“On behalf of the ARI board of directors, I commend Woody for the advances ARI has made during his tenure and thank him for the contributions he has made to the entire HVACR industry,” said Robert Wilkins, ARI chairman.

Sutton was elected president of ARI in September 2001 following his retirement as rear admiral, United States Navy. During his five-year tenure, ARI said, the organization has made numerous advances in developing of industry standards; expanding product certification programs; strengthening the organization’s state, federal, and international legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts; recruiting, training, and developing skilled HVACR technicians; and building cooperation among industry organizations worldwide.