MacKay of Edward G. Sawyer Co. past president and governor of NECA

David MacKay, National Electrical Contractors Association

Scituate, MA David MacKay a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Greater Boston electrical contracting industry for 50 years, passed away on December 30, 2015. Recognized for his outstanding leadership and lifelong contributions to NECA and the industry, MacKay served Edward G. Sawyer Company as president, CEO, and chairman for 40 years.

MacKay’s career in the electrical industry began in 1965 entered the electrical industry in 1965 when he joined E.G. Sawyer as an assistant in the accounting department. He was a graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in finance and a graduate of Suffolk University Law School.

MacKay twice served as president of the Boston chapter of NECA, from 1998 - 1999 and 2004 - 2005, and as governor, from 1990 - 1991 and 2006 - 2007.  He was a member of the chapter’s board of directors for more than 17 years, serving on the organization’s finance, membership, program, education, and bylaws committees. 

MacKay was also active in the industry nationally, serving as vice president of NECA District 1 from 2008-2011, and on NECA’s executive committee and management development committee. 

He chaired NECA’s Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired the Council on Industrial Relations, served on the Management Development and Marketing committees, and was a member of the Political Leadership Council.  MacKay was also a member of ELECTRI International’s Board of Trustees and was a member of ELECTRI’s Program Review Committee and influential in the development of the Student Passport Program.

MacKay was honored for his contributions to the industry in 2005 when he was inducted into NECA’s Academy of Electrical Contracting, and in 2012 he received NECA’s Richard Addio Distinguished Service Award. In 2015, MacKay was the recipient of ELECTRI International’s Wendt Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service.

MacKay was the beloved husband of Mary Lee (McHale) MacKay, and father of Scott MacKay Suzanne MacKay, MD and Sarah Nunnery and their spouses. 

NECA is grateful to have benefited from David MacKay’s inspired leadership, integrity, good nature, and friendship for nearly a half century.