Electrical hardware and supplies distributor Crescent Electric Supply Co. has concluded its months-long search for its next President and CEO with the appointment of a seasoned electronic components executive.

Effective Oct. 1, Penny Cotner will take the post at Crescent, ranked No. 12 on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors List for electrical products.

Cotner joins East Dubuque, IL-based Crescent after a 12-year tenure at Infinite Electronics, a global supplier of electronic components including the last seven years as CEO and member of the Board. Her career spans more than two decades in executive leadership, sales transformation, engineering, and global operations, with earlier roles at Arrow Electronics, a global distributor of electronic components, and NASA’s International Space Station program.

“Penny is a growth-minded leader whose experience, vision, and operational discipline will guide Crescent through its next chapter of growth,” Crescent Board Chair Mike Sullivan said in a Sept. 2 news release. “Her success in scaling complex organizations, fostering strong cultures, and delivering results aligns with our priorities to build on Crescent’s strong foundation, drive innovation and deliver exceptional value.”

Cotner succeeds Scott Teerlinck — who announced his departure from the company in December 2024 to pursue a leadership role at electrical products manufacturer Atkore — and Kristi Dahlke, Crescent’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who held the role in the interim.

 “I’m honored to join Crescent and lead such a respected family-owned company with a rich history and strong reputation in the industry,” Cotner said. “Crescent’s commitment to its customers, suppliers, and employees is clear, and I look forward to working with the Board and management team to build on our strengths, deepen relationships, and position the company for long-term success.”