Women in HVACR would like to introduce its 2011 Executive Board.

Serving as President this year will be Nita Brooks. Nita is the Business Product Development and Member Services Manager for the business level of membership with NCI- National Comfort Institute http://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com. During the eleven years she has been with ISL, her areas of responsibility have included enhancing and developing vendor programs, coaching and training members on business practices, helping to develop tools to support the member’s business practices, recruiting, and supporting the accounting functions. Nita brings over 24 years of successful business development experience to the HVAC arena. As an Area Controller for Purina Mills, Inc., Nita developed local controls to focus on the support of ethical practices and processes to ensure profitability for multiple facilities. Nita’s experience in auditing business practices to provide compliance with standards needed for improved profit margins has aided to develop results-driven solutions for HVAC contractors.

The Vice President for 2011 is Patti Ellingson. Patti has an extensive background in sales, business development and marketing within the HVACR industry since 1993. She currently heads up RemTec International’s www.remtec.net Wholesale Division featuring the Refrigerant Buy Back and Recovery Program, Destruction of ODS gas for Carbon Credits Program and virgin & reclaimed refrigerant sales. Through a defined vision, she has produced successful market tactics resulting in profitable growth for her partners within the industry. Her ability to motivate others through goals, challenges and coaching have contributed to her proven sales record. Patti earned her degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Marketing from Saint Leo University (1993). She is active in the HVACR industry as a member of HARDI, Women in HVACR, AHRI, and the USGBC. She is focused on the issues of environmentally beneficial “green” solutions, indoor air quality and energy efficiency within the industry.

The position of Treasurer will be shared this year by Karen Riffice and Barbara Keil. Karen grew up in a family of service pipefitters. Although eager to join the trade after high school, she received a less-than-enthusiastic reply to her interest. She worked with her two brothers at their contracting firm prior to finishing her four-year degree and MBA. She realized that there are many ways to make a great living in this industry. With her education, she chose the financial side. Karen worked for Soderlund Bros., Inc., a HVACR contractor for 26 years as the company Controller. When the owner decided to retire, she started her own HVACR and Plumbing company, Amalgamated Services, Inc.

She has developed important skills in contractor financial management as well as sales development, service scheduling, fieldwork personnel supervision, union contract negotiation, customer service, collections, and banking relationships. Karen also has participated in numerous trade and professional organizations, serving as an officer and board member in several instances. Her many years in the industry have prepared her well for the task of ownership. Her goals include increasing the outreach into schools to raise awareness about careers in the HVAC industry.

KEIL Heating & Air www.keilheatac.com was founded by Barbara's grandfather in 1908. Although she recalls helping out at a very young age, Barbara's father suggested she put her accounting degree to work at KEIL until she found a "real job." Truly enjoying the perspective of running a business, Barbara never left! Celebrating 100 years in business, KEIL has earned the Contractor of the Year Award from Contracting Business magazine and the Best Contractor to Work for (Northeastern USA) Award from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News. Barbara is an active member of International Service Leadership (ISL), Toastmasters International and The Alternative Board.

The position of Secretary is held by Tammy Smith. Tammy and her husband, Hal, started Halco Plumbing & Heating www.halcoheating.com in 1984. In 2004 they expanded their business ownership by opening a supply house called PBS Supply, Inc. between the two ventures; they employ approximately 125 people in the Finger Lakes Region in upstate NY. They are active members of International Service Leadership (ISL), where Hal assists with training for light commercial contractors. Married for 25 years, they have three children: Seth, 21; Brock, 17; and Paige, 8. Tammy actively supports the local schools and their community. In what spare time they find, Tammy enjoys riding her Boss Hoss motorcycle with Hal, bowling, skeet shooting and taking vacations.

And Past President is Kimberly O’Neal, who will remain active on the board. As a Channel Marketing Specialist for the Home Comfort and Energy Systems business for Honeywell, www.customer.honeywell.com. Kim has an active role in identifying marketing opportunities, developing plans and executing the tactics within the HVACR channel. A former employee of the Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), she has a unique perspective on many facets of the HVACR Distribution side of the industry. She has been a member of WHVACR since its inception and a WHVACR Board member since 2005.

Additional Board members are:
Kathy Corr, NATE - Ruth Ann Davis, Williams Furnace - Alyssa Peluso - DuroDyne Leslie Titcomb, Harvey Hottel