Chris Schoolcraft, senior vice president for Shawver and Son Inc. in Oklahoma City, was recently elected as the District 5 vice president for the National Electrical Contracting Association at their national convention held in Seattle, Washington, September 11-15. Schoolcraft, who is one of 10 vice presidents representing the various regions of the country combining to form the National Executive Committee, will serve as the voice of electrical contractors from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona and Kansas.

Schoolcraft received this nomination for his continued dedication to NECA, both on a national and state level. Schoolcraft has been a member of the Oklahoma chapter since 1984 and has served as chapter president and governor. He currently serves on the national Workforce Development Committee and NJATC Core Curriculum Committee. With the election to the District 5 vice president position, Schoolcraft received automatic induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting.

“The collaboration of electrical contractors and working toward common goals is critical to our livelihoods, and NECA is the conduit in making that happen,” Schoolcraft said. “I am very honored that I will have the opportunity to serve on the NECA Executive Committee and represent my regional constituents and their interests.”

Schoolcraft believes staying on top of the latest technology is essential to success in the industry. He also looks to NECA to help secure flexible working conditions and works with his colleagues in other markets to learn how they have implemented competitive labor practices locally.

Schoolcraft was introduced to the electrical construction industry by his father-in-law, a project manager for Gaddis Walker Electric. He attended Central State University and completed his four-year electrical apprenticeship with JATC 1141. He was chair of the Edmond Electrical Board for nine years and a member of the Oklahoma AGC Subcontractor Advisory Board from 2003-2004. Schoolcraft was also a member of the Oklahoma City Electric Appeals Board from 2001-2006 and currently serves as board chairman.

Schoolcraft and his wife Cindy have been married for 41 years and currently reside in Edmond. They have two children and five grandchildren.

OKNECA is the voice of the electrical industry across the state of Oklahoma. The mission of the association is to promote higher industry standards, provide business support and elevate the professionalism of electrical construction. Working together, OKNECA provides the connection to a brighter future for the citizens of Oklahoma.