A Conversation with TEA’s and the Employee Ownership Foundation’s New Chairs

As incoming leaders during a transformative time for The ESOP Association, new Board Chair Derrick Vick and Employee Ownership Foundation Chair Peter Ney took center stage at the 2025 National Conference during a candid and insightful conversation with Jim Bonham. Attendees got a closer look at their backgrounds in employee ownership and a glimpse into their vision for the next two years, as they are poised to drive meaningful change across both the Association and the Foundation. As awareness of employee ownership continues to grow, their leadership will be crucial in shaping how the Association and Foundation educate, advocate, and lead the movement forward.

Peter Ney’s personal dedication to leadership, reflected in his powerful story, makes him uniquely suited to step into his role as Foundation Chair. Previously, he led the transformation of his company, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, from a publicly traded company on NASDAQ into the largest 100% employee-owned Public Benefit Corporation in the environmental sector. Ney says EA took off after figuring out employee ownership was the right model for the company and aligning its culture accordingly. 

Peter has always been a strong supporter of the Foundation’s mission, especially the role the Foundation has played in strengthening the ESOP and employee ownership brands through programming like ESOPATHON and the Oxford Symposium.

Going forward, Peter discussed how the Foundation can develop more research that would have an impact on potential ESOP founders. This comes from his own story where he helped transition EA to an ESOP, and he believes ESOPs can be a driving force in improving the U.S. economy. Ney’s goals for the EOF include increasing resources available for members and employee owners and creating new opportunities to grow the Foundation. 

Derrick Vick, newly elected Board Chair and CEO of Freedom Industries, also took the opportunity to introduce himself to members and outline his vision in his new role. Derrick was instrumental in helping Freedom Industries transition to an ESOP, and the company’s success reaffirmed his belief in the power of employee ownership to change lives. Derrick is poised to lead the Association’s work on the current five-year strategic plan and believes his previous experience as CFO can help TEA accomplish its goals while maintaining its rigorous fiscal standards. 

For his final message, Derrick Vick emphasized how important it is for TEA members to get involved with their local chapters, and how volunteering can open up new avenues in one’s career in addition to helping to grow and strengthen the Association. With Derrick Vick and Peter Ney in their new roles, The ESOP Association and the Employee Ownership Foundation are entering a promising and exciting new era ahead.