A-dec Announces New CEO, Marv Nelson

Scott Parrish Remains Chairman of the Board of A-dec

Newberg, Ore., December 19, 2023 – Earlier this week, A-dec’s CEO Scott Parrish announced his successor for executive leadership of the company. Marv Nelson was named the new CEO of A-dec, effective immediately. The news was shared at a special company-wide meeting of A-dec’s global team, with every member of the company’s family ownership present for the announcement.

Parrish will remain the Chairman of the Board of Directors for A-dec and will serve as a Family Advisor on behalf of the company’s family ownership. With a career that has spanned over 38 years, Parrish led several critical transitions and steps forward in the company’s growth and development. In his tenure as Vice President of Product Development, he oversaw the creation of several major product lines including the flagship A‑dec 500® line of dental equipment. As Vice President and General Manager, Parrish developed an Executive Leadership team that focused on developing a new strategic vision for continued growth of the company. He was named President and CEO in 2007, assuming leadership of the company from its co-founders, Ken and Joan Austin. He was named CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2021.

“During the challenges of the pandemic, Marv was here in the factory, working with our executive team and many of our employees to get through the crisis,” shared Parrish. “I don’t know of a more challenging time for someone to show their leadership skills; we continued to operate our facilities without any significant production shutdowns. Our company emerged from the pandemic stronger than when we entered it.  Marv has shown a deep respect for the A-dec culture and working to ensure our future and has earned the right to run this company.”

Nelson joined A-dec in 2006 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As CFO, he was responsible for global Finance & Accounting, Information Technology, Property, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, and for developing the company’s strategic planning process. Promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2016, Nelson was responsible for all global business operations and corporate strategy. He was promoted to President in 2021, leading A-dec’s Executive Leadership Team through the challenges of the pandemic, and the ensuing growth that included the highest business levels in the company’s history.

“The A-dec team inspires me every day,” said Nelson. “We have great values and very committed people that make me so proud to be a part of this team. The dental industry is a great industry and our brand is very strong. We’re going to keep focusing on taking care of our customers and investing in our business and innovation. I truly believe A-dec’s best days are ahead of us.”

About A-dec
Founded in 1964, A-dec has grown into one of the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturers in the United States, recognized as a global leader in dental solutions. The company was awarded as a Top USA Workplace in 2023, has been named one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies by the Portland Business Journal for more than 14 consecutive years, and numerous industry and consumer awards for their dental productions. A-dec operates manufacturing facility and global headquarters in Newberg, Oregon; a showroom and education center in Nashville, Tennessee; and distribution centers in Nuneaton, United Kingdom and Mascot, Australia. A-dec dental chairs, delivery systems, dental lights, dental furniture, mechanical room equipment, A-dec 360 infection control products, and connection solution platforms embody the company's mission to work for the betterment of dentistry worldwide. To learn more, visit www.a-dec.com.

Media Contact:
Jordan Beanblossom, Jordan.Beanblossom@a-dec.com