Ralph Suppa, president and general manger of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, was recognized for 30 years of dedicated service to the trade group during a ceremony at the institute’s 2018 Annual Business Conference, June 17-19 in Whistler, British Columbia.

“Many have first-hand experience with Ralph’s ability to build personable relationships with CIPH members, government partners, regulatory authorities, as well as allied associations,” said CIPH Past Chairman of the Board Joe Senese. “His professionalism and dedication have earned him high respect among his peers. On behalf of the board, the CIPH team and the general membership, we salute the 30 years of service Ralph has provided to CIPH. We look forward to working with him for years to come as he continues to further the interests of CIPH and its membership.”

Suppa has played a key role in the development of CIPH programs and services since joining the association in 1988. He has worked closely with industry members, allied North American associations and government to help establish uniformity and harmonization of codes and standards. Suppa has also been instrumental in collaborating with allied associations in an effort to establish memorandums of understanding to enhance common North American goals such as training, regulations and codes related support.

He was appointed president and general manager in 2002. During his career with CIPH, Suppa has managed key councils and committees including the Canadian Hydronics Council, the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council, the Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing, the Education & Training Council, the Manufacturers Division, the Membership Committee, the Annual Business Conference, the Canadian Association of Pump Manufacturers, the Canadian Water Quality Association and CIPH Ontario Region.

He has also played a key role in combining Canadian trade shows as they relate to the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping and electrical and lighting industries.

Suppa holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives and is a graduate of York University in Toronto. He is also a past president of the Trillium Chapter of CSAE and a current director of the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors Institute Board of Directors.