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The 2025 Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council of American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) is ready to represent and serve the Associate members in the new year! Chair Phil Schechinger, Viking Group, Inc., and Vice Chair Andy L. Kaempfer, Safe Signal, have been elected to lead the Council. Tate Hitzeman, Potter Electric Signal, and Terry Pickvet, Atlanta Winsupply, are the two candidates elected to a three-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2025 and expiring on Dec. 31, 2027. During the Quarter 4 2024 Council Meeting, the Executive Committee unanimously appointed James Yost of TALCO Fire Systems to fill Schechinger’s open vacant seat. The seat has a one-year remaining on the term.
Members of the 2024-2025 M/S Council are as follows: Andy Kaempfer, Safe Signal; Derek Allen, Core & Main; Dave English, General Air Products; Tate Hitzeman, Potter Electric Signal Company; Scott Howser, Victaulic; Jeff Key, Ferguson Fire and Fabrication; Lainey Liotta, Lubrizol Advanced Materials; Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing; Terry Pickvet, Winsupply; George Rabideau, Wheatland Tube; Melisa Rodriguez, Johnson Controls; Phil Schechinger, Viking Group; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; and James Yost, Talco Fire Systems.
“I am encouraged by the energy within the organization and the leadership provided by the Board, Chair Biernacki, and President Caputo’s leadership,” states Schechinger. As M/C Council Chair, he’s happy to continue to “support increased participation and work towards a common goal of training the contracting community and increasing the awareness for the need of protected structures with fire sprinklers.”
The Council, established in 1983, represents member companies that produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. It was created to represent the interests of all Associate members who make and supply products in the industry and assist AFSA’s Board in meeting the goals of the association.
“It’s an honor to serve an industry association that works hard to save people’s lives and property,” says Kaempfer. “I can speak for the other manufacturers and suppliers when I say we are all committed to advancing the science of fire sprinkler safety and application.”
AFSA members are encouraged to contact Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested in becoming more involved with AFSA, consider investing in the future of your industry. Please also consider the time and financial commitment required to attend meetings and work on AFSA programs. The first M/S Council meeting for 2025 will be held during the Quarter 1 Board and Committee meetings, to be held Feb. 3-5 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
All companies represented on the M/S Council, whether the position is appointed or elected, must maintain their status as an AFSA member in good standing. Currently, to run for an elected seat on the M/S Council, nominees must attend at least one AFSA Quarterly meeting, M/S Council meeting, and exhibit at the AFSA convention within the prior year. Members interested in serving should contact AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services and M/S Council Staff Liaison John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE via email at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org.