This year, the Academy of Electrical Contracting will induct 17 new fellows, including Stacy Wilson, COO of Wilson Construction Co., Canby, Ore., and LeeAnn Cochran, CEO of Cochran Inc., Seattle.

Fellowship in the Academy of Electrical Contracting is one of the highest honors bestowed on an individual in the electrical contracting industry. It honors outstanding leaders in the electrical contracting industry, and it preserves and uses their wealth of experience and knowledge for the benefit of the industry. Fellows of the Academy have rendered exceptional service to the industry and NECA, and that service is continued and enhanced through their fellowship in the Academy.

Wilson, Cochran and the 15 other inductees will be installed on Oct. 5, 2026, at the Opening General Session during NECA 2026 Las Vegas.

Stacy Wilson

Wilson represents the third generation of the Wilson family to lead the company, working alongside the company’s president, Jon Oistad, and CEO Don Wilson (her father and an Academy Fellow inducted in 2004). 

According to Wilson, she grew up in the electrical contracting industry.

“My grandfather [Matt O. Wilson] started the business, and I grew up working with my dad. I went to business school at Pacific Lutheran University and always knew I would want to work in the family business,” she said.

Wilson also finds electrical contracting to be a “very exciting industry. Things continue to change. It has been a great way to see the country [and] meet amazing people. The opportunities and experiences are priceless. No two days are the same!”

In a statement released by Wilson Construction Co., the company stated, “Wilson Construction Company is proud to congratulate our Chief Operating Officer, Stacy Wilson, on her induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting. Stacy will be formally recognized during the Academy’s induction ceremony at the 2026 NECA Convention in Las Vegas this October.

“Throughout her career, Stacy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a passion for advancing the electrical utility industry. In addition to leading Wilson Construction’s operations, she actively gives back to the industry by serving as Treasurer and a Board Member for the Northwest Line Constructors Chapter of NECA in Oregon, Trustee of the Northwest Line Apprenticeship Program and Trustee of Lineco, the health and welfare plan for many outside line contractors, helping shape the future of the profession through her service and leadership.

“Stacy’s induction is a testament to the lasting impact she has made on both Wilson Construction Company and the electrical contracting industry. Continuing a remarkable family legacy, she also becomes the third generation of the Wilson family to receive this distinguished honor.”

LeeAnn Cochran

Like Wilson, Cochran also grew up around the electrical contracting business and was able to “learn the industry from the ground up,” she said. 

Being a woman in the construction industry wasn’t always easy for Cochran, but she used that challenge to fuel her work ethic. 

“Like many women in construction, I have had to work harder to establish credibility and earn a seat at the table. Early in my career, it was less common to see women in leadership positions within the industry. Rather than viewing that as a barrier, I saw it as motivation to demonstrate my capabilities through results, professionalism and consistency.

“The trait that has helped me most is tenacity,” she continued. “Every career brings challenges, setbacks and periods of uncertainty. Success often comes from simply refusing to give up, continuing to learn and staying focused on the long-term goal. I have always been willing to work hard, adapt to change and persevere through difficult situations while keeping our employees and company values at the center of every decision. Through that approach, I have been fortunate to grow alongside an exceptional team and help build opportunities for others to succeed.”

Cochran has been “encouraged by the growing number of talented women entering and advancing within the profession” and has a positive outlook for how women will shape the electrical contracting industry in the years to come. 

“I believe women will continue to play an increasingly important role at every level of the industry, from the skilled trades to executive leadership. As construction firms focus more on workforce development and attracting new talent, women represent an enormous opportunity for growth,” she said.

“I expect we will see more women leading companies, managing projects, serving in industry organizations and influencing the future direction of electrical contracting. The momentum is real, and I believe the next generation will have even more opportunities than my generation did,” Cochran said.

She offered sound advice for other women working in the industry: “Believe in your abilities, be willing to work hard and never stop learning. Focus on adding value, building strong relationships and developing expertise.

“Construction and electrical contracting offer tremendous opportunities for people who are committed to growth and excellence. Don’t let preconceived notions about the industry limit your ambitions. Success will follow,” Cochran said.