Renee to lead R&D team towards development of innovative technologies, driving market growth 

Rinnai America Corporation, manufacturer of the number-one selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America, announced Renee Eddy joined the organization as its Vice President of Innovation. With Renee’s zeal and extensive knowledge in developing new and innovative technologies, Rinnai will continue to expand its portfolio and drive growth in new markets.

“My passion is transforming data and technologies into cool, new products and that passion is sure to come through while at Rinnai,” said Renee. “I look forward to driving development for innovative technology, leading the team towards new idea creation and outside of the box thinking.”

Renee’s passion for creating new technologies began over 35 years ago. Most recently, she was Director of Innovation, Methods and Operations at Eaton, leading up to 200 employees. During her time at Eaton, she created the Innovation, Methods and Operations team from the ground up, developing a strong, collaborative culture within R&D across 26 divisions. Prior to her time at Eaton, Renee developed products across a number of industries for Fortune 100 companies and customers, including residential and commercial HVAC, transport refrigeration, telecommunications and aerospace.

“Renee’s diverse product knowledge in a variety of industries is invaluable for Rinnai,” said Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation. “Her vision and expertise will spearhead the development of technologies in new markets, aiding in Rinnai’s growth strategy, as well as producing products that support our commitment to Creating a healthier way of living.”

Rinnai’s expansion goals not only encompass physical growth in North America but market growth, as well. With the addition of Renee to the executive leadership team, Rinnai will continue to drive R&D and push innovation to new heights.

To learn more about Rinnai, visit www.rinnai.us.

Cleveland — Oatey Co. announced that LaKisha Peterson has joined the organization as Vice President, Accounting.

With more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, Peterson has extensive expertise driving business results and developing high-performance teams at global manufacturing companies. She comes to Oatey from Associated Materials, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, where she served as Interim Vice President, Corporate Controller. Prior to this role, she was the Interim Corporate Controller at Materion, a $1 billion multinational manufacturer of engineered advanced materials. In both roles, Peterson was responsible for delivering an effective control environment, consolidating global financial results, as well as leading accounting, reporting and shared services. She also managed Materion’s Finance & Accounting Development Program.

As Oatey’s Vice President, Accounting, Peterson will oversee the organization’s global accounting and tax functions to ensure timely and accurate financial results. She will also collaborate with cross-functional business partners to help ensure understanding of financial results.

“I am proud to join the Oatey team and look forward to partnering with so many talented and passionate individuals,” says Peterson. “Oatey has a strong reputation of caring about its associates and delivering quality products – I’m excited to be part of that continued success.”

“LaKisha is an outstanding addition to the organization,” comments Mike Woloszyn, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. “Her dynamic leadership style, deep knowledge of the industry and ability to effectively translate business results across departments will be essential to advancing Oatey’s growth.”

Falls Church, Va.—The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) is pleased to announce that Mark S. Ingrao, CCP, CAE, has been selected as its new chief executive officer (CEO). PHCC CEO Michael Copp will retire from PHCC in December 2021, and Ingrao officially assumes duties as CEO on Oct. 22 during PHCC’s Annual Business Meeting at PHCCCONNECT2021 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ingrao brings more than 18 years of executive-level association management experience, most recently serving as CEO of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. He also has served as principal of Aspen Strategies, LCC and vice president of government affairs for the National Apartment Association. He began his association career with the Apartment and Office Building Association.

“Mark has a solid record in association management, a keen eye for small business having served as a local chamber executive, and experience working with construction industry stakeholders,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “We welcome him to our team, confident that he will continue to expand the services we offer our member contractors, strengthen our industry partnerships, and build a better future for PHCC and the industry.”

Ingrao has been exposed to the building trades his entire life; his father was a carpenter and owned a construction company specializing in high-rise multifamily and commercial complexes. Prior to his association positions, he was an associate with the executive recruiting firm of Heidrick & Struggles, manager of recruitment for the National Business Development Practice of Arthur Andersen, LLP, and held various positions at Washington Gas.

Ingrao also is active with several professional and community organizations, having served on boards for the Fairfax County’s Economic Advisory Commission, Reston Hospital Center, Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, and the University of Mary Washington, among others.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Mary Washington and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).

“During my recent interactions with PHCC, I have been impressed with the passion of the members and their vision for the industry,” says Ingrao. “I look forward to working with the member-leadership and staff to develop future strategic plans for this well-respected and long-established organization and building on the terrific achievements of the PHCC federation.”

Matthew Baranuk has joined Watts as Product Specialist for Backflow Preventers and Risers.

He supports strategy execution for Watts, Ames, and FEBCO brand Backflow Preventer and Riser products. He also provides training, technical support, and oversight of new product development and launches.

About Watts

Founded in 1874, Watts designs, manufactures, and sells an extensive line of flow control, water safety, water filtration & treatment, and drainage products for the commercial, residential, and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.watts.com .