ARLINGTON, Va. — At its recent meeting, the board of directors of North American Technician Excellence (NATE) renewed the organization’s contract with Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to provide in-house services, including accounting, human resources, and government relations. The board also formed a committee to conduct a search for a president to replace Peter Schwartz, who resigned to pursue other interests.

“In these economic times, it is important for NATE to remain lean, flexible, and stay focused on the strategic responsibilities before it,” said Don Frendberg, chairman of NATE, who will continue to lead the organization until a new president is identified.

“It is essential that we continue to make use of the resources available through AHRI to provide support staff and services that are in harmony with what is best for both organizations.”

Frendberg stressed that NATE is sound, is financially strong, and is experiencing significant growth in HVACR technician certifications and recertifications. There are currently more than 30,600 NATE-certified technicians in all 50 states, holding 36,800 credentials.

“Certified technicians are required to be recertified every five years, and at the end of the first quarter of this year, more than 25 percent of those eligible have completed their recertifications,” said Frendberg. “NATE is the only technician certification organization governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVACR industry and recognized as an ANSI-accredited certification body.”

Publication date: 05/28/2012