Outgoing Women in WHVACR President Kristin Gallup said as vice president of the organization throughout 2025, Sidebottom is uniquely prepared to lead the organization in 2026.

“As Jane steps into the role of president, I’m confident she’ll continue to build on the incredible momentum we have experienced throughout 2025,” Gallup said. “This momentum also culminated into a remarkable conference that was incredibly energizing. The caliber of speakers, the engaging workshops and the meaningful conversations throughout the exhibition hall exceeded expectations. This conference showed the power of women supporting women in this industry.”

Women in HVACR also took the opportunity to celebrate three outstanding leaders with its inaugural Pillar Awards. These awards recognize women who embody excellence in mentorship, education and networking within the industry:

• Stephanie Postell, co-owner and chief operating officer of Anchor Heating & Air, was selected as the Mentorship Pillar Award winner for building her business around mentorship. Postell continually shares her expertise and empowers women to enter the trades while guiding entrepreneurs across the country to launch their businesses with confidence.
• Nasim Rahman, senior product manager at Lennox, received the Education Pillar Award for her leadership in large-scale trainings, mentoring programs and advancements in electrification. 
• Jessica Slaughter, marketing manager at Rapid Locking Systems (RLS), earned the Network Pillar Award for her outstanding work fostering partnerships through live events, digital communities and national training initiatives. 

The group also unveiled its first-ever magazine, Empowered, an annual publication celebrating women who are shaping the HVACR industry as mentors, market makers, boardroom leaders and rising stars. The debut issue featured the Women to Watch recognition program, “Powering Progress: Influential Women in HVACR for 2025.” 

Other highlights from the event include keynote speeches from Angela Gaffney, a leadership coach and the best-selling author of “Feel Good, Look Good, For Life” and Erin Hatzikostas, a recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace; a presentation honoring the ACHR News’ Top Women in HVAC; and a range of workshops and after-hour networking events.