ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The professional achievements of members of the board of directors of Women in HVACR (WHVACR) illustrate how women have advanced in the industry since the group’s inception in 2002.
“This board includes some of the most powerful women in the HVACR and home comfort industries,” said executive director Amy O’ Grady in a press release. “Women in HVACR wants to lead by example, and this board exemplifies this goal. This is a group that will encourage any woman entering the skilled trades industries by creating the type of dynamic environment that inspires them to succeed.”
These five women are on the executive board:
• President Lori Tschohl, owner of Eagle Pipe & Mechanical, an HVAC contractor in Poulsbo, Washington, that specializes in gas piping, heating, and cooling. With more than 35 years of industry experience, she has been a driving force behind the company's growth and success since 2015. She was the Service Nation Woman of the Year in 2022 and won the Boundless Benefactor Award in 2023 for her leadership, and has received numerous awards for her charity work. She is also a founding member and state chapter president of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WIPP).
• Vice president Kristin Gallup, director of product management for Carrier Enterprise, a joint venture between Watsco Inc. and Carrier Corp. Galluo has been in HVAC distribution for more than 17 years in multiple leadership capacities and has been a supporting member of WHAVCR for more than 10 years.
• Immediate past president Marcia Christiansen, business unit manager for PECO Control Systems, a Portland, Oregon-based manufacturer of thermostats for the HVAC, industrial and commercial cooking industries. She is a key technical resource for PECO and has worked in the industry for 27 years.
• Secretary Tanya Steindl, director of marketing for the aftermarket parts division of Daikin Comfort Technologies in Waller, Texas. During her time at Daikin, she has been instrumental in the development of private-label parts and controls brands, which offer universal options available to any contractor.
• Treasurer Sarah Hammon, president of Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing Services in Alton, Texas. She also oversees Hummingbird Trailer Park and Alton X-Plex and is an investor in several local businesses. She also serves as the CEO for the Better Business Bureau in South Texas, and is the president of FemCity RGV, a community of more than 70 businesswomen in McAllen, Texas.
The other board members are: Erica Leonor, director of business development for Goodleap in Riverton, Utah; Laurelyn Arriaga, OEM sales manager for McDaniel Metals Inc. in Houston, Texas.; Becky Hoelscher, senior account manager for Arkema in Sidney, Ohio; Jane Sidebottom, president and founder of AMK in Bonita Springs, Florida; Crystal Williams, founder and marketing strategist for Lemonseed Marketing in Burke, Texas; Linda Rodriguez, marketing and events manager for Quietflex in Houston, Texas; Angela Miller, brand ambassador for Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Nicole Norris, strategic relationship manager for Service Nation in Coppell, Texas.
