expanded responsibilities as chief operations offi cer. In that role, Durham has helped develop key initiatives such as the Future of Distribution and Emerging Distributors councils — member-led groups focused on solving industry challenges and creating needed business resources. This work has positioned Durham
at the intersection of technology and distribution, two areas that are becoming increasingly intertwined as companies look to streamline processes, improve supply chain visibility, and create more value for customers. That perspective is rooted not only in his professional experience and education — he has a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Dayton — but also in a lifelong connection to the distribution business. Like many of today’s FEDA distributor
leaders, Durham came up through his family’s distribution business, a seller of rubber parts and O-rings to a range of industries. “Growing up in my family’s distribution business gave me a real appreciation for the complexity of what distributors do every day,” he said. “You’re managing relationships on both sides, balancing inventory, keeping customers happy, and doing it all while the market shifts around you. That perspective informs how I think about FEDA’s purpose: to create opportunities that strengthen distributors’ position across the industry.”
While his family background and
education gave him the knowledge he needed, it was his coaches and teammates that developed Durham into someone capable of leading FEDA. Durham spent fi ve years as a defensive end for the University of Dayton Flyers football team. “I’ve been on every side of leadership, from the freshman looking to be led to the guy people looked to when adversity hit,” Durham said. “Football makes you tough physically, but even more so mentally. What it really taught me is that a good leader responds to adversity, but a great leader elevates everyone around them to respond together. That’s what I carry with me and that’s how I plan to lead FEDA.”
Durham’s continuing leadership development has been shaped by close collaboration with outgoing President and CEO Tracy Mulqueen, who will retire in June after nearly a decade of leading the association. Under Mulqueen, FEDA formed new partnerships, launched new member leadership groups, and introduced mentoring and talent attraction programs that are creating a more effective workforce. Her vision for a more forward-looking organization led to the reimagining of the association’s annual conference and a sharper emphasis on FEDA’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. The result is an organization that
effectively positions distributors for long- term sustainability and growth. Durham
“Football makes you tough physically, but even more so mentally. What it really taught me is that a good leader responds to adversity, but a great leader elevates everyone around them to respond together. That’s what I carry with me and that’s how I plan to lead FEDA.”
— Joe Durham Incoming CEO FEDA
Spring 2026 23
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