People in the News

Rinnai America Corporation, a leading North American manufacturer of innovative, energy-efficient tankless water heaters, has announced an organizational change to position itself for growth in the commercial business segment. The newly formed team will be led by James ‘Woody’ Woodruff who was recently promoted to Vice President of Commercial Business and is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

The announcement comes after significant product launches focused on the commercial segment including its most recent introduction of Rinnai Commercial Boilers, a full line of wall hung and floor standing commercial grade boilers ranging up to one million BTUs. The new organizational structure includes a dedicated commercial heating and water heating sales team, a team of engineers specializing in system designs, and an operations team focused on supporting the company’s national account business.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to take on this new leadership role at Rinnai as we continue to focus on developing and expanding our product and service offering in the commercial segment,” said Woodruff. “We have a great team in place and are ready to aggressively pursue new growth opportunities.”

“Woody has a solid track record of developing and executing strategies to grow in the commercial segment,” said Frank Windsor, President of Rinnai America. “Under his leadership we are well positioned to grow our commercial market share in the North American market.

Woodruff joined Rinnai in 2017 as Director of Commercial Sales and was later promoted to Senior Director of Commercial. Prior to joining Rinnai, Woodruff held sales leadership positions with other well-known organizations including Rheem and Kohler Company. He earned his undergraduate degrees from Western Carolina University and Florida State University and earned his MBA from Auburn University.

Rinnai America Corporation, a leading North American manufacturer of innovative, energy-efficient tankless water heaters, has announced that McKinley James was recently appointed Vice President of Operations and will become the newest member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

In his new role with Rinnai, McKinley is responsible for the strategic development and operational performance of Rinnai America’s Manufacturing, Distribution, Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing and Lean Manufacturing. Mckinley will lead the operations team as the company expands its manufacturing and distribution to support its growth in the North American market.

“I am extremely excited to join Rinnai America and its Executive Leadership team,” said McKinley. “The team has created an amazing culture as shown through three consecutive years of the Top Place to Work award recognition. Our strategic short- and long-term visions are clear, and having the opportunity to be a part of this amazing journey of growth and expansion is an honor for me.”

“McKinley comes to us with extensive experience leading and scaling operations teams to support organizational growth,” said Frank Windsor, President of Rinnai America. “Rinnai has aggressive growth plans for the North American market, and McKinley’s leadership will be instrumental in enhancing and expanding our operation in this very important market.”

Prior to joining Rinnai America, McKinley spent 26 years in progressive operations leadership roles with several large organizations including Polaris Industries, General Motors and Republic Builders. McKinley is an alumnus of Alabama A&M University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and earned his MBA from New York Institute of Technology. He is the recipient of multiple achievement awards including a two-time BEYA Modern Day Technology Leader Award.

Retirement of Gary Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

Mark Gilbert Appointed as Executive Vice President of Sales

Victaulic® announces Gary Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, will retire at the end of April after 37 years of distinguished service with the company. Mark Gilbert, currently Vice President and General Manager for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, as well as Vice President in the U.S., will succeed Moore as Executive Vice President of Sales, effective May 1, 2025.

Mark Gilbert

“Gary Moore has had as much to do with Victaulic’s growth over the last 20 years as anyone,” said Victaulic Chairman John Malloy. “His greatest legacies are the Victaulic sales organization as it stands today, the leadership of this organization, and the careers Gary has created for such a talented group of individuals.”

Moore began his career with Victaulic in 1988 as a sales representative in Canada. Through his exceptional performance and leadership, he advanced through various roles, including Vice President of Sales, Vice President & General Manager, and President of Victaulic Company of Canada, Limited. Moore then joined the executive leadership team at World Headquarters in Easton, PA., to lead the global sales organization. He was named Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer in 2023. Throughout his tenure, Moore has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and product innovation.

Moore has been an active leader within the construction industry, serving as the National Director of the

Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada’s Supplier Council. He has also been involved with the MCAA Manufacturer Supplier Council in the U.S. for 22 years, including five years on the Board of Directors and serving as Chairman in 2009.

“It has been the privilege of my professional life to serve Victaulic for nearly four decades,” said Moore. “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished in expanding our global presence and developing innovative solutions that have transformed the construction industry. The relationships built with customers, partners, and especially my Victaulic colleagues have been the most rewarding aspect of my career. I’m confident that Mark’s leadership will take the company to even greater heights, and I look forward to seeing Victaulic’s continued success in this next chapter.”

Gary Moore

Mark Gilbert brings over 30 years of Victaulic experience to his new role. After graduating from Purdue University, he joined Victaulic as a sales representative in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. His career has included positions as Regional Manager, West Coast Division Manager, Director for the Middle East Region in Dubai, and Vice President of Europe, Middle East, Africa and India in Belgium, and, adding for the last two years, Vice President in the U.S.

“Mark’s extensive knowledge of our business, coupled with his proven ability to work cross-functionally, positions him well to continue our tradition of excellence while forging new paths to market leadership,” said Richard A. Bucher, Ph.D., President and CEO of Victaulic. “We are confident in his ability to build upon the strong foundation that Gary has established.”

Mark Gilbert stated, “I’m committed to progressing Victaulic’s industry leadership while delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide. By leveraging our team’s collective expertise and fostering an environment of innovation, we will continue to develop unique and efficient solutions that advance our market-focused partnerships and strategic global growth.”

A recently released children’s book wins prestigious HVACR industry award for impacting HVACR contracting businesses

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) have given their “Spirit of Independence Award” to children’s book author, Ryan Kiscaden. This recognition is the highest individual honor in the indoor environment profession, bestowed occasionally to an individual who is making an impact toward the overall success of the professional contracting industry. Ryan’s book, “The Air Came To A Stop”, teaches children about teamwork, HVACR technology, and having an appreciation for the skilled trades technicians. This book was created to inspire the next generation of HVACR professionals and to overcome misconceptions on blue-collar industries such as the skilled trades.

“The Air Came To A Stop was written to educate youth about our everyday heroes of comfort; HVACR technicians,” said Kiscaden. “When you showcase how technicians help others while introducing children to new vocabulary, provides a perfect recipe to demonstrate how exciting this technology-driven field really is.”

Barton James, president and CEO of ACCA, celebrated the selection and the importance of providing children’s books as an effective outreach initiative.

“We are proud to have Ryan as a vital member of the HVACR community. Recognizing his contributions to bettering the HVACR industry and our ACCA membership was an easy decision. He is an incredible partner to work with. As we continue the momentum and grow workforce development outreach tools for ACCA members, we couldn’t think of a better plan than to utilize resources such as The Air Came A Stop to accomplish our objective.”

“The Air Came To A Stop,” is available in both paperback and eBook versions, can be found on Amazon and through ACCA’s online store. In addition to the English version, a Spanish version is also available in all formats and distribution channels.

For more information on The Air Came To A Stop or any of the Next Up Trades books, please visit www.nextuptrades.com.

For more information about ACCA, please visit acca.org.