Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates
The votes are in and tallied for the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2025 Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council. The results: Phil Schechinger, Viking Group, Inc., will continue to serve as chair of the council and Andy L. Kaempfer, Safe Signal, will serve as vice chair.
“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.”
ELECTION RESULTS
Tate Hitzeman, Potter Electric Signal, and Terry Pickvet, Atlanta Winsupply, are the two candidates that have been elected to a three-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2025 and expiring on Dec. 31, 2027. “I would like to formally welcome the newest elected members to the M/S Council,” comments Schechinger. “Tate and Terry, I look forward to working with you to support the initiatives of AFSA.”
Hitzeman is honored to have been elected to the M/S Council and states he, “looks forward to working side by side with such a spectacular group of people. I am anxious to learn and eager to help.”
“I am concluding my first year on the Council and have really enjoyed my time,” Pickvet recalls. “Having the chance to peek behind the curtain of the council and be part of discussions that drive AFSA initiatives has been enlightening, I’ve really enjoyed it. Winsupply continues to grow within our industry; it’s an honor to be our representative.”
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. “I’ve only been around this industry for a short time compared to most, but I love the work, and I love the people,” Yost declares. “We’re all trying to make this industry better for generations to come and I’m very excited to for the opportunity to do my part by serving this great industry on the M/S Council.”
CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO FIRE SAFETY IN 2025
“As we look towards 2025, 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.
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.
M/S Council make-up
The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at category 15 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company, and two appointed seats on the Council are reserved for distributors/fabricators in dues-paying category 15 or above with a national scope. In addition, there is one domestic pipe manufacturer seat for category 15 and above. 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.
REPRESENTING ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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.
