During the VMA/VRC Annual Meeting that took place Sept. 7-9 in Santa Barbara, the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) announced its 2022 Person of the Year and Service Award recipients. 

VMA Person of the Year

The Person of the Year Award is VMA’s highest honor and is given to one individual each year. The winner truly possesses passion for the industry and shares their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large. 

Bryan Burns, President/CEO at DeZURIK, Inc., was named the 2022 Person of the Year. Mr. Burns has been influential in many aspects of the association over the past few years, including launching the development of the Strategic Plan, serving as the VMA Board Chair, and guiding the organization through the first year of the pandemic.  In addition, his peers recognized him for his leadership, volunteering and stepping up when asked, as well as supporting others at DeZURIK to be involved with VMA.  

“Bryan has continued to have impact on the VMA even after he served as the Association's Board of Directors Chair in 2020." remarked Heather Rhoderick, VMA president. “On behalf of all the VMA members, I am grateful for Bryan’s guidance and leadership of the VMA and industrial valve industry at large.”

VMA Service Award

The Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a committee.   

Kyndle McMurray, Marketing Manager, Richards Industrials, received a VMA Service Award for having gone above and beyond in supporting VMA, contributing to committee efforts and working with committees and staff to deliver value.  She has been a member of the Marketing & Communications Committee for many years.  Specifically, this past year, she stepped in to fill the VMA Marketing & Communications Committee chair role quickly and took charge of the Committee's role at the Valve Forum this past April. She also served on the Strategic Planning Committee.  

“VMA is only as strong as its members and is dependent on volunteers like Kyndle to provide their knowledge and expertise for the advancement of VMA and industry. We are honored to have both Bryan and Kyndle as part of the VMA.” Rhoderick said.