The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association announced today that Chief Executive Officer Cindy Sheridan, CAE, will retire at the end of 2026.

During a PHCC Board of Directors meeting on May 7, the board unanimously selected PHCC Chief Operating Officer and PHCC Educational Foundation Executive Director Dan Quinonez as her successor. Quinonez will assume the CEO position on Nov. 1, with Sheridan serving in an advisory role during the transition.

“This succession plan ensures a smooth transition and continuity for the organization,” said PHCC President Jason Pritchard. “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’s legacy as PHCC’s first female CEO has been shaped by a commitment to collaboration and alignment across PHCC and the plumbing and HVACR profession. Her many accomplishments include elevating PHCC’s profile across the industry; advancing workforce development initiatives; creating critical resources to help contractors grow their businesses; and streamlining PHCC’s internal processes.

A Certified Association Executive with more than 40 years of association management experience, Sheridan became PHCC CEO in January 2023. Before that, she served as the PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer. She joined PHCC in 2000, overseeing membership and chapter relations.  

In her role with the Foundation, Sheridan spearheaded a “Get the Lead Out Plumbing Consortium” lead-free education campaign, which reached 4,000 industry professionals. She also launched the PHCC Academy as an online apprentice training program, which has grown into a premier resource for industry education.  

“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.”

“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 the PHCC Educational Foundation, 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 spokesperson and association leader across three industries — food manufacturing, roofing, and the trades.

According to the company, since taking the helm at the PHCC Educational Foundation — while simultaneously serving as Chief Operating Officer of PHCC since November 2024 — Quinonez has delivered results at every turn. Under his leadership, the Foundation achieved a record year for scholarship awards, forged elevated partnerships with the SkillsUSA Championship and WorldSkills competition, and completely reimagined its National HVAC Apprentice Contest. He spearheaded a major expansion of the PHCC Academy, launched a strategic public relations initiative that dramatically raised the Foundation's industry profile, grew the endowment by $3 million, and drove more than $2 million in Academy sales — all within three years.

“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.”