Rob Axford

Rob Axford has been a proud member of IBEW 553 for over 30 years. He completed the JATC apprenticeship in 1999 and later served as an instructor for 12 years. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Treasurer, Assistant Business Manager, and, since 2018, Business Manager.

Under his leadership, 553 has grown from fewer than 300 members to over 1,000, earning recognition as an organizing local. Rob was named the IBEW’s Organizing Business Manager of the Year in 2024, chosen from more than 700 locals, and guided the Local to an unprecedented four consecutive years in the International’s Top 20 for membership growth.

He also served on the North Carolina Building Code Council in the Electrical Contractor position, where he chaired the Electrical Committee until July 2025.

Rob lives in Hillsborough with his wife, Rebecca, and their daughter. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking, the outdoors, barbecuing, and scuba diving when visiting family in the Florida Keys.