Gerry Kennedy, executive vice president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association, recently announced he will retire Dec. 31, 2015.

“Working at PHCC has been the highlight of my professional career,” Kennedy said. “On a daily basis, PHCC members demonstrate extraordinary dedication and commitment to protecting and advancing our industry. It’s been a privilege working with them and national staff.”

Kennedy became the PHCC vice president of education and chief operating officer for the PHCC Educational Foundation in 1997. He was named PHCC’s executive vice president in January 2010. He serves on the board of several industry groups, including the North American Technician Excellence program; the HVACR Industry Alliance; the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation; and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation.

“We appreciate the 18 years of dedicated service Gerry has given PHCC and the PHCC Educational Foundation, the last six as PHCC executive vice president,” said PHCC President Kevin Tindall. “Under his leadership, the association has developed a sound long-range strategic plan and established a solid reputation as having the ‘best people’ who follow the ‘best practices.’ As a result, PHCC is now better positioned to achieve its goal of becoming the leading provider of resources for PHC professionals and the industry.”

Kennedy is an educator by profession, with an earned doctorate in adult and continuing education. After a successful career as a college and university professor, administrator and dean, he became an association executive in 1982.

The association’s search committee has begun the process of identifying and interviewing possible successors. Anyone interested in submitting a confidential application may send it to PHCC Chief Operating Officer Robin Maher at maher@naphcc.org.