AHRI presents industry awards

ARLINGTON, Virginia, United States, 24 November 2025: The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) announced that at its 2025 Leadership Forum held last week in Austin, Texas, it recognised several industry leaders for their contributions to the HVACR and water heating industry and also named its 2026 leadership.

Making the announcement through a Press Release, AHRI said that awards were presented in three categories: the Richard C. Schulze Award, which AHRI said recognises industry-wide achievements aligned with its priorities; the AHRI Public Service Award, which the institute said acknowledges contributions to the HVACR industry and the communities it serves; and the AHRI Distinguished Service Award, which AHRI described as the association’s highest recognition for long-term contributions.

According to AHRI, the Richard C. Schulze Award recipients were Ronnie Moffitt of Trane Technologies, Stephen Spletzer of The Chemours Company and Matt Thornblad of Rheem Manufacturing Company.

AHRI stated that Ronnie Moffitt, Lead Engineer of HVAC Systems, Trane Technologies, has served on more than a dozen committees, working groups and task forces. The institute noted that Moffitt’s role as chair of the Dehumidifiers STC and his involvement in the development of AHRI Standard 920 were central to collaborative standards work.

AHRI said that Stephen Spletzer, Senior Technical Service Manager, The Chemours Company, has contributed extensively through AHRI’s Research and Technology Committee and serves as chairman of two Project Monitoring Subcommittees. According to AHRI, Spletzer also advises several working groups involved in codes and standards development and supports AHRI member participation in ASHRAE, UL and IEC activities.

According to the institute, Matt Thornblad, Senior Public Policy and Communications Director, Rheem Manufacturing Company, has participated in AHRI initiatives for more than a decade. AHRI said Thornblad has chaired and served on the Government Affairs Committee and has supported policy-related engagement at state and federal levels.

AHRI reported that the Public Service Award was presented to John Hazen White Jr., Executive Chairman and Owner, Taco. The institute said White led Taco’s expansion through acquisition and organisational growth, and that he has been active in policy advocacy in Rhode Island. AHRI added that White oversees the Taco Family Foundation, which supports arts, education and healthcare initiatives.

AHRI said its Distinguished Service Award was presented posthumously to Brent Schroeder, who most recently served as COO and Head of Global Technologies for Emerson’s Climate Technologies Group. The institute noted that his passing earlier this year was “deeply felt across the organisation”. AHRI said Schroeder held several leadership positions, including Vice Chairman in 2024, and served on the Board of Directors and multiple standing committees, including Strategic Planning, Nominating and Budget & Investment. AHRI also said Schroeder served on the Rees Scholarship Foundation Board.

AHRI said that Schroeder played a key role in Emerson’s divestiture of its Climate Technologies Group, contributing to the establishment of Copeland as an independent company. AHRI added that members of Schroeder’s family attended the ceremony to accept the award on his behalf.

Stephen Yurek, President and CEO, AHRI, said: “It is especially important to recognize the leaders who drive growth and success in the HVACR and water heating industry, as they serve as positive examples for others. AHRI congratulates this year’s award recipients, and we are very appreciative for their dedication and hard work, which has helped make life better for Americans and people all across the globe.”

AHRI reported that its Nominating Committee also named the association’s officers and Board of Directors for 2026.

Officers, as listed by AHRI:

· Mike Branson, Rheem Manufacturing Company, Chairman

· R. Bruce Carnevale, Bradford White Corporation, Vice Chairman

· Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies, Vice Chairman

· Kevin Beckett, R.W. Beckett, Treasurer

· Megan Fellinger, Morrison Products, Immediate Past Chairman

AHRI said its Board of Directors selected Mike Branson, President of Global Air, Rheem Manufacturing Company, to serve as the 2026 Chairman. According to AHRI, Branson participates in several standing committees, including Nominating, Compensation and Strategic Planning.

The institute also announced its 2026 Board of Directors: Dennis Appel, Danfoss; David Budzinski, Bosch Thermotechnology Corporation; Tim Figge, Hussmann Corporation; John Kramer, Cambridge Air Solutions; Alok Maskara, Lennox International, Inc.; Gaurang Pandya, Carrier Corporation; John Schneider, Copeland; Steve Shafer, A.O. Smith Corporation; John Thomas, WaterFurnace International; and Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corporation.