ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has recognized its 2026 industry award winners, honoring the innovators and leaders advancing safety, reliability, and technology powering America’s electrical future. NEMA will formally recognize the honorees at its 2026 Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg, Fla., in November.
“Each of this year’s honorees has demonstrated a commitment to solving complex challenges, mentoring the next generation, and putting in the work to advance our industry. They represent the leadership and excellence that set the standard across the electroindustry,” said NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips. “Their contributions to safety, innovation, and standards leadership are helping shape the future, and I’m honored to recognize them on behalf of NEMA.”
NEMA’s highest individual honor – the Bernard H. Falk Award – recognizes outstanding achievement in technology, management, marketing, international trade, education, public affairs, and other fields that advance the U.S. electroindustry.
This year, the Falk Award will be presented to Daniel Jones, former Chairman, President, and CEO of Encore Wire Corporation, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the electroindustry and NEMA. Over nearly three decades of service to NEMA, Jones helped advance the industry while serving on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and numerous NEMA initiatives. His leadership, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to innovation have made a lasting impact on NEMA and the broader electroindustry.
The Kite and Key Award honors individuals who have advanced the electrical industry through their active and sustained leadership in NEMA’s activities. The 2026 Kite and Key Award will be presented to:
- Jennifer Dolin, Senior Manager, Industry Relations, Lutron, in recognition of her more than 30 years of leadership in national and international standards bodies, where she has helped to drive alignment on energy efficiency, product stewardship, and environmental performance for the lighting sector.
- Randy Dollar, Director, Codes & Standards, Siemens Industry, Inc., in recognition of his leadership as Chair of NEMA’s Codes and Standards Committee, his contributions to developing industry policies and standards, and his commitment to advancing safe and reliable electrical infrastructure.
- Robert “Bob” Voss, Distinguished Engineer, Panduit Corporation, in recognition of his leadership and active participation in standards development activities, including his engagement with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Electrical Code, and other industry forums.
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes individuals with fewer than 10 years of industry experience who have distinguished themselves through impactful work at their company and with NEMA. This year’s Emerging Leader Award will be presented to:
- Jennifer “Jenn” Barton, Vice President, Government Relations, S&C Electric Company, in recognition of her leadership in advancing grid modernization and resiliency initiatives, her engagement on key industry issues, and her contributions to policies that support a stronger, safer, and more reliable electric grid.
- Michael Hart, Senior Staff Regulatory Engineer, Tesla, Inc., in recognition of his leadership in advancing progress toward electrification, energy storage, and grid-integrated technologies by shaping policy outcomes and regulatory frameworks.
The Illuminations Award for Business Innovation is presented to a NEMA member company with fewer than 500 employees that has demonstrated success through entrepreneurial expertise, application of advanced technology, or pioneering innovation. The 2026 Illuminations Award will be presented to:
- ConnectDER in recognition of its innovative grid-enhancing technologies and its efforts to simplify the integration of distributed energy resources.
- Weidmüller USA in recognition of its leadership in smart manufacturing, digitalization, and industrial automation.
The awards were chosen by the NEMA Nominations and Membership Committee. More information about NEMA’s Annual Meeting is available here.