The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Arlington, VA,  announced that AHRI CEO Jack Klimp will be retiring as of June 1, 2009. AHRI is also restructuring staff responsibilities and eliminating seven positions, in an effort to better achieve its core mission of excellence in standards, certification, and advocacy.
AHRI says economics drove much of decision. It seeks to make best use of its members' resources at a time when finances are constrained, and challenges remain.
Stephen R. Yurek will remain as the association's president, with the support of the following direct reports: Joe Mattingly, general counsel and corporate secretary; Stephanie Murphy, finance, membership, and office operations; Bill Tritsis, certification programs; and Henry Hwong, 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 were eliminated:  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," says AHRI Chairman Keith Coursin. "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."

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