Focus On: Robin B. Gray, Jr., President, ECIA
Robin B. Gray Jr.
President, Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)
Alpharetta, GA, and Arlington, VA
Previous industry positions: Executive Vice President, National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA)—combined with ECA to form ECIA
Industry affiliations or organizations: Texas A&M Industrial Distribution Advisory Board; numerous association and civic organizations not related to industry
Accomplishments you’re proud of: Merger of NEDA and ECA; branding and marketing the importance of buying components from authorized distributors
First job: Swim/tennis club manager and lifeguard
Favorite website: Gizmodo.com

The last book I read: I am a voracious reader of fiction, going through 30 to 40 books a year. I’m starting to reread J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Why did you choose this industry for your profession? I didn’t choose the industry, the industry chose me. By education, I am a lawyer. My career path has been in trade associations. ECIA/NEDA is the fourth trade association that I have worked for.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have: I would not change a thing. There is no sense in living in the past or second-guessing your choices in life. There is only moving forward and living with the choices that you’ve made.
What trend in the industry is affecting your job and what would you like to do about it? Counterfeit electronic components have become a huge issue for the electronic industry. The issue has created a terrific opportunity for the authorized sales channel to tout its advantages. At the same time, the industry must remain vigilant in combating counterfeit electronic components.