The Outstanding Service Award was established in 2008 as a tribute to Harold Leviton’s enduring legacy and dedication to improving electrical safety. The award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in expanding the foundation’s interests through steadfast involvement and effective leadership.
During his tenure on ESFI’s board of directors from 1996 through 2010, Grau held multiple positions including treasurer, chair of the development committee, and vice chair of ESFI’s endowment campaign.
“While serving as both development chair and treasurer during ESFI’s infancy, Mr. Grau was integral in establishing the solid framework that has allowed the Foundation to grow steadily in reach and influence,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Mr. Grau’s leadership and expertise have had a lasting impact and continue to shape ESFI after his decade and a half of service on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.”
Grau serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the major trade association for the U.S. electrical construction industry. He began his career at NECA in 1975, as a field representative associate. Before assuming his current role, he also served as the executive vice president of the Milwaukee chapter and most recently, NECA’s chief staff officer.
In addition to his work at NECA, Grau is treasurer of ELECTRI International – The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc., and serves on the board of directors of the Plan for the Settlement of Jurisdictional Disputes in the Construction Industry. He is co-chair of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust for the Electrical Industry, a program that dedicates over $110 million annually for worker training. Grau is a corporate member of Underwriters Laboratories, Chicago, and serves of the board of directors for the Small Business Legislative Council.
Grau is a member of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100 and the American Society of Association Executives, where he has served on several committees. In 1986, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Electrical Contracting. He is listed in Who’s Who in America.
“We appreciate NECA’s continued support of ESFI and the Association’s tireless efforts to raise safety awareness among electrical contractors,” noted Brenner. “NECA’s contractors are widely recognized for having the strongest safety programs in the industry, which is a testament to John’s leadership and dedication to electrical safety.”
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