Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), the voice of the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry that employs over 6 million U.S. workers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Rausch as the Executive Director of NAW’s Association Executives Council (AEC). In addition to her current role as Vice President of Education at NAW, Rausch will now lead the AEC, facilitating and spearheading programming and partnerships across NAW and its member national associations.

“I have known Patti for more than 20 years and was thrilled when she agreed to join the NAW team in January of 2022 to help me build a next-gen trade association,” said NAW CEO Eric Hoplin. “Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving NAW’s educational initiatives, and she is poised to bring the same dedication and vision to the AEC.”

The AEC serves as a vital mechanism for the sharing of ideas, programs, and skills among NAW’s member national associations. As Executive Director, Rausch will play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation among these associations, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the distribution industry.

“I am truly honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Association Executives Council,” said Rausch. “The AEC represents a storied group of leaders within distribution, and I am excited to support these phenomenal leaders as we work together to advance the mission and vision of NAW. The opportunity to facilitate collaboration and drive impactful initiatives across our member associations is both a privilege and a responsibility that I wholeheartedly embrace.”

NAW and its members are confident that Rausch’s leadership will further strengthen the AEC and enhance its contributions to the broader wholesaler-distributor community.

For more information about NAW and the Association Executives Council, please visit www.naw.org.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all distribution sectors. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 35,000 wholesale distribution companies operate nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states.

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