AHRI Presents Awards, Names 2024 Leadership

At its 2023 Leadership Forum in Miami, Florida, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute recognized several HVACR industry leaders for their contributions to the HVACR and water heating industry.

Awards were given in three categories: the Richard C. Schulze Award, which recognizes the industry-wide achievements of individuals also pursuing AHRI goals; the AHRI Public Service Award, for deserving individuals or organizations making a significant contribution to the HVACR industry and in furthering AHRI goals; and the AHRI Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor, recognizing industry leaders who have made considerable contributions throughout their careers.

• Richard C. Schulze Award winners include:
• Bob Brown, WaterFurnace International
• David Calabrese, Daikin U.S. Corporation
• Shawn Hern, Climate Master
• Todd Michael, Trane Technologies

The Public Service Award was presented to Ralph Suppa, formerly president and general manager of AHRI partner organization the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating.

During his time at CIPH, Suppa cultivated key relationships with both AHRI and U.S. HVACR and water heating manufacturers. His expertise was a key factor in the Canadian Government’s decision to accept AHRI equipment as meeting Canadian regulations. The move enabled AHRI member companies to ship products across the northern border without performing additional efficiency testing.

Distinguished Service Awards were presented to two past AHRI chairmen for their contributions to the industry:

• Keith Coursin, Desert Aire
• Doug Young, Lennox International

The AHRI Nominating Committee also named the association’s Board of Directors and officers for 2024:

Officers:

• Gary Bedard, Lennox International, chairman
• Brent Schroeder, Copeland, vice chair
• Megan Fellinger, Morrison Products, vice chair
• Kevin Beckett, R.W. Beckett, treasurer
• Kevin Wheeler, A.O. Smith, immediate past chairman

Board of Directors

• Mike Branson, Rheem Manufacturing Co.
• David Budzinski, Johnson Controls, Inc.
• Bruce Carnevale, Bradford White Corp.
• Tim Figge, Hussman Corp.
• John Kramer, Cambridge Air Solutions
• Donny Simmons, Trane Technologies
• John Thomas, WaterFurnace International
• Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corporation
• Philip Windham, Nortek Global HVAC

For more details, visit ahrinet.org.