PHCC CEO to Retire; Educational Foundation Chief to Step Up

TRADE GROUP TRANSITION: Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) CEO Cindy Sheridan plans to retire at the end of the year. Dan Quinonez, currently executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, will succeed her.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Cindy Sheridan, CEO of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC), will retire at the end of 2026. She will be succeeded by Dan Quinonez, executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation.
Quinonez was selected by a unanimous vote of the PHCC board of directors earlier this month. He will take the CEO position in November, and Sheridan will serve in an advisory role during the transition.
“This succession plan ensures a smooth transition and continuity for the organization,” PHCC President Jason Pritchard said in a press release. “We value Cindy’s many contributions to the organization as a strong and steady leader, as well as a highly respected professional in the industry. We wish her all the best in the next phase of her life.
“At the same time, we are excited to elevate Dan to the top staff position at PHCC,” Pritchard added. “Over the past three years, Dan has established solid relationships and earned trust throughout the organization. With his strong industry knowledge and proven leadership skills, he brings the experience and vision needed to seamlessly guide PHCC into the future.”
Sheridan was the first woman to lead PHCC, and her tenure has been characterized by a commitment to collaboration and alignment across PHCC and the plumbing and HVACR professions, the press release said. Her accomplishments include elevating PHCC’s profile, advancing workforce development initiatives, creating resources to help contractors grow their businesses, and streamlining PHCC’s internal processes, the press release said.
A certified association executive with more than 40 years of association management experience, Sheridan became CEO in January 2023. Before that, she served as Educational Foundation CEO. She joined PHCC in 2000, overseeing membership and chapter relations.
“It has been a privilege and honor to be trusted to lead PHCC and work with our incredible members,” Sheridan said. “I am grateful to work with a team of creative and talented professionals who are dedicated to improving the plumbing and HVACR industry and our members’ businesses.
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“Dan has the integrity and background to lead PHCC into the future,” she added. “I look forward to working closely with him during the transition.”
Before joining PHCC, Quinonez served as executive director for both the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and the Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL). He brings more than 20 years of experience as a national spokesman and association leader across three industries — food manufacturing, roofing, and the trades.
Under his leadership, the foundation achieved a record year for scholarship awards, forged elevated partnerships with the SkillsUSA Championship and the WorldSkills competition, and reimagined its National HVAC Apprentice Contest. Quinonez also spearheaded a major expansion of the PHCC Academy, launched a public relations initiative that dramatically raised the Foundation's profile, grew the endowment by $3 million, and drove more than $2 million in Academy sales. Quinonez has also served as the PHCC’s COO since November 2024.
“I look forward to stepping into the PHCC CEO role as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter,” Quinonez said. “There are exciting opportunities ahead for PHCC. By working closely with our members, state and local chapters, and industry partners, we will continue strengthening the association and creating new avenues for growth that benefit both our members and the industry.”
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