Arlington, Va. – At its 2024 Leadership Forum in Palm Springs, Calif., the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recognized several HVACR industry leaders for their contributions to the HVACR and water heating industry, and also named its 2025 leadership.

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:

• Robert Glass, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America


• Josh Greene, A.O. Smith Corporation


• Darcy Lee, Trane Technologies


• Eric Truskoski, Bradford White Corporation

Robert Glass, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America
Robert Glass, Director of State Regulatory Affairs at Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, has been involved in AHRI advocacy activities since 2011. In that time, he has served as a leading expert in A2L refrigerants and the country’s ongoing refrigerant transition. Glass has managed several components of advocacy efforts himself, including developing and submitting building code proposals, testifying before code councils, and personally briefing state lawmakers on the need for building code reform. In addition to his advocacy efforts, he is a major supporter of educational outreach for those affected by the refrigerant transition.

Josh Greene, A.O. Smith Corporation
Josh Greene, Corporate Vice President for Government, Regulatory, and Industry Affairs, at A.O. Smith Corporation, is a prominent member of AHRI’s Government Affairs Committee and the Chairman of the Statistics Committee. His unique skillset has provided invaluable input to AHRI over the course of three Administrations, several Congresses, and a constantly changing regulatory landscape at both the state and federal levels. His nuanced perspective and breadth of knowledge in both electric and combustion products will continue to serve AHRI, its members, and the industry for years to come.

Darcy Lee, Trane Technologies
Darcy Lee, Custom Air Handler Business Development Leader at Trane Technologies, is the Chair of AHRI’s Standards Committee. During her time as Chair, she led the restructuring of the committee to improve its efficiency and effectiveness, which contributed to one of the most successful years on record for AHRI’s standards team in terms of completed projects and member involvement. In addition to her work with standards, Lee has been an active participant in AHRI activities for 16 years, contributing her knowledge of both residential and commercial products to association efforts.   

Eric Truskoski, Bradford White Corporation
Eric Truskoski, Vice President of Administration and Government Affairs at Bradford White Corporation, is a longtime supporter of both AHRI and the HVACR industry. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of AHRI’s Government Affairs Committee, an alternate member of the Heating Sector Leadership Council, Chairman of the Water Heater Regulatory Committee, and as a member of the AHRI Certification Committee. His extensive knowledge and willingness to support so many facets of the association have been valuable assets to AHRI, the industry, and consumers.

The Public Service Award was presented to Joel Owen, who recently retired from Alabama Power after spending more than 50 years actively involved in the HVACR industry.

During his decorated career, Owen earned eight technician certifications and an Alabama State Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration contractor’s license, which allowed him to become a top-notch educator for the next generation of industry technicians. He oversaw the development and construction of the state-of-the-art training facility for HVACR and Heat Pump Water Heaters at Bevill State Community College in Jasper, Alabama. His time as a tireless advocate for education and training will benefit the industry for years to come.

Distinguished Service Awards were presented to two well-known industry leaders for their contributions:

• Morrison Carter, Beckett Thermal Solutions


• William Rafferty, Mestek

Morrison Carter, Beckett Thermal Solutions
Morrison Carter, CEO of Beckett Thermal Solutions, is a longtime supporter of AHRI and remains heavily involved in association activities. He served as AHRI Chairman in 2011, and has continued to hold key positions, including his current service as an advisory member to the Board of Directors and as a member of the Heating Sector Leadership Council. In addition, he has served on and chaired several key standing committees.

Carter’s service to the industry spans decades, with his contributions beginning with his work within the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association prior to its merger with ARI in 2008. Over the course of his career, he has impacted nearly every aspect of AHRI operations for the better. He was honored by his colleagues and AHRI staff with a standing ovation during the award presentation at the 2024 Leadership Forum.

William Rafferty, Mestek
William Rafferty is the Executive Vice President at Mestek. He has served the HVACR industry for decades, both as a member of AHRI and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), of which he served as chairman in 2007. He was instrumental in planning and executing the merger between GAMA and ARI in 2008, and helped ensure the successful integration of the associations in a way that continued to benefit members and their missions.

Within AHRI, Rafferty has served, and continues to serve, as an advisory member of the Board of Directors, as an alternate member of the Heating Sector Leadership Council, as an active member of the Nominating and Strategic Planning Committees, and as a member of the Rees Scholarship Board.

“It is especially important to recognize the leaders who drive growth and success in the HVACR and water heating industry, as they serve as positive examples for others,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. “AHRI congratulates this year’s award recipients, and we are very appreciative for their dedication and hard work, which has helped make life better for Americans and people all across the globe.”

The AHRI Nominating Committee also named the association's Board of Directors and officers for 2025:

Officers:

• Megan Fellinger, Morrison Products, Chairman


• Mike Branson, Rheem Manufacturing Company, Vice Chairman


• R. Bruce Carnevale, Bradford White Corporation, Vice Chairman


• Kevin Beckett, R.W. Beckett, Treasurer


• Gary Bedard, Lennox International, Immediate Past Chairman

Megan Fellinger, Morrison Products, Chairman
The AHRI Board of Directors selected Megan Fellinger, President and CEO of Morrison Products, to serve as the 2025 Chairman. Fellinger has been involved in AHRI for years, lending her expertise on key committees. She serves as a member of several standing committees, including the Nominating, Compensation, and Strategic Planning Committees

Board of Directors:

• Dennis Appel, Danfoss


• David Budzinski, Johnson Controls, Inc.


• Tim Figge, Hussman Corporation


• John Kramer, Cambridge Air Solutions


• Gaurang Pandya, Carrier Corporation


• Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies


• John Schneider, Copeland


• Steve Shafer, A.O. Smith Corporation


• John Thomas, WaterFurnace International


• Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corporation