total of 20 years as a member of the NEMA Board of Governors and one term as chairman of the board.

He has also served two terms as chairman of the Steel Rigid Conduit Section, and two terms as chairman of the Building Equipment Division. Always willing to take action when called, Mr. McIlroy has responded whenever the NEMA Board has asked him to serve on a special task force or a committee to help resolve important issues within the association.

Mr. McIlroy summarizes his tenure with NEMA in terms of the association’s growth. “I am truly hopeful that the length and continuity of my years spent as a member of NEMA have given me a long-term view of industry topics that has enabled me to help the organization. In recent years I’ve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to serve on committees that helped resolve conflicts between member companies such as standards issues.”

He also notes that his longevity has provided him the pleasure of working with all three of the “modern-day” professional managers of NEMA—Bernie Falk, Malcolm O’Hagan, and Evan Gaddis. “It is remarkable how successfully these three leaders, working with our entire membership, have transformed NEMA into a global organization and have kept us at the leading edge of all technical, commercial, and legislative issues that impact the electrical products business,” he said.

Currently Robroy Industries’ Chairman of the Board and CEO, Mr. McIlroy is the third generation to lead the business started by his grandfather to manufacture electrical and oilfield products. He has also served as the company’s president.

“I have always felt that NEMA benefits from the same principles that comprise the Robroy Vision,” Mr. McIlroy said of his family’s work ethic. “That includes uncompromised integrity, focus on our customers, an expectation of quality, the opportunity for professional growth, and the recognition of how technology can best serve our industry.”

In addition to NEMA, Mr. McIlroy is a member and former president of the Electrical Manufacturers Club and former director of Sauereisen Cements Company. He has also served in various leadership positions within his community.

Peter McIlroy has exemplified service and dedication to the electroindustry. He is a deserving addition to the distinguished list of Bernard H. Falk Award recepients. The Summit sculpture has been designated as the Bernard H. Falk Award. Summit, a Steuben art piece, created in 1996 by David Dowler, is a metaphor for the pinnacle of success. The Award was established in 1991.