Charles W. Denny, a Falk Award
recipient and former member of the NEMA Board of Governors, died in November
2018, leaving a legacy of technological and trade achievement, marketing and
managerial excellence, and dedication to his family.
In presenting the Falk Award in 2001,
then–NEMA Chairman Peter McIlroy called him, “a hardworking leader who is
committed to doing the right things for his company and for the industry.”
While serving as chairman of NEMA’s
Board of Governors, Mr. Denny pushed the organization to be more global in its
endeavors, leading a successful trade mission to Brazil, which later led to the
opening of a NEMA office in São Paulo, followed by a second international
office in Mexico City. He was also one of the first contributors to NEMA’s
political action committee, NEMA PAC.
In 1960, Mr. Denny began his career in the
electroindustry in his family-owned business, Barkelew Electric Manufacturing
Company, which was acquired by Square D in 1967. In 1997, he became chairman
and CEO of Schneider Electric, focusing on major opportunities of development
for the company, particularly in North America, global account management, and
enhancing relationships with customers and distributors. He retired in 2000 to
spend more time with his family.