The Air Conditioning Contractors of America announces that it has assumed management responsibilities of the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation

PAHRA, an independent third-party accreditation organization, was formed more than 25 years ago as a partnership between heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration educators and the HVACR industry. PAHRA awards HVACR education and training programs demonstrating a commitment to excellence with a five-year accreditation.

“Contractors are concerned about the competency levels of technicians entering the industry,” said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. “They believe that many HVACR education programs in the market are not meeting the contracting industry’s needs. By achieving PAHRA accreditation, educational institutions can assure employers that their HVACR graduates meet the industry-endorsed education standards.”

“As part of PAHRA’s reorganization, a new board of directors was installed, and I am proud to serve as the new chairman,” said Becky Hoelscher, director of AC aftermarket sales at Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions. “We are committed to responding to the needs of the contracting industry by ensuring HVACR program graduates are job ready.”

Warren Lupson, of Lupson & Associates, will continue to serve as the lead staff member for PAHRA. Lupson has served in the HVACR industry for decades, including as PAHRA’s primary contact and education evaluator.

“Warren is instrumental to the growth and success of PAHRA,” Stalknecht said. “He is one of the industry’s premier educators and ACCA is grateful for his continued service at PAHRA.”

Serving alongside Hoelscher on the PAHRA Board are: Treasurer, Don Prather, ACCA technical services manager; Secretary, Cindy Sheridan, chief operating officer, PHCC Educational Foundation; Jack Bartell, director of services and training, Virginia Air Distributors; Nick Benton, manager of training and HR solutions, HARDI; Jan Bray, CEO and chief strategist, Bray Strategies; Ray Isaac, president, Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.; Warren Lupson, president, Lupson & Associates; Joel Owen, manager, Alabama Power-HVAC Training Center; Stephen Pape, president, Pape Service Co.; Richard Russell, technical program supervisor, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education; and Roger Tradajewski, executive director, National Center of Certification Centers.