Podcast: Kathy Mazzarella

Kathy Mazzarella

Kathleen M. Mazzarella is Chairman, President and CEO of Graybar, an employee-owned, FORTUNE 500 distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products. With more than 8,700 employees, 289 locations across North America and $7.2 billion in annual revenue (2018), Graybar offers its customers convenient local service, backed by the strength and supply chain capabilities of a large company.

About Kathy

Kathy joined Graybar in 1980 in customer service and soon became one of Graybar’s top salespeople. Kathy advanced into field sales management and later was promoted into corporate product management. At Graybar’s corporate headquarters, she held executive-level positions in strategic accounts, human re¬sources, strategic planning, sales and marketing. She was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2010. Kathy was appointed Graybar’s 11th president and CEO in 2012, and she became chairman of Graybar’s board of directors the following year.

Kathy holds an associate degree in telecommunications engineering, a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral sciences and a master’s degree in business administration. She serves as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis board. She is also a board member of Civic Progress, the St. Louis Regional Economic Development Alliance, Waste Management, Inc., Cigna Corporation, Core & Main LP, the Saint Louis Club, Bogey Club and the Webster University Business and Technology Advisory Board. In addition, she is a member of The Committee of 200, The Business Council, the International Women’s Forum, Vistage Worldwide, Inc. and The American Cancer Society's CEOs Against Cancer of Missouri - St. Louis Chapter.

Kathy was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal with the “40 Under 40” award in 2000 and as one of St. Louis’ “Most Influential Businesswomen” in 2004. In 2011, she received the Outstanding Alumna Award from the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology at Webster University. In 2014, Kathy was recognized by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis as one of its distinguished women in leadership. In 2015, she earned the National Association of Electrical Distributors’ Trailblazer Award and was recognized as a Leader of Distinction by the YWCA of Metro St. Louis.

Kathy is married and has two grown daughters.