Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Kaempfer Elected Chair, English Vice Chair
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council election. After votes were cast and tallied, Andy L. Kaempfer, Safe Signal, will serve as chair, and Dave English, General Air Products, will serve as vice chair.
“Throughout my career I have worked hard to advance operational excellence, foster sustainable growth, and champion the development of local and global awareness of fire sprinklers and their efficacy at slowing the fire epidemic,” Kaempfer says. “As the vice president of suppression sales for the Americas at Potter Global Technologies, I have led initiatives that have strengthened industry collaboration, enhanced competitiveness, and promoted the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. As Chair of AFSA’s M/S Council, I will commit to working hard at guiding its members in its mission to support manufacturers and contractors through advocacy, innovation, and partnership ensuring our industry continues to thrive in an evolving global landscape.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being named vice chair for AFSA’s M/S Council,” says English. “I am deeply humbled by the trust and the confidence that the Council members have placed in me. On behalf of the entire Council, I would like to thank Phil Schechinger for the tremendous job he has done over the last two years in solidifying our mission and moving the Council forward. As a Council, we are more than confident that incoming Chair, Andy Kaempfer, will continue to work diligently and collaboratively to keep the successful trajectory we are on. I can’t wait to work side by side with him and all the other Council members on the important work we do for the AFSA and this incredible industry!”
ELECTION RESULTS
In addition to the newly elected Chairs, three individuals will commence their newly elected terms on Jan. 1, 2026. James Yost, TALCO; Lainey Liotta, Blazemaster; and Sara Hiers, Watts Fire, Waterworks, and Irrigation; will each embark on a three-year open term that is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2028. Additionally, Mandy Giesbrect, NUCOR, has been elected to a one-year open term, expiring Dec. 31, 2026.
Members of 2026 M/S Council include Andy Kaempfer, Safe Signal; Dave English, General Air Products; Derek Allen, Core & Main; Jason Allen Burley, Johnson Controls; Mandy Giesbrect, NUCOR; Sara Hiers, Watts Fire, Waterworks, and Irrigation; 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; Jason Allen Burley, Johnson Controls; Phil Schechinger, Viking Group; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; and James Yost, Talco Fire Systems.
Council Composition
The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at category 8 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company, and three appointed seats on the Council are reserved for distributors/fabricators in dues-paying category 7 or above with a national scope. In addition, there is one domestic pipe manufacturer seat for category 7 and above. There are eight 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.
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 M/S Council will meet during the AFSA Board and Committee quarterly meetings in 2026: Jan. 20-22 in Palm Springs, Calif.; April 28-30 in Savannah, Ga.; July 28-30 in Portland, Maine; and Sept. 27-30 in San Antonio, Texas.
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 M/S Council meeting and exhibit at the AFSA Exhibition within the prior year. Members interested in serving should contact Denhardt at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org.