Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Representatives Work on Behalf of Associate Members
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council has elected its 2017-2018 members, with Mike Dooley of FlexHead Industries in Holliston, Massachusetts, voted as chairman and Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California; voted as vice chairman.
“For the past four years, it has been a privilege to be a member and serve on the AFSA’s M/S Council and an incredible honor to be elected as chairman for the next two years,” Dooley comments. “The dedication, commitment and the depth of knowledge of the fire sprinkler industry that the Council members bring to AFSA and the M/S Council is extraordinary.”
He continues: “Since being a member of the AFSA’s M/S Council and various AFSA committees, I have been able to see firsthand how valuable it is to participate in AFSA events. I believe that more AFSA associate members could benefit by attending and supporting their local AFSA chapters and also by sitting in on AFSA committee and M/S Council meetings.”
Established in 1983, the M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at level A-6 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing. Members are elected for a term of three years. The M/S Council represents the interests of AFSA associate members and also work with AFSA’s Board of Directors to achieve the goals of AFSA. One of those goals is public education and awareness. Dooley notes: “All members of the M/S Council believe that educating the public on the benefits of fire sprinklers is extremely essential. I’d like to thank NextGen Initiative Chair Meaghen Wills and M/S Council Member Ray Freemont, Jr. from AFSA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter for putting a side-by-side burn video together!” Dooley encourages readers to view the video online at: youtu.be/XRdjskqwwDI.
The 2017-2018 M/S Council members are: Chairman Mike Dooley of FlexHead Industries in Holliston, Massachusetts; Vice Chairman Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California; Derek Allen of Core & Main, Hayward, California; Ray Fremont, Jr. of General Air Products, Inc., Exton, Pennsylvania; Michelle Hoffman, WinSupply, Dana Point, California; Chuck Kitts of System Sensor, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Randy Lane, The Viking Corporation, Hastings, Michigan; Bill Phair of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Passaic, New Jersey; Phil Schechinger of Anvil International, Exeter, New Jersey; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Dallas, Texas; Joe Tieman of Johnson Controls, Hillard, Ohio; and Ralph Watson, Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, Michigan.
Michelle Hoffman with WinSupply is a newly elected Council member. “I am honored to be a part of M/S Council and hope I can put my talents and experience to use to help our growing organization. As a council member, my goal is to use innovative ideas to assist our industry and to keep our organization strong and growing while serving all our membership.”
Marlene Garrett, AFSA vice president of meetings & operations and council staff liaison, acknowledges the commitment of Council members. “AFSA is grateful to all the manufacturers and suppliers who give their time and expense to travel with our Board of Directors and committee members to provide insight from their perspective into the industry,” she states. “Discussions at these meetings are critical for future growth. We also appreciate the associates who come and sit on the sidelines to learn more about what’s happening in the industry. This community of industry leaders makes a difference.”
AFSA members are encouraged to contact M/S Council representatives if they have any questions or ideas. Members interested in serving on the council should contact Garrett at mgarrett@ firesprinkler.org.
