The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors shared the group’s former longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, Dirk Van Dongen, died June 8. He was 80 years old. 

Van Dongen led NAW for 41 years until his retirement in late 2020, spearheading the association’s transformation into what it is today. He was also President of NAW’s Institute for Distribution Excellence, Treasurer of NAW-PAC and led the NAW Service Corporation. 

“I often told Dirk Van Dongen that he was a living legend. Throughout his four-decade tenure, he transformed NAW into a powerhouse in Washington. Dirk mentored generations of trade association leaders, including myself,” said Eric Hoplin, NAW’s President and CEO since October 2020. “He played a pivotal role in electing hundreds of members of Congress, all while advising them on the importance of free enterprise. His office walls told the story of his influence, adorned with photos of Presidents, Prime Ministers and countless leaders of the House and Senate. When he passed the baton of NAW leadership to me, his graciousness and generosity were unparalleled. Dirk was not just a mentor but a friend to me and many others. While he will be deeply missed, the impact he made will resonate for generations.” 

Van Dongen remained active in the industry post-retirement, serving as a senior advisor to distribution technology advisement firm Applico and sales management provider Proton. 

His tenure with NAW began in 1968 when he transitioned from AT&T’s marketing department to direct NAW’s membership drive through phone solicitations. NAW noted that this strategy boosted the association’s membership and set the stage for Van Dongen’s career. 

He had a major presence lobbying for pro-business policies in the U.S. political scene, beginning in the Regan administration. Van Dongen served as co-chairman of several finance committees for the election of GOP presidential candidates and assembled coalitions of business interests that helped the passage of legislation that included the 1986 tax reform bill and the 2001 tax cuts under President George W. Bush. In April 2020, Van Dongen was named by President Trump to an advisory group on reopening the U.S. economy in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. 

“Dirk was also a cherished friend and mentor to many, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Maryann, and his daughters Rachel and Marisa,” NAW said in a news release. “His legacy of relentless advocacy, transformative leadership, and genuine friendship will be sorely missed.”