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News

2021 National Award Winners: David Manderson Honored With 2021 Robert L. Higgins Association Executive Distinguished Service Award

Oct 10, 2021

The National Electrical Contractors Association established the Robert L. Higgins Association Executive Distinguished Service Award in 1989 to honor staff executive and chapter managers for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of the association. This year’s award goes to David M. Manderson, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Chapter, NECA. 

Manderson was presented with the award on Oct. 10 as part of the NECA Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

Manderson began his NECA career as a staff associate in July 1988, starting in the Southern Region before relocating to the Midwestern Region. In 1990, he was named Assistant Manager of the Central Indiana Chapter, NECA, where he aggressively recruited new Members for the Chapter. In 1995, he transitioned to two chapters in Texas, where he strengthened what had been fraying relationships between the Chapters and the four IBEW Local Unions in the area.

In January 2013, Manderson took over as Chapter Manager for the Minneapolis Chapter. After meeting with contractors of all sizes, he set forth on a strategic five-year plan with a focus on member recruitment. His unique proposal of a lower one-year new member rate helped grow Chapter membership with continued results. Since Manderson joined the Minneapolis Chapter, it has brought on 32 new members.

View the award here. For more on NECA’s National Awards, visit our "Awards & Recognition" section under Membership.