The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has created six distribution-led advisory groups to guide best industry practices and inform the association’s advocacy and educational efforts.

NAW’s Strategic Advisory Groups are made up of senior executives and subject matter experts selected by the association for their expertise in one of six key functional areas of the distribution sector.

The inaugural councils cover:

• Commercial growth
• Family business
• Finance
• Human resources
• Operations
• Technology

Each group is co-led by recognized distribution leaders who meet regularly to address pressing issues, share insights and develop actionable strategies that NAW members can implement in their businesses. NAW will also use insights from these groups to shape its national advocacy agenda and develop new tools, content and programming tailored to their members’ needs.

As part of the groups, the council members will have exclusive access to curated programming, confidential benchmarking and national visibility for thought leadership, according to the association.

“This is more than a professional network, it’s a strategic brain trust for our industry,” NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin said in the Aug. 5 announcement. “By convening the top minds in distribution, we’re ensuring that our members are not only ready for what’s next, but they’re also leading it.”

Current NAW Strategic Advisory Group council members include names from MDM’s 2025 Industry Titans such as ABC Supply Co. and Winsupply, as well names from several companies that continually rank on MDM Top Distributor’s Lists, such as ADI Global, Border States, Endries International, GMS, The Hillman Group, Kimball Midwest, SRS Distribution, Turtle and more. Three of MDM’s 2025 Women in Distribution honorees were also selected, including Katy Vu of Bunzl Distribution USA, Melissa Thompson of Uline and Sonia Timmons of Vallen North America.

Executives of the advisory groups are selected by NAW based on subject matter expertise within the industry. For those interested in joining, or for more information on the Strategic Advisory Groups, contact NAW’s Member Experience Analyst Caroline Cianciola at [email protected].