Donald McElheny Retires from Gowanda Electronics After 24 Years of Leadership and Innovation
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence in High-Performance Electronic Components
Gowanda, New York (USA) – Gowanda Electronics, a renowned designer and manufacturer of high-performance inductors and magnetic components for demanding RF and power applications, announces the retirement of its CEO, Donald McElheny, effective August 2021, after an illustrious 24-year tenure with the company.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Donald McElheny joined Gowanda Electronics in 1997 as the New Product Development Manager, overseeing the exploration and development of new electronic components. His leadership and vision quickly propelled him to take on increasing responsibilities. Here are some key milestones in his career:
- New Product Development: McElheny was instrumental in the development of new electronic components, driving innovation and expansion of Gowanda’s product portfolio.
- COO and CEO Roles: He was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2006 and later became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2011, guiding the company through significant growth and transformation.
- Internal Production Expansion: Under his leadership, Gowanda established internal production for key inductor components, including coils and chips, enhancing the company’s self-sufficiency and quality control.
- Proprietary Equipment Development: McElheny oversaw the development of proprietary equipment to address the need for cost-effective production of custom products, a move that significantly improved manufacturing efficiency.
- High-Performance Conical Inductors: He spearheaded the expansion into high-performance conical inductors, leveraging automated equipment to enhance production capabilities.
- Facility Expansion: During his tenure, two new facilities totaling over 80,000 square feet were constructed to optimize production efficiencies and workflow.
- Environmental Testing Lab: McElheny was instrumental in the creation of a fully-equipped environmental testing lab to support military and other high-performance applications.
- Cleanroom Installations: He ensured the installation of multiple cleanrooms for medical and high-reliability (hi-rel) production, maintaining stringent control over particulates.
Impact on the Industry
McElheny’s involvement with passive electronic components dates back to the 1960s, and he is the proud recipient of five patents awarded during his career. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing Gowanda Electronics from a small family-run business to a premier global player in the electronics marketplace.
Reflections and Future Plans
Sarah Harris, CEO of iNRCORE, which merged with Gowanda in late 2020, reflected on McElheny’s achievements: “Don was instrumental in advancing Gowanda Electronics from a small family-run business to a major player in the global electronics marketplace. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence made this advancement possible. We intend to continue in his footsteps and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
As McElheny embarks on his retirement, his legacy continues to shape the direction of Gowanda Electronics. The company remains committed to his vision of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Contact Information
For further assistance or inquiries, please contact Gowanda Electronics at +1-716-532-2234 or email sales@gowanda.com.