“In 1996, a group of forward-thinking individuals formed the IEC Foundation to see that all students had equal access to electrical education, apprenticeship, and training,” says Tom Alexander, Atkins and Stang and IEC Foundation chair. “For three decades, the IEC Foundation has stood as a bridge — connecting ambition with access, talent with training, and communities with meaningful careers. What began as a vision to support workforce development has grown into a powerful network of chapters, partners, sponsors, and champions who believe deeply in investing in people.
“As we reflect on the past 30 years, we are equally energized about what lies ahead. The demand for skilled electrical professionals continues to grow, and so does our responsibility to expand access, strengthen training, and create pathways for success. The future of this industry depends on the work we do today. Together, we are not only celebrating a legacy — we are building the next chapter.”
Tom invites Insights readers to view the Founders Club list on the Foundation website.
Celebrating the Past; Driving the Future
A number of Foundation founders joined with current supporters to celebrate its 30th anniversary and its ongoing — and burgeoning — commitment to growth. The IEC Foundation 30th Anniversary Gala was held March 21 in Cincinnati, OH.
Attendees shared stories of the early days, hearing from founders present in Cincinnati and from those unable to attend but recorded their memories to be played for all.
“Somebody else made it possible for me to get my training,” says a Foundation founder Bill Crawford via video. “I wanted to go to the technical high school in Miami to be an electrician but there was a fee attached to that. We didn’t have the money for that but somebody told me about a contractor who was offering scholarships to young men for the training.”
Bill talked to that contractor, obtained his help, started at the technical school. At 17 with World War II happening, he joined the Navy, and took those skills with him into the service. Upon discharge, he returned to Miami, opened up Crawford Electric, joined IEC, and never lost sight of the gift of training given to him by another. He worked tirelessly with others in IEC to collect contributions, secure training, and put the Foundation in place to continue the work.
“I just kept thinking about how people had made my way to get training as a young boy, and it continued to pop back into my mind,” he says.
Foundation founders and brothers Bobby and Tom Stalvey of Ace Electric, were present and explained why they were passionate about building the Foundation.
“There was a need to have a vehicle to help individuals who had the want, but not the financial ability, to become electricians through our apprenticeship program, says Tom, Ace Electric CEO emeritus. The Foundation also could meet other needs for the employees of IEC contractor members. When the Foundation was about 10 years old, I could see how it had changed so many lives and improved the quality of the electricians in the IEC companies. I was proud to see our efforts were paying dividends.”
“I believed NECA was ahead of merit shops in nearly every aspect of marketing its philosophy,” states Bobby, Ace Electric chairman of the board. “Merit shops — particularly the IEC — needed to take a more active role in promoting our own philosophy. Doing so clearly required funding. I viewed the Foundation as a vehicle to support these efforts by financing merit shop-based initiatives, advancing our philanthropic mission, and strengthening educational programs for young people. I watched the idea evolve from Bill Crawford visiting with several of us to discuss it into the IEC Foundation becoming a reality. That remains my proudest moment, and I am honored to have played a part in it.”
These founders reinforced for current Foundation leaders why they do what they do. So did an inspiring address from current scholarship recipient Haylee Hyde, a second-year apprentice from IEC Central Ohio, who works at Settle Muter Electric. Haylee spoke about how receiving a Foundation scholarship allows her to be the fourth generation creating a family legacy of outstanding electricians.
“The impact of this scholarship goes beyond financial support,” she says. “It’s also a statement of belief — that the future of this trade matters, that skilled craftsmanship deserves recognition, and that young people entering the field should have access to the same opportunities that built the generations before them. The IEC Foundation isn’t just helping students like me pay tuition. You’re helping preserve a tradition of excellence and dedication that defines what it means to be part of this industry. Thank you for believing in me, for investing in my future, and for supporting the next wave of electricians who will continue to keep our communities powered, safe, and connected.”
Editor’s Note: Watch for more on Haylee in an upcoming IEC Insights Apprentice Profile.
Premier sponsor for the gala event was Schneider Electric. Santina Turpin, key account business development specialist, was present. Also present was Mike Carroll, vice president of construction sales, for Graybar, a Foundation founding corporate partner. The IEC Foundation is grateful to these and all its partners for the support they provide for Foundation initiatives.
“As we celebrate 30 years, I am incredibly proud of the growth the IEC Foundation has experienced and the strong commitment we continue to uphold in supporting our apprentices, IEC chapters, members, and the communities we serve,” says LaNa Al-Amin, Foundation executive director. “We believe that truly supporting an apprentice means supporting the community in which they live and work.
“That commitment extends beyond training — it’s about investing in the environments that shape their success. Our community service projects have allowed us to build meaningful relationships, strengthen local resources, and create lasting impact. We are intentional in ensuring this work is not ‘one and done,’ but instead part of an ongoing effort to uplift and support communities over time. This year, we are especially proud of the work we continue to do with the Home of the Innocents, reinforcing our dedication to service, partnership, and long-term impact.”
Community Outreach: Home of the Innocents
The gala event was about celebrating the past but also recognizing how these efforts affect the present and the future for the electrical industry.
In 2026, the IEC Foundation Gene Mini Community Service Project supports the Home of the Innocents, a non-profit organization in Louisville, KY, that provides residential and community-based services for children and families, including emergency shelter, therapeutic foster care, adoption, and a pediatric convalescent center for medically complex children. Established in 1880, its mission is to offer hope, health, and happiness through trauma-informed care, serving thousands of children and families annually. Shelby Allen, director of community engagement for the Home of the Innocents was present to provide an overview and answer questions.
IEC Past President Troy Corrigan, president of Corrigan Electric Co., Louisville, KY, is championing this Foundation effort.
“After witnessing the impact of Home of the Innocents firsthand during the Foundation’s SPARK 2022 community service project, continuing our support in 2026 through the IEC Foundation Gene Mini Community Service Project was an easy decision,” says Troy. “With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives we forget there are children living with and through challenges we could never imagine. The Home of the innocents is a beacon of light for these children through their compassionate care approach, especially those with complex medical needs, those awaiting adoption, and those in need of a safe place which brings healing, hope, and dignity to children who so desperately need it. I am proud of our Foundation and the selfless approach it takes to support great organizations such as the Home of the Innocents.”
You can join in this thoughtful, purpose-driven service project right now to strengthen communities while bringing our IEC Foundation supporters and partners together in a meaningful way:
- Help provide items to build welcome baskets for each child. Shop for items from the Home of The Innocents: IEC Foundation Gene Mini Community Service Project 2026 Amazon wish list.
- Donate funds through the dedicated project link.
- Watch for future announcements from the Foundation!
Photo Credit: Chad Isaiah Studios