North American Technician Excellence (NATE) announced both the resignation of its president, Rex Boynton, and the next phase in the organization's continued strategic growth as the leading provider of certification programs for HVACR professionals. Boynton left NATE Jan. 15, 2010, to pursue other opportunities.

To help chart NATE's course during its next phase of growth, the organization has tapped industry veteran David R. Pannier to serve as interim president. Pannier, who served in leadership roles on numerous industry boards, including NATE's, before retiring as president of Trane Residential Systems in 2009, will replace Boynton effective immediately.

"We appreciate and recognize Rex's accomplishments and look forward to Dave's leadership during this interim period as we search for NATE's next President," said NATE Chairman Ray Isaac. "Dave's knowledge and respect within the HVACR industry, his commitment to the education and training of HVACR technicians, and his knowledge and support of NATE since its creation, will provide the leadership needed to move NATE forward in fulfilling its mission of recognizing the professionalism of HVACR technicians. As the industry's primary technician certification program, NATE serves a very important role. Under Dave's leadership, NATE will re-commit to expanding its reach and its value to the industry," Isaac said.

For more information, visit www.natex.org