Electrical supplies distributor Crescent Electric Supply Co. announced Sept. 10 that President and CEO Penny Cotner plans to retire in April 2027, approximately 18 months after taking the position.

Cotner will remain CEO through April and work with the board to support the transition. The East Dubuque, IL-based company’s board will conduct a national search for her successor.

“This is a deeply personal decision, driven by a shift in my own circumstances,” Cotner said, adding that she reached the decision after considerable reflection.

Board Chair Mike Sullivan said the board respects her decision and appreciates the advance notice, which provides time to identify Crescent’s next leader while maintaining ongoing initiatives.

The pending move comes just over a year since Cotner took the top leadership position on Oct. 1, 2025. She joined after 12 years at electronic components supplier Infinite Electronics, including seven as CEO and a board member. Her earlier experience included roles at Arrow Electronics and NASA’s International Space Station program.

Cotner succeeded Scott Teerlinck, who announced his departure in December 2024 to take a leadership position at electrical products manufacturer Atkore. Crescent Senior Vice President and CFO Kristi Dahlke led the company in the interim.

The retirement announcement follows Crescent’s Sept. 4 announcement that it promoted Kristee Mitchell to Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective Aug. 31.

Mitchell joined Crescent in 2023 and most recently served as Vice President of Supply Chain Fulfillment. Her expanded responsibilities include supplier partnerships, supply chain fulfillment, distribution center operations, transportation management and operational excellence across the company.

Crescent operates more than 140 branches in 28 states, serving contractors, original equipment manufacturers and the maintenance, repair and operations needs of commercial, industrial, institutional and utility customers.

On MDM’s 2026 Top Distributors Lists, Crescent was No. 13 for Electrical.