Fall 2025 – News Beat

ERA ANNOUNCES NEW CEO EDWARD SMITH

ERA is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2, 2025. This appointment follows the retirement of Walter Tobin, who will continue to support the association in a parttime consulting capacity.

“I am thrilled that Ed Smith will take over the CEO leadership role at ERA,” said Tobin. “As CEO for the past ten years, I have been blessed to have had the support of a great team at ERA National and the support of both the ERA Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. However, it has been the tremendous response and support of our more than 750 members, reps, manufacturers and distributors that has given me so much joy in this great capstone to my career. I will be working with Ed over the next several months to allow for an orderly transition and will help Ed and ERA in any way I can. Ed will bring his energy and great industry experience to ERA. Prepare to be amazed!”

“Walter leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service and impact. His leadership has fundamentally transformed ERA, and we are profoundly grateful for his dedication,” said Tom Griffin, CPMR, president of the ERA Executive Committee. “As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Ed Smith. His reputation, experience and vision will ensure that ERA continues to thrive as the voice of our industry. Ed will focus on expanding ERA’s influence, delivering greater value to members and ensuring that the association remains a forward-looking advocate for the electronics industry.”

Smith is a seasoned and successful executive with more than 35 years of experience in the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry and the electronic components distribution industry. He served as CEO at Smtek International and then held several senior executive positions at Avnet for many years, including president for seven years. He then joined SMTC Corporation as CEO in 2017 and was later promoted to chairman. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Data I/O and other private Boards. He holds a degree from Queensborough Community College – CUNY and continued his education at St. John’s University.

“I am extremely excited to follow Walter Tobin at ERA and continue to drive the programs that have been created, as well as create new value-added programs,” said Smith. “The industry continues to change and we at ERA need to continue to provide value to our members both nationally and in working with the local chapters, OEMs and distributor partners, and that is exciting to me. This opportunity allows me to give back to the industry that has given me so much. I look forward to a bright future.”

2026 ERA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN

Registration and sponsorships are now open for the 2026 ERA Conference, scheduled for Feb. 22-24, 2026, and hosted at a new venue, the Hilton Austin! Register today to reserve your spot to attend the electronics industry’s do-not-miss event! Do not wait; seats are limited.

Sign up and join the prestigious roster of 2026 ERA Conference sponsors. Sponsors can support the conference’s robust educational program and networking opportunities, and foster innovation and growth in the industry through unparalleled collaboration among reps, manufacturers and distributors. Most sponsorship levels include complimentary attendee registration(s). Take advantage of this great opportunity now to not only register to attend the conference, but also sponsor the event at a level that works best for your company.

REGISTER FOR COLT 2025

Open to all ERA chapter leaders and potential leaders, COLT is a virtual training series that is fun and collaborative, focused on effective chapter management and planning tactics. COLT is your opportunity to: Connect with other chapter leaders; gain creative ideas and practical knowledge about member recruitment; learn how to successfully host different types of chapter events; and leverage ERA National resources to enhance your chapter.

Whether you’re currently in a chapter leadership role or aspiring to one, don’t miss this valuable training. ERA National offers this program free of charge to our members! We hope to see you there.