Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has announced the departure of long-time Executive Vice President Emily Saving at the end of the year, and the promotion of Nick Benton to vice president of operations.

Saving joined the HARDI team in 2010 as education service manager, quickly overhauling and revamping HARDI’s education and professional development programs and services. Saving steadily grew her role to vice president then executive vice president in 2018. Saving played an integral role in the association’s considerable growth throughout her tenure and she leaves the organization as its chief architect of the current performance management program and innovative rewards and bonus model largely unheard of among similar associations. During her tenure, Saving also led the design of HARDI’s meetings and conferences content.

Saving is departing HARDI to pursue small business ownership outside of the HVACR or association industries. “I’ve never met a HARDI member who didn’t inspire me to work harder or dream bigger,” Saving said. “I’ve learned so much from so many and I’m moving forward with confidence knowing I’ve learned from some of the best.”

Nick Benton joined HARDI in 2014 as an education specialist, expanding HARDI’s training offerings and eventually growing into the leader of HARDI’s Talent Pillar. Most recently, Nick served as HARDI’s director of information systems. Nick’s rapid success in upgrading HARDI’s technology infrastructure in that role earned him this latest promotion to vice president of operations where he will oversee the execution of HARDI’s products, services, and administration.

“This month is bitter-sweet for HARDI and me. Emily had grown into a true jack-of-all-trades and a strong leader who I’m excited to watch thrive in her next chapter. It will take a lot for us to replace what Emily had done for us and our members," said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. Thankfully, we have talents like Nick eager and capable of growing their roles and careers with HARDI and I’m so excited to see Nick’s vision for our continued excellence and improvement."