HARDI Announces Hiring of Zac Johnson as Senior Policy Lead for HVACR Codes, Rebates

Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International announced the hiring of Zac Johnson as senior policy lead on HVACR codes and rebates, strengthening the association’s growing state advocacy efforts regarding building codes, energy policy and incentive program design.

Johnson brings a rare blend of hands-on HVAC product engineering and direct codes and standards experience. Most recently, he served as an R&D Mechanical Engineer at ZIEHL-ABEGG North America, where he led complex HVAC testing system design and supported global product innovation. He previously worked as a codes and standards engineer at AMCA International, where he represented manufacturers on major industry committees including ASHRAE, NFPA and IAPMO, and helped shape code proposals and regulatory engagement strategies across North America.

In his new role at HARDI, Johnson will serve as the association’s lead advisor on state and local HVACR code adoption and utility rebate programs that affect equipment installation, compliance and affordability. He will analyze building, mechanical, energy and fire code proposals, assess cost impacts of potential changes, and advocate for practical rebate and incentive programs aligned with real-world distributor and contractor workflows.