ARLINGTON, Va. - There has been some personnel changes at North American Technician Excellence (NATE). The group announced both the resignation of its president, Rex Boynton, and the addition of interim president and industry veteran David R. Pannier, who is replacing Boynton effective immediately.

Boynton left Jan. 15, 2010, to pursue other opportunities. The organization tapped Pannier “to help chart NATE’s course during its next phase of growth,” said the announcement. Pannier has served in leadership roles on numerous industry boards, including NATE’s, before retiring as president of Trane Residential Systems in 2009.

“We appreciate and recognize Rex’s accomplishments and look forward to Dave’s leadership during this interim period as we search for NATE’s next president,” said NATE chairman Ray Isaac. “Dave’s knowledge and respect within the HVACR industry, his commitment to the education and training of HVACR technicians, and his knowledge and support of NATE since its creation will provide the leadership needed to move NATE forward in fulfilling its mission of recognizing the professionalism of HVACR technicians.”

“While I spent 33 years with an HVACR manufacturer, I gained important and valuable insight into the interdependencies and unique responsibilities of each link in the entire HVACR value chain,” including component suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors,” said Pannier.

“I intend to use the lessons learned during those 33 years, together with the help of the NATE staff and all of its supporters, to continue the great work that’s begun to deliver on the NATE mission.”

LOOKING AHEAD

The organization said it is looking ahead to its next phase of continued strategic growth as the leading provider of certification programs for HVACR professionals.

Isaac noted that the organization is building on a solid foundation, and readily gave credit to Boynton, even while he looked to the future. “As the industry’s primary technician certification program, NATE serves a very important role,” he said. “Under Dave’s leadership, NATE will recommit to expanding its reach and its value to the industry.

“When an organization is in transition, it needs strong leadership.” Isaac said Pannier “will help us set a course for the future.”

Beyond its benefits to the industry, Pannier said “NATE serves as a vehicle to provide the end customer with a means to find and secure services for HVACR systems in their homes and businesses, with confidence that work will be done right the first time.”

For more information, visit www.natex.org.

Publication date: 02/01/2010