At its 2024 Leadership Forum in Palm Springs, California, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recognized outstanding contributions to the HVACR and water heating industries with prestigious awards in three categories. The event also marked the announcement of the association’s leadership team for 2025.
Industry Awards
Awards were presented in the following categories:
- Richard C. Schulze Award: Recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the HVACR industry and alignment with AHRI's goals.
- Public Service Award: Acknowledges individuals or organizations making impactful contributions to the industry and advancing AHRI's objectives.
- Distinguished Service Award: AHRI’s highest honor, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and service to the HVACR industry.
Richard C. Schulze Award Winners
- Robert Glass, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America: Recognized for his leadership in A2L refrigerants advocacy and efforts to support the refrigerant transition through education and legislative engagement.
- Josh Greene, A.O. Smith Corporation: Celebrated for his contributions to AHRI’s Government Affairs and Statistics Committees and his expertise in navigating regulatory challenges for electric and combustion products.
- Darcy Lee, Trane Technologies: Honored for her work in advancing AHRI’s standards, including restructuring the Standards Committee and contributing to both residential and commercial HVAC efforts over her 16-year involvement.
- Eric Truskoski, Bradford White Corporation: Recognized for his extensive engagement in AHRI committees and leadership in water heater regulations and government affairs.
Public Service Award
- Joel Owen: Recently retired from Alabama Power, Owen was recognized for his 50 years of service in the HVACR industry, including contributions to technician education and the development of state-of-the-art training facilities.
Distinguished Service Award Winners
- Morrison Carter, Beckett Thermal Solutions: Honored for his decades of service to AHRI and his instrumental role in advancing the organization, including his tenure as AHRI Chairman in 2011.
- William Rafferty, Mestek: Recognized for his leadership in the merger of GAMA and ARI and his ongoing contributions to AHRI’s Board of Directors and strategic initiatives.
2025 Leadership Team
The AHRI Nominating Committee announced the following officers and Board of Directors for 2025:
Officers:
- Chairman: Megan Fellinger, Morrison Products
- Vice Chairmen: Mike Branson, Rheem Manufacturing Company, and R. Bruce Carnevale, Bradford White Corporation
- Treasurer: Kevin Beckett, R.W. Beckett
- Immediate Past Chairman: Gary Bedard, Lennox International
Board of Directors:
- Dennis Appel, Danfoss
- David Budzinski, Johnson Controls, Inc.
- Tim Figge, Hussmann Corporation
- John Kramer, Cambridge Air Solutions
- Gaurang Pandya, Carrier Corporation
- Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies
- John Schneider, Copeland
- Steve Shafer, A.O. Smith Corporation
- John Thomas, WaterFurnace International
- Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corporation
Leadership Highlights
The newly appointed Chairman, Megan Fellinger, President and CEO of Morrison Products, brings years of experience and commitment to AHRI. She has served on key committees, including the Nominating, Compensation, and Strategic Planning Committees, and is expected to guide AHRI through its ongoing efforts to support industry growth and innovation.
Recognition of Excellence
AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek emphasized the importance of recognizing leaders whose dedication and hard work drive the HVACR and water heating industries forward. He congratulated the award recipients and leadership team, highlighting their critical role in improving lives globally through innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
The event underscored AHRI's commitment to honoring outstanding achievements and preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025.
