The American Fire Sprinkler Association's (AFSA) Board of Directors has elected Tommy Clements, president of VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, Virginia., as an at-large director.

Having the perspective of both a small contractor and now a large one, Clements can speak first-hand to critical issues such as recruiting and training employees from both standpoints.

"I'd like to welcome Tommy as our newest board member," says AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. "He will join a very active Board, and we look forward to his contributions to the many important committees we have to enhance our products for our members."

After a stint in the US Navy, Clements entered the construction industry. He joined VSC in 2017 following its acquisition of Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers/United Fire Suppression, where he served as the CEO. Following Markel's acquisition of VSC, Clements relocated to Richmond to assume the role of chief operating officer and was promoted to president in 2022. He took on the additional role of CEO in 2023. Clements has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the Stetson School of Business and Economics at Mercer University.

"It's a tremendous honor to be nominated and elected to the Board," Clements summarized. "I hope that during my service, I can press for the things that are most critical for the industry moving forward. The current board is a wonderful cross-section of the industry, and I think that Chair Biernacki is a fantastic businessperson who has shown her ability to lead. I look forward to serving with her during her term."

Clements currently serves on the Legislative committee and has served on most of AFSA's committees, including Contractor Support & Advisory, Public Education & Awareness, Membership, and Insurance & Safety. Clements became involved with AFSA through Arkansas Automatic Sprinkler.