FEDA NEWS & VIEWS


MISSION FORWARD


Recognizing an Honest, Resilient and Deserving Industry


Outgoing board chairmen Dave Staff ord and Michael Keck exemplify the welcoming leadership and forward vision shared by all dealers.


One of the fi rst things I heard from dealers when I arrived at FEDA is that it might take a while for the industry to welcome me as I was an “outsider,” but that once I was in, I’d be in for good. That warming- up period ended up being brief,


as I was fortunate to receive generous support early on — despite introducing some ideas from the outside that received a bit of a side-eye, like presenting a virtual conference during the pandemic. In the end, the many dealers who patiently helped FEDA and me through so much change demonstrated how honest, resilient and deserving of success the distribution industry and the people in it are. Among these incredible dealers


are past board chairmen and directors with whom I’ve truly enjoyed working and from whom I’ve learned so much. I want to acknowledge two individuals in particular: this year’s outgoing Chairman Dave Stafford and Past Chairman Michael Keck. It has been a genuine pleasure and a great reward to know them and be in professional relationships with them. Both Dave and Michael are strong, smart, driven,


often tumultuous — remember COVID? — four years, never asking for anything in return. Michael is an exceptionally interesting person and


“A heartfelt thank you to Michael and Dave, as well as all those who continue to work with and embrace FEDA. ”


leader. His knowledge and tenacity ensured that FEDA always did what was good for the industry and did not narrowly serve the needs of one organization or individual. Thanks to his thoughtful and considerate mindset, Michael became known for helping anyone come out of a tough situation feeling that they mattered and were heard. I’m confi dent he sleeps well knowing he’s done the right thing for everyone around him and I’m going to miss him sincerely as he moves off our board of directors. Dave also has his own distinctive


leadership approach, clearly grounded by his intelligence, his long experience in the industry and his passion for helping all dealers excel. He has high standards and is driven to make his company and himself the best they can be. I can defi nitely relate to those goals, and this particular characteristic


hyper-motivated, kind, and good leaders. In their board leadership roles, the two showed tremendous commitment to this industry and worked diligently to help FEDA. They supported the evolution of our organization and individual members, board directors and staff, and were key in forging the strategic work that FEDA has been pursuing. I’m so thankful that they were quick to embrace diffi cult one-on- one discussions and provide a comforting ear whenever I shared concerns over challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable. Furthermore, they freely gave their time and encouraged all of us at FEDA to get through the past,


is one around which Dave and I coalesced. It has been a gratifying privilege to work with and talk with him over the past two years. I will truly miss Dave as he moves out of the chairman role but am grateful he will continue to serve on the board through 2026 as a past chairman — a true benefi t for FEDA. A heartfelt thank you to Michael and Dave, as well as


all those who continue to work with and embrace FEDA. Accomplishing our mission to move the industry forward would not be possible without your knowledge and commitment. Outgoing Chairman Dave Stafford and Past Chairman


Michael Keck will be recognized at the 2024 FEDA Annual Conference in Colorado Springs.


Tracy Mulqueen is the CEO of FEDA.


8 FEDA News & Views


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