March 22, 2018
HPBA Board of Directors Elects New Officers
Arlington, VA – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) announced this week that the Board of Directors voted in new officers at its March 6, 2018 Board meeting.
Amie Ryan, the new chairperson of the board, is a second-generation owner of her nearly 40-year-old company, Ryan Bros. Chimney Sweeping, Inc. in Roseville, California. Amie is a strong advocate for the industry's professionalism and invests in education and training for her staff company-wide. Amie has been on the Pacific HPBA Board since 2006, holding several officer positions, including president.
Joe Burns, elected as the new vice chairman, is co-owner of Bernard Dalsin Manufacturing (BDM) in Farmington, Minnesota. As head of sales and marketing, he has driven sales and brand awareness for the company’s venting and outdoor fire products. He has been a contributing board member of North Central HPBA for multiple terms dating back to 2000, and was previously treasurer of the North Central HPBA Board of Directors and chairman of the Government Affairs Committee. He is also the chairman of the Affiliate Leaders Committee.
Dick Hoffman, elected as secretary, is the owner of the Fire House Casual Living Store in Asheville, North Carolina, and has been in the hearth industry for 21 years. The National Fireplace Institute has certified him in all three fuel appliance types as a Master Hearth Professional. He currently serves on the Southeast HPBA Board, and is a past president of Southeast HPBA and is currently the Southeast HPBA Representative on HPBA’s Board.
Roger Evans, the new treasurer, is the owner of Evans Marketing and represents manufacturers in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries. Some companies he represents include R H Peterson Co., Fire Magic, and Selkir.
Two new members were also elected by their respective memberships to the HPBA Board of Directors:
Kris Richardson, president and co-founder of Modern Flames, was elected to a three-year term by the manufacturing members of HPBA. Kris has been in the fireplace industry for 10 years and founded Modern Flames, one of the innovative leaders in modern, contemporary electric fireplace design and technology.
Pete Schoenfeld, sales director for Fireplace Warehouse, was elected to a three-year term by the members of Rocky Mountain HPBA and Arizona HPBA. Pete has worked in the fireplace industry for many years and joined Fireplace Warehouse in 2017, which has provided alternate home heating solutions since 1991.
Three other board members were re-elected to their second three-year terms on the board: Dave Kuhfahl, of HearthStone Quality Home Heating Products, Ross Morrison, of Stellar Hearth Products, and Ingrid Schroeter, of Napoleon Products. All three of these board members were elected by the manufacturing members.
“Our Board of Directors bring passion and dedication to HPBA and our mission to promote the hearth, patio and barbecue industries,” commented Jack Goldman, president and CEO of HPBA. “With the support of these dedicated industry professionals, including our new officers and our newest members, we are looking forward to a successful year.”
###
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.