The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has named Mindy Buckley, chief financial officer and co-owner of Allsouth Sprinkler Company in Buford, Georgia, its 2026 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year. Buckley is being recognized for her leadership within the fire sprinkler industry, her commitment to mentorship, and her dedicated service to local, state, and national organizations. The award will be presented during AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, Sept. 27–30, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

Established in 2016, the Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an emerging leader who exemplifies the mission of AFSA's NextGen Initiative through leadership, professional achievement, and service to the industry.

As chief financial officer and co-owner of Allsouth, Buckley has led with purpose and intention to grow the company and invest in the next generation of leadership. Outside of the company, Buckley is involved in the industry at national, state, and local levels. She has been a long-time member of the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association and has served as treasurer on its board of directors.

Buckley has also served on several AFSA committees, including Bylaws, Membership & Chapter Development, Public Education & Awareness (PE&A), and NextGen Initiative. She was elected to the AFSA Board of Directors in 2025 as an At-Large Director and currently chairs the Education and PE&A committees.

Buckley grew up watching her grandfather, father, and uncle build Allsouth. She became involved with the company during an accounting internship. Those experiences inspired her to join the family business and continue its tradition of leadership, mentorship, and service.

Carrying on her family’s impact led Buckley to commit to investing in people and finding her purpose at Allsouth. Some of the lessons Buckley learned from her father were to earn respect through service, invest in relationships, learn through experience, and never hesitate to seek advice.

Josiah Bergen, CEO, Heritage Fire Protection, Newton, Kansas, is chair of AFSA’s NextGen, and will present the award. “I’m proud to recognize Mindy. Not only is she an exemplary leader at Allsouth, but she’s also been a driving force behind GFSA’s success and one of the most dedicated volunteers at the national level. What really stands out about Mindy is how selfless she is — she’s always willing to step up, give more of her time than most, and figure things out to help the association and the industry.”

More about Buckley appears in the July/August 2026 issue of  Convention information is available at firesprinkler.org/AFSA45. To learn more about AFSA’s NextGen Initiative, visit firesprinkler.org/nextgen.