The Air Conditioning Contractors of America  announced Sept. 5 that Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO, is leaving the association to pursue other opportunities.

“We thank Paul for his many years of service to ACCA members, and the HVACR industry,”said Steve Schmidt, ACCA board of directors chairman. “We wish him well in his new endeavors.”

Stalknecht began his ACCA career in 2001. As president and CEO, Stalknecht has led the 50-year-old association through a series of unprecedented changes since assuming its top executive role.

Barton James, ACCA senior vice president of government relations has been named by ACCA’s board as interim president and CEO.

“I am honored to be selected by the board to serve as the new president and CEO,” James said. “This is an exciting time to lead the contracting industry’s trade association. With the board’s guidance and the assistance of ACCA’s professional staff, I am certain that ACCA will remain the must-join association for contractors.”