How RETA-RSES Is Preparing HVACR and Refrigeration Technicians for a Changing Industry

CB: Since stepping into the Associate Executive Director role earlier this year, what priorities have risen to the top for you?

LS: My top priority has been working alongside our Executive Director, Vern M. Sanderson, to help guide the successful integration of RETA and RSES into a stronger, more unified organization. That work touches nearly every aspect of the association, from internal operations and systems integration to strategic planning, budgeting, branding, and aligning staff responsibilities across both organizations.

At the same time, we have remained focused on the external priorities that matter most to our Members and the industry, including regulatory developments, workforce challenges, expanding training and certification opportunities, and maintaining a strong presence at key industry events. Every decision we make is centered on strengthening the value we provide to Members while positioning RETA-RSES for long-term growth and industry leadership.

CB: What accomplishments is the organization most proud of since the merger?

LS: The accomplishment I’m most proud of isn’t a single project but rather bearing witness to the people who have worked so diligently to make this merger successful.

Bringing together two long-standing organizations is a significant undertaking, but thanks to the collaboration of our teams in Albany, Oregon, and Schaumburg, Illinois, along with the leadership of Vern M. Sanderson and the support of our board of directors, we’ve continued serving members without losing sight of our mission.

We’ve successfully begun integrating operations, aligning educational resources, expanding collaboration between refrigeration and HVACR professionals, and laying the groundwork for future innovation. Most importantly, we’ve demonstrated that by working together, we’re stronger together.

CB: How is RETA-RSES evolving to better serve today’s refrigeration and HVACR professionals?

LS: The industry is changing rapidly, and we’re evolving with it. Today’s technicians and facility professionals need flexible learning options, current technical information, and education that keeps pace with changing technology and regulations. We’re expanding online education, modernizing certification pathways, developing new training content, and looking for more ways to engage members throughout every step of their career—not just while at conferences or chapter meetings.

We’re also focused on creating a stronger connection between contractors, technicians, engineers, educators, and manufacturers so that RETA-RSES becomes a true hub for professional development across the industry. What was formerly the RETA National Conference is now the RETA-RSES National Conference, to be held in Orlando in October. There will be an HVACR track of sessions that will interest residential and commercial technicians.

CB: What feedback are you hearing most often from members about the challenges they face in the field?

LS: The biggest challenges we hear consistently are workforce shortages, rapidly changing regulations, increasing system complexity, and finding time for ongoing training. Industry professionals today are expected to understand advanced controls, automation, networking, energy efficiency, and new refrigerants, all while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Members are looking for practical education that helps them stay ahead without taking them away from their work for extended periods.

CB: Labor shortages continue to impact refrigeration and HVACR. What is RETA-RSES doing to help attract and retain skilled technicians?

LS: Workforce development is one of our highest priorities. We’re working with schools, apprenticeship programs, employers, and industry partners to increase awareness of refrigeration and HVACR as rewarding, long-term career paths.

We are also expanding educational resources that help technicians continue growing professionally throughout their careers. Retention often comes from giving people opportunities to learn, earn certifications, and see a clear path for advancement.

CB: How has technician training changed over the past few years as refrigeration systems become more advanced and connected?

LS: Training has become much more comprehensive. Today’s professionals need traditional mechanical skills, but they also need to understand electronics, controls, networking, variable-speed equipment, remote monitoring, and increasingly sophisticated diagnostic tools.

Training also needs to be more accessible. Online learning, hybrid education, and on-demand resources allow technicians to continue developing their skills while balancing busy work schedules.

CB: Are you seeing increased interest in industrial refrigeration careers among younger workers?

LS: We are seeing encouraging signs, especially as more young people discover the variety of careers available within our industry. Industrial refrigeration offers excellent long-term career opportunities, competitive wages, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Our challenge is increasing awareness because many students simply do not know these careers exist. That is why outreach and partnerships with schools and training programs remain so important.

CB: How important are certifications and continuing education in today’s regulatory and technology environment?

LS: They are more important than ever. Technology is advancing quickly, regulations continue to evolve, and customers increasingly expect highly qualified professionals. Certification demonstrates competency, but continuing education ensures technicians remain current throughout their careers. It is not enough to learn a trade once; you have to continue learning as the industry evolves.

CB: What emerging technologies do you believe will most influence refrigeration over the next five years?

LS: We will continue seeing growth in connected systems, predictive maintenance, AI-assisted diagnostics, remote monitoring, automation, energy optimization, and lower-GWP refrigerants. The integration of smart technologies will help improve system efficiency, reduce downtime, and support sustainability goals while giving technicians better tools to diagnose problems before failures occur.

CB: What sectors within refrigeration are seeing the strongest growth right now?

LS: We are seeing strong growth across several sectors. Cold storage continues expanding due to changes in food distribution and e-commerce. Food processing and pharmaceutical refrigeration remain strong, while data centers are becoming an increasingly important area as demand for high-performance cooling grows. Industrial refrigeration continues to play a critical role in supporting essential infrastructure across numerous industries.

CB: What are your goals for membership growth and engagement over the next few years?

LS: Our goal is not simply to increase membership numbers; it is to increase member value and ensure professionals are working as safely as possible.

We want members to see RETA-RSES as an organization that supports them throughout every stage of their careers through education, certification, networking, technical resources, and professional development. If we continue delivering meaningful value, membership growth will naturally follow.

CB: What excites you most about where the refrigeration industry is headed?

LS: The pace of innovation. We are seeing incredible advances in technology, efficiency, automation, sustainability, and workforce development. It is an exciting time because our industry plays a critical role in food preservation, health care, manufacturing, energy, and countless other sectors. As technology advances, skilled professionals become even more valuable.

CB: If you could give refrigeration contractors one piece of advice for navigating the next few years, what would it be?

LS: Invest in your people. Technology will continue changing, regulations will continue evolving, and customer expectations will continue to rise. Organizations that prioritize training, professional development, and continuous learning will be the ones best positioned for long-term success. Your greatest competitive advantage will always be a knowledgeable, well-trained workforce. 

CB:  Anything else you would like to add?

LS: This is an exciting time for both our association and our industry. The merger has created tremendous opportunities to bring together the strengths of both RETA and RSES while expanding the resources available to our members. As the HVACR industry continues evolving, RETA-RSES is committed to helping professionals build successful careers, embrace new technologies, and continue advancing our industry for years to come.

I would also like to invite residential and commercial HVACR technicians and their employers to attend the October RETA-RSES National Conference in Orlando. They can learn more about the event at https://reta.com/page/2026-conference-home.