Arlington, Virginia, United States, 6 December 2020: The Board of Directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) on December 3 elected the Association’s new officers and congratulated those presented industry awards at last month’s virtual Leadership Forum.

“The dedication of these industry leaders makes it possible for AHRI to continue to be the recognized voice of the industry and a reliable source for information,” said Stephen Yurek, AHRI President and CEO. “We are very grateful for their service to AHRI and the HVACR and water heating industry.”

According to AHRI, its new Chairman is Michael Schwartz, CEO, Daikin Applied Americas.

The roster of officers, AHRI said, includes:

Vice Chairman: Ron Duncan, President, Magic Aire

Vice Chairman: Kevin Wheeler, A O Smith
Treasurer: Megan Fellinger, President & CEO, Morrison Products

Past Chairman: John Galyen, President, Danfoss North America

According to AHRI, the directors are:

Kevin Beckett, President, R W Beckett

Gary Bedard, EVP, President, and COO Worldwide Refrigeration, Lennox

Mike Branson, President, Rheem Manufacturing Company

Bruce Carnevale, President and CEO, Bradford White Corp.
Chris Nelson, President, Carrier Residential and Commercial Systems

Joe Oliveri, VP and GM Global Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls
Brent Schroeder, President Air Conditioning Business, Emerson

Donny Simmons, President, Commercial HVACR, Ingersoll Rand
John Swann, President, Weil-McLain

John Thomas, President & CEO, WaterFurnace

Beth Braddy

Bruce Heirlmeier

John Gibbons

Speaking of the awardees, AHRI said the Richard C Schulze Award is given for distinguished service and commitment to AHRI and the industry’s goals and objectives. AHRI congratulated the following for winning the Award:

• Beth Braddy, Trane Technologies
• John Gibbons, Carrier Corporation
• Bruce Heirlmeier, Zero Zone

The Distinguished Service Award, AHRI said, is the highest honour it bestows. The Award, AHRI said, recognises industry leaders who have made significant contributions throughout their careers. AHRI congratulated the following for winning the Award:

• Roger Richmond-Smith, Smardt
• Robert “Dutch” Uselton, Lennox