BCI honors Pruitt, Shaffer with its 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Chris Pruitt of East Penn and Dave Shaffer of Enersys recognized for service to the battery industry

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Battery Council International (BCI) is pleased to announce that Chris Pruitt, the President and CEO of East Penn Manufacturing Co., and David Shaffer, the outgoing CEO of Enersys, are the 2025 recipients of its Distinguished Service Award.

The BCI Distinguished Service Award recognizes exemplary service to the energy storage industry and is the association's highest individual honor. The award recognizes those who have made a sustained, long-term, and meaningful contribution to the advancement of both the association and the battery industry.

"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," said BCI's President and Executive Director Roger Miksad. "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."

The two leaders will be formally honored as part of Battery Council International's 2025 BCI Convention + Power Mart Expo on May 4 to 7 in San Antonio, Texas.

Chris Pruitt, East Penn Manufacturing

Chris Pruitt has had a tremendous impact since joining East Penn over 30 years ago. He began as the company's controller in 1994, later serving in several financial leadership roles including CFO. In 2018 he became President and CEO, where he continues to spearhead the company's progress and innovation.

Chris's impact extends beyond East Penn. He has a long history of service within BCI as a member of the Board of Directors, and served as its Chairman from 2021 to 2025. His guidance and support were critical toward helping the organization restructure its leadership and refocus its vision and mission for maximum impact on members.

His efforts have also been integral to tackling the immense regulatory and advisory work BCI conducts to support important federal policies that promote domestic battery manufacturing and encourage investment in research and development. He uses his leadership platform to encourage the entire industry to unite and advocate at a company, county, state and federal level to connect with policymakers and help them understand the importance of the battery industry's role in the economy and energy storage future.

With tireless dedication, visionary leadership, and a spirit of collaboration, Chris has earned the respect and appreciation of BCI and its members. His efforts have helped advance the entire industry and pave the way for its successful future.

David Shaffer, EnerSys

David M. Shaffer is Chief Executive Officer and Director of EnerSys, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. Dave has held this position since November 2024 and previously served as President and CEO from 2016. His career with EnerSys spans more than two decades, including leadership roles as President and COO, President of EMEA, and President of Asia, following earlier responsibilities leading telecommunications sales in the Americas. He began his career in the battery industry in 1989.

Under his leadership, EnerSys has delivered key innovations in lead and lithium battery technologies, including advances in safety, sustainability, and recycling. Dave champions EnerSys' corporate responsibility initiatives, with a focus on community engagement, healthcare access, and education.

Dave served on the BCI Board of Directors from 2016 to 2025, and was active in BCI's activities for many years prior to that. He also served as President of the Board from 2019-2021, providing critical leadership to BCI during the COVID pandemic. Under Dave's leadership, BCI pivoted quickly during very difficult times, providing support and advocacy to help all members' facilities stay open to serve the nation's battery needs. Dave gave tirelessly of his time and contributed significantly to the vibrancy of the BCI community.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Marquette University. Dave and his wife Shelley are longtime supporters of United Way and other regional philanthropic programs.

About the Distinguished Service Award

The BCI Distinguished Service Award is presented by the BCI Board of Directors to individuals who have made a sustained, long-term, and meaningful contribution to the advancement of the association and the industry.

In 2025, BCI honored Bob Flicker, Hal Hawk, and Roger Winslow with this top honor. Previous recipients of the award (previously called the BCI Honorary Lifetime Membership) also include industry icons such as DeLight Breidegam Jr., Peter Aspinall, Norman R. Farsje, and Edward T. Foote. BCI first honored an individual with this award in 1945 by recognizing the service of Louis B.F. Raycroft.

About Battery Council International

Battery Council International (BCI) is the leading trade association representing the global battery industry and is the premier authority on energy storage solutions. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, BCI advocates and educates on behalf of battery manufacturers and recyclers, marketers and retailers, suppliers of raw materials and equipment, and battery distributors. With a unified voice, BCI conveys an industry-wide commitment to sustainability, safety and science. The organization continues to unite members within the industry to successfully communicate and protect through education, science and advocacy efforts the most successful circular economy on the planet.

SOURCE Battery Council International