Stephen Yurek Named ARI President

The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Arlington, Va., named Stephen R. Yurek president of the association. Yurek previously served as chief operating officer and general counsel for ARI. He replaces William G. “Woody” Sutton, who will resign at the end of the month.

Yurek came to ARI from the education community, having served as vice president of business development and public affairs for CompassLearning Inc. and, previously, as general counsel and chief operating officer at the National Assn. of Secondary School Principals.

“We are excited to have a person of Steve Yurek's character, vision and experience leading our association during a challenging time,” said ARI Chairman Robert Wilkins. “Steve's knowledge of the industry and his state and federal policy and regulatory experience made him the obvious choice to communicate to policy makers our positive message of improving life and the environment. I and all members of ARI's board of directors look forward to working with Steve to keep ARI a forward-looking, dynamic association.”

An attorney and engineer, Yurek holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a juris doctor. He is a member of the Bar in Minnesota and Virginia.

The executive committee also named Mark Menzer executive vice president, reporting to the president. Formerly senior vice president, Menzer has been with ARI for 15 years and currently oversees the engineering, research and statistics departments.

Sutton, ARI's former president, was elected to that position in September 2001 following his retirement as Rear Admiral, United States Navy.

“I am honored to have been able to contribute to the growth and success of ARI during my tenure,” Sutton said. “It has been a good experience for me to lead the ARI organization and to work with the HVAC/R industry. I am proud of our many collective accomplishments.”