Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) announced its 2026 leadership appointments, including new chairs for both the AED Board of Directors and the AED Foundation, along with several new members joining each board.
The organization made the announcement during the 2026 AED Summit in Dallas, Texas.
Marshall Anderson, Executive Vice President at RDO Equipment Co., was sworn in as AED’s 2026 Chairman of the Board, serving a one-year term. Anderson brings extensive industry experience and a deep commitment to advancing AED’s mission of supporting equipment distributors through advocacy, education, and workforce development.
“It’s an honor to serve as AED Chairman and to represent an industry that plays such a vital role in powering the economy,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside AED’s leadership and membership to strengthen our collective voice, support distributor success, and help position our industry for long-term growth.”
In addition, AED announced Ron Barlet, President and CEO of Bejac Corporation, as Chairman of the AED Foundation. Barlet will serve a two-year term, during which he will help guide the foundation’s efforts to strengthen the industry through workforce development initiatives, research, and professional education programs.
| Your local Hyundai dealer |
|---|
| Equipment East |
“Workforce development remains one of the most critical challenges facing our industry,” Barlet said. “As Chairman of the AED Foundation, I’m excited to help expand programs that attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled professionals and ensure our members have the talent they need to thrive.”
AED also welcomed the following individuals to its Board of Directors:
- Michael Paradis, Chairman and CEO of Bramco, Inc., who will serve as Second Vice Chairman
- Stephen Farrens, President of Vermeer Heartland, who will serve as an At-Large Director
- Ken Monroe, CEO of HOLT of California, who will serve as Western Regional Director
The AED Foundation announced the following new members joining its Board of Directors:
- Patrick Kearns, Vice President of Distribution, Caterpillar Inc.
- Vikram Savkar, CEO, VitalEdge Technologies
- Eric Mason, Vice President, Mason Machinery
- Terry Dolan, Vice President, CASE North America
- Michele Stanley, President and CEO, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
