ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) today announced the appointment of John Lanier to be COO of North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Lanier will report to Stephen Yurek, AHRI president and CEO. As COO, Lanier will plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of NATE, managing daily operations and executing full responsibility for, and oversight of, all of NATE’s programs.

“We are very pleased to have someone with John’s experience and drive taking the reins at NATE,” said Yurek. “I know that our member companies and others in our industry are eager to work with John to ensure growth and progress at NATE at a critical juncture in its history.”

Prior to joining the NATE team, Lanier held a variety of executive leadership roles, most notably as Senior Vice President of Operations at the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s largest independent business association, with more than 400,000 members. Throughout his career, Lanier has gained valuable experience in operations, sales, member benefits, human resources, and information technology.

“I am excited to have John on board and am looking forward to working with him,” said Don Frendberg, NATE chairman. “I know that with his knowledge and experience, NATE will experience continued growth and can, under his leadership, further develop of our role in providing world class HVACR and water heating technician certification.”

Lanier earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics at the University of Minnesota, has completed an executive education program at the Kellogg School of Management, and is pursuing his MBA. He resides in Arlington, Va., with his wife, Samantha, and their boys John and Ethan.