Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Buckley Honored With the 2026 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year Award
When the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) NextGen selected Mindy Buckley as its 2026 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year, it recognized more than an emerging leader. It honored someone who has helped shape her family’s company while carrying forward a legacy of industry service—and is now helping prepare the next generation to do the same. “This industry was not where I thought I would end up,” says Mindy Buckley, CFO and co-owner of Allsouth Sprinkler Company, Buford, Ga. Despite being born into a family involved in fire protection, she didn’t see herself working at the company. “I wanted to be a teacher, a veterinarian, or a lawyer!”
Looking back, Buckley noticed a common thread: the desire to help people. “As I got older, I had the opportunity to watch my grandfather [Robert McCullough], father [John McCullough], and uncle [Bobby McCullugh] build Allsouth with passion and purpose. I started to realize the impact they were making—not only by protecting lives and property, but by creating opportunities for employees and building lasting relationships with customers and industry partners.”
It’s that commitment to investing in people that has earned Buckley the 2026 American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year award.
AFSA Immediate Past Chair of the Board Linda
Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., nominated Buckley. “Mindy represents exactly what the industry envisioned when AFSA Chairman Joe Heinrich encouraged the creation of the Young Professional of the Year award. Mindy has grown up in this industry and steadily worked through the ranks, earning her role as CFO.”
Finding Her Own Purpose
After college, Buckley interned in the accounting department at Allsouth. “The more I learned about the business and the people behind it, the more I felt a similar pull toward this industry,” she remembers. “My grandfather and father inspired me, but finding my own purpose here is what ultimately made me choose Allsouth and what has kept me here ever since.”
Buckley spent many years at Allsouth learning the finance and administration side of the business. Over time, her father intentionally began exposing her to other areas of the company and giving her insight into the knowledge and experience he had gained from his father and throughout his career. “With many years of conversations and experiences, I gained a better understanding of sales, material procurement, project management, customer relationships, and the many moving pieces he managed and that were required to run a successful company.”
Some of the lessons Buckley learned from her father were to earn respect through service, invest in relationships, learn through experience, and never hesitate to seek advice. Those experiences became even more meaningful for Buckley after her father’s sudden passing. “I am incredibly grateful for the time he spent sharing his perspective and helping me understand the business. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the role every team member plays in our success and has greatly influenced the way I lead today,” she says.
Buckley is proud that Allsouth has continued to grow and expand since its inception 50 years ago, offering protection services for properties in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. It also provides quality control, scheduling, inspection and fabrication services. Company leadership has embraced developing the next generation with mentoring programs and employee development initiatives like job shadowing, internships, and pathways for promotion.
Epanding Her Impact
Growing up, Buckley watched her grandfather’s involvement with AFSA and the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association (GFSA), and later saw her uncle, Bobby, continue that through his leadership with GFSA. “It showed me early on that being part of this industry means more than just running a company,” she notes. “It means giving back and helping make the industry stronger for future leaders.”
Buckley’s father encouraged her to get involved with both associations, and she eventually served as treasurer for the GFSA board of directors. Since then, she has been committed to helping move its mission forward and supporting the fire sprinkler industry throughout Georgia through education, advocacy, and relationship building.
“One of the things I enjoy most is the opportunity to advocate for fire sprinklers and fire safety in our communities. Through the statewide fire safety coloring contest and fire safety calendar production, career fairs, industry expos, and school burn demonstrations, we have the opportunity to reach children and families across the state,” she says.
GFSA also supports causes that make a difference. Through its fundraising, members can give back to burn foundations, firefighter organizations, and families who have been displaced by fire. “Being part of those efforts and seeing the impact they have on people’s lives is incredibly rewarding, and it allows me to continue the legacy of service and involvement that was so important to my grandfather, uncle, and father,” Buckley notes.
On a national scope, Buckley has been involved with AFSA committees for several years, serving on the Bylaws, Membership & Chapter Development, Public Education & Awareness (PE&A), and NextGen committees. Allsouth has also supported AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition (NAC) since its inception, when her grandfather created the event to showcase apprentice training.
Hunter Brendle, AFSA At-Large Director and president, Brendle Sprinkler Co., Montgomery, Ala., has known Buckley for many years. “Knowing how much AFSA meant to Mindy’s dad and grandfather, I know they would be incredibly proud to see her and her family carrying on that legacy while investing in the future of our industry,” he says.
In 2025, Buckley was elected to the AFSA Board of Directors as an At-Large Director and currently chairs the Education and PE&A committees. Biernacki, who served as Chair of the Board during Buckley’s election, says that in addition to professional success, Buckley has helped pave the way for others. “Being only the third woman in 44 years elected to the AFSA Board of Directors is a remarkable achievement and speaks to both leadership and dedication to the industry. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and I could not be prouder of everything Mindy has accomplished.”
Serving on a national level has challenged Buckley to think differently about the industry and how to educate others about fire protection. “I have learned that we cannot limit our message to within our industry. We need to reach homeowners, business owners, builders, and the general public. This year, the PE&A committee launched a new initiative focused on reaching non-industry audiences and increasing awareness of the life-saving benefits of fire sprinklers over several social media platforms.”
Buckley sees her time at the national level as an opportunity to expand her reach. “I would like to see us continue to focus on workforce development and attracting young professionals into our industry. We have to continue creating opportunities for them to learn, build relationships, and develop into future leaders,” she comments. “I would also like to see increased public awareness of fire sprinklers and continued advocacy for stronger fire and life safety protection in our communities.”
Investing in the Future
Over the next five to 10 years, Buckley believes there will be a significant leadership transition across the industry. “What excites me is that many of the leaders before us have intentionally invested their time and talents to develop tomorrow’s workforce. Because of that, I believe we have a strong group of young professionals who are prepared to step into leadership roles and continue moving the industry forward,” she notes. “I think about the people who invested in me. My grandfather, father, and many industry leaders took the time to share their knowledge, encourage my involvement, and provide opportunities for me to grow. Because of that, I have always felt a responsibility to do the same for others.”
Buckley believes that connections with mentors are one of the industry’s greatest strengths. “If we want to continue developing the rising leaders, we have to be intentional. We need to invite people to participate, encourage leadership opportunities, and give them a seat at the table early in their careers,” she comments.
Josiah Bergen, CEO, Heritage Fire Protection, Newton, Kan., is chair of AFSA’s NextGen, which presents this award. “I’m proud to recognize Mindy. Not only is she an exemplary leader at Allsouth, but she’s also been a driving force behind GFSA’s success and one of the most dedicated volunteers at the national level. What really stands out about Mindy is how selfless she is—she’s always willing to step up, give more of her time than most, and figure things out to help the association and the industry.”
Recognizing Excellence
“Some people earn recognition because of what they accomplish. Others earn it because of the impact they have on the people around them. Mindy has done both,” comments Brendle. “She is determined, driven, and authentic. Mindy treats people the right way and genuinely cares not only about her company, but about everyone who is part of this wonderful fire protection industry.”
The 2026 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year award will be presented to Buckley during the general session at AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held in San Antonio, Texas, September 27-30. For more details about AFSA45 and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA45. To learn more about AFSA’s NextGen Initiative, visit firesprinkler.org/nextgen.
“If we want excellence in our profession, we have to invest in people,” Buckley says. “The future of our industry depends on developing knowledgeable, engaged leaders who are passionate about protecting lives and moving our industry forward.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Nominations for AFSA’s Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year award and its other awards are accepted year-round at firesprinkler.org/awards.