ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced the retirement of Jack Klimp, CEO, AHRI, effective June 1, 2009. Previously president of the former Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Klimp oversaw GAMA’s staff and operations, which included offices in Berkeley Heights, N.J., and Beijing. According to AHRI, Klimp was instrumental in helping GAMA develop its first-ever strategic plan.

Along with the retirement of Klimp, AHRI is restructuring its staff responsibilities. According to AHRI, the year-old association is doing this in order to better position itself to accomplish the core missions of excellence in standards, certification, and advocacy. This action was taken to allow the association to make the best use of its members’ resources at a time when finances are constrained, but challenges both here and abroad remain great.

Stephen Yurek will continue to serve as the association’s president, with the support of the following direct reports: Joe Mattingly continues as general counsel and corporate secretary; Stephanie Murphy will have responsibility for finance, membership, and office operations; Bill Tritsis will have direct responsibility for certification programs; and Henry Hwong will have direct responsibility for standards, product section services, and statistical programs.

Francis Dietz will have direct responsibility for public affairs, meetings, and education. David Calabrese will continue to have overall responsibility for government, regulatory, and international affairs, assisted by Karim Amrane with regard to regulatory activities, Don Davis with regard to government affairs, and Jim Walters with regard to international affairs.

The following senior staff positions in the association were eliminated in the restructuring: executive vice president and senior vice president, Public Affairs. Five additional positions also were eliminated.

“We have taken these steps to strengthen the ability of our staff to provide quality member services while preparing for the real possibility that we will need to expand our advocacy efforts both at home and abroad in the near future,” said Keith Coursin, AHRI chairman.

“Our industry is absolutely vital to the health, comfort, and safety of people all over the world, and I am confident in the ability of our staff to represent us in a proactive, professional manner.”

For more information, visit www.ahrinet.org.

Publication date: 03/09/2009