Fasteners and construction supplies distributor Fastenal appointed Donnalee Papenfuss to Executive Vice President of Strategy and Communications, effective Nov. 1.

In this newly-established role, Fastenal said Papenfuss will spearhead marketing and drive strategic initiatives related to technology, sales and environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Additionally, she will improve communication strategies to support these initiatives and ensure they align with business objectives.

“We’re excited for the vision and leadership she’ll bring as we continue to evolve as a technology-focused supply chain partner to our customers,” Fastenal CEO Dan Florness said in an Oct. 17 news release.

Papenfuss held the position of VP of Contract Development and Support at Fastenal from Feb. 2014 to Oct. 2024, where she led teams focused on sales enablement, development and support functions.

Prior to that, she served as Fastenal’s Director of Government and Diversity Affairs from July 2006 to Feb. 2014, as well as other various roles since first joining the company in 1999.

Fastenal was No. 6 on MDM’s 2024 Top Distributors Lists, for Industrial Supplies, No. 5 for MRO, No. 7 for Fluid Power, No. 1 for Fasteners, No. 2 for Safety and No. 10 for JanSan/Packaging/Disposables and No. 22 for Electrical.