The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Sheridan, CAE, will retire at the close of 2026. This decision concludes her decades-long career in association leadership, including more than 25 years with the PHCC.
The PHCC Board of Directors voted unanimously on May 7 to select Dan Quinonez as Sheridan’s successor. Quinonez currently serves as the PHCC Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation.
Quinonez will officially step into the CEO position on November 1.
Sheridan plans to remain in an advisory capacity until her retirement, helping to ensure a smooth leadership changeover for the organization.
PHCC President Jason Pritchard commented on the transition, stating that the succession plan aims for organizational stability and continuity. He acknowledged Sheridan’s contributions, describing her as a steady leader and a respected professional within the industry.
Pritchard also expressed enthusiasm for Quinonez’s appointment. “Over the past three years, Dan has established solid relationships and earned trust throughout the organization,” Pritchard said. “With his strong industry knowledge and proven leadership skills, he brings the experience and vision needed to seamlessly guide PHCC into the future.”
Sheridan became PHCC’s first female CEO in January 2023.
Related: A. O. Smith Names Shafer Chairman, Wheeler Retires
She had previously served as Chief Operating Officer of its Educational Foundation. Since joining the group in 2000, she has played a major role in strengthening membership engagement and expanding educational resources. She also helped boost the association’s visibility throughout the plumbing and HVACR industries.
Her work significantly focused on workforce development, contractor education, and helping members expand their businesses.
Among her achievements was leading the “Get the Lead Out Plumbing Consortium” education campaign, which provided lead-free training to over 4,000 industry professionals.
She also played a key role in launching the PHCC Academy®, an online apprentice training platform. This platform has since grown to become a leading educational resource for the industry, offering vital skills development.
“It’s been a privilege and honor to be trusted to lead PHCC and work with our incredible members,” Sheridan stated. She also shared her appreciation for the dedicated team of professionals committed to improving the plumbing and HVACR sector.
Sheridan voiced confidence in her successor. “Dan has the integrity and background to lead PHCC into the future,” she added. “I look forward to working closely with him during the transition.”
Quinonez Brings Extensive Industry Acumen
Before his time with the PHCC, Quinonez held executive director roles for both the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and the Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL).
His career spans more than 20 years of leadership experience, touching on food manufacturing, roofing, and skilled trades sectors.
Related: Construction jobs decline in February
Since taking on leadership positions within the PHCC and its Educational Foundation, Quinonez has overseen substantial expansion in educational programming, scholarship funding, and industry affiliations. Under his guidance, the Foundation awarded a record number of scholarships.
The Foundation also broadened its partnerships with SkillsUSA and WorldSkills competitions. It also redesigned the National HVAC Apprentice Contest. Quinonez spearheaded a significant expansion of the PHCC Academy, introduced a strategic public relations effort to heighten the Foundation’s industry visibility, and grew the organization’s endowment by $3 million.
During the past three years, he helped generate over $2 million in Academy sales through his strategic approach to increasing both reach and financial stability for the educational arm of the association.
Industry observers often note the importance of continuity and forward-thinking strategies during significant leadership shifts within professional associations. Ensuring that member services and educational offerings remain strong is a common focus for incoming executives.
Future Growth for the Association
“I look forward to stepping into the PHCC CEO role as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter,” Quinonez said.
He highlighted forthcoming opportunities for the association.
He plans to collaborate closely with members, state and local chapters, and industry partners. This cooperation aims to strengthen the association further and create new avenues for growth, benefiting both its members and the broader industry.
Leave a Reply