The industry body Battery Council International (BCI) has announced its 2025 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
Chris Pruitt, CEO of East Penn Manufacturing, and David Shaffer, the outgoing CEO of Enersys, have both been named.
The award is said to recognise what BCI calls “exemplary service to the energy storage industry” and is the association’s highest honour.
This is through sustained, long-term, and meaningful contribution to the advancement of both the association and the battery industry.
BCI believe Chris Pruitt’s impact has extended beyond the confines of his workplace, which he joined in 1994 as a comptroller, as he has held senior roles within the association.
This includes his current role as chairman and sitting on the board of directors for BCI, but also his role as president.
He was said to have helped BCI restructure its leadership and vision, especially on matters concerning regulation and advisory work for US federal policy on domestic manufacturing and R&D.
David Shaffer has served on the BCI’s board of directors from 2016-2025, said to have contributed to making the BCI community more vibrant.
His role as president of the board from 2019-2021 during the COVID pandemic was seen as critical leadership.
He is said to have helped BCI move quickly to help members facilities stay open and serve the battery needs of the US.
Both CEOs will be formally honoured at the BCI Convention in May.
Roger Miksad, president and executive director, BCI, said: “Chris Pruitt and Dave Shaffer are true leaders. They have guided their individual companies to success, but also worked hard to support the industry as a whole through partnership with BCI. These two executives both served as chairmen of BCI’s board during times of tremendous change, volunteering their time selflessly and with good cheer. They truly represent the best of what this industry has to offer.”
Photo: Chris Pruitt (left) and David Shaffer
