ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. — At its 2023 Leadership Forum in Miami, Florida, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recognized several HVACR industry leaders for their contributions to the HVACR and water-heating industries.
Awards were given in three categories: the Richard C. Schulze Award, which recognizes the industry-wide achievements of individuals who are 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.
The Richard C. Schulze Award winners are: Bob Brown, WaterFurnace International Inc.; David Calabrese, Daikin U.S. Corp.; Shawn Hern, ClimateMaster; and Todd Michael, Trane Technologies.
The Public Service Award was presented to Ralph Suppa, formerly president and general manager of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), an AHRI partner.
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to two past AHRI chairmen for their contributions to the industry: Keith Coursin, DesertAire; and Doug Young, Lennox International.
The AHRI nominating committee also named the association’s board of directors and officers for 2024. The officers are:
• 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 Corp., immediate past chairman
The 2024 AHRI board of directors members are:
• 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 Inc.
• Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corp.
• Philip Windham, Nortek Global HVAC
