North American Technician Excellence (NATE) named veteran association executive Peter Schwartz as its president and chief executive officer. Schwartz replaces David R. Pannier, who has served as NATE’s interim president since January.

Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience working with associations in the home building and design industries. Most recently, he was president and chief executive officer of the Construction Financial Management Association, an organization of 7,000 members and 90 chapters throughout the United States, which serves the construction financial professional. Schwartz has also served as chief executive officer at such organizations as the American Supply Association and the National Apartment Association.

According to NATE Chairman Ray Isaac, Schwartz has used his extensive management, operations, and marketing skills to develop strong, fiscally-sound business associations. He cited his work to raise the profile of organizations and substantially increase their funding.

“Peter has vast experience in association, nonprofit, and business management,” said Isaac. “He will provide the kind of visionary direction we need to continue building the leading certification organization for HVACR technicians.”  

Schwartz said he was impressed at how NATE has been able to evolve in 13 years from a Technician Certification Program to one of the most widely respected and recognized technician organizations in the HVACR industry.

“The NATE name has come to represent the highest quality in HVACR service,” said Schwartz. “I look forward to working with our members and partners to expand our reach and enhance the value we offer to the industry.”   

Pannier, the former president of Trane Residential Systems who previously served on NATE’s executive board, took over in January to lead the organization and its search for a president.

“We’re fortunate to be able to bring aboard someone of Peter’s caliber,” said Pannier. “He has demonstrated the kind of business acumen and leadership that inspires organizations to higher levels of performance.”

 
About North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., NATE was founded in 1997 as the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. NATE tests technicians while others train. Testing validates the technician’s knowledge and a training program’s instruction. NATE-approved testing organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada offer NATE tests. Candidates can earn installation and/or service certification in nine specialty areas: air-conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, gas heating, oil heating, hydronic gas, hydronic oil, and commercial, light commercial refrigeration and senior efficiency analyst. For more information about NATE, visit www.natex.org.