BCI Distinguished Service Award

Chris Pruitt has had a tremendous impact since joining East Penn over 30 years ago. He began as the company’s controller in 1994, later serving in several financial leadership roles including CFO. In 2018 he became President and CEO, where he continues to spearhead the company’s progress and innovation.

Chris’s impact extends beyond East Penn. He has a long history of service within BCI as a member of the Board of Directors, and served as its Chairman from 2021 to 2025. His guidance and support were critical toward helping the organization restructure its leadership and refocus its vision and mission for maximum impact on members.

His efforts have also been integral to tackling the immense regulatory and advisory work BCI conducts to support important federal policies that promote domestic battery manufacturing and encourage investment in research and development. He uses his leadership platform to encourage the entire industry to unite and advocate at a company, county, state and federal level to connect with policymakers and help them understand the importance of the battery industry’s role in the economy and energy storage future.

With tireless dedication, visionary leadership, and a spirit of collaboration, Chris has earned the respect and appreciation of BCI and its members. His efforts have helped advance the entire industry and pave the way for its successful future.

David M. Shaffer is Chief Executive Officer and Director of EnerSys, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. Dave has held this position since November 2024 and previously served as President and CEO from 2016. His career with EnerSys spans more than two decades, including leadership roles as President and COO, President of EMEA, and President of Asia, following earlier responsibilities leading telecommunications sales in the Americas. He began his career in the battery industry in 1989.

Under his leadership, EnerSys has delivered key innovations in lead and lithium battery technologies, including advances in safety, sustainability, and recycling. Dave champions EnerSys’ corporate responsibility initiatives, with a focus on community engagement, healthcare access, and education.

Dave served on the BCI Board of Directors from 2016 to 2025, and was active in BCI’s activities for many years prior to that. He also served as President of the Board from 2019-2021, providing critical leadership to BCI during the COVID pandemic. Under Dave’s leadership, BCI pivoted quickly during very difficult times, providing support and advocacy to help all members’ facilities stay open to serve the nation’s battery needs. Dave gave tirelessly of his time and contributed significantly to the vibrancy of the BCI community.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Marquette University. Dave and his wife Shelley are longtime supporters of United Way and other regional philanthropic programs.