RSES Journal Winter 2025, RETA-RSES

RETA-RSES News

Vern M. Sanderson Appointed as RETA-RSES Executive Director

WHAT’S NEW

R ETA-RSES is pleased to announce that Vern M. Sanderson has been appointed the Association’s new Executive Director. The official announce ment was made during the Annual Busi ness Meeting at the 2025 RETA Annual Conference in Spokane, WA. Vern brings more than 37 years of dedicated experience in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry, along with a deep commitment to train ing, safety and industry best practices. He is a highly respected figure in the field and has a history of strong leadership. A former RETA National Board Member, he has held every nationally elected office including National President. His tech nical expertise is matched by his passion for education: he is a RETA Authorized Instructor (RAI), known for his ability to teach complex refrigeration systems in any setting. A prolific author and presenter, Vern has published nearly 200 articles, as well as the book, Functional Standard Operating Procedures for the Ammonia Refrigeration Industry. He has shared his T he 2025 RETA-RSES National ees, the Conference was an assembly of the best the refrigeration industry has to offer. This was the first event staged by RETA in unison with RSES, under the theme, “Better Together.” Some Conference highlights include: • Education —The Conference held 36 technical sessions, 13 corpo rate workshops, and four hands-on experiences and heard from over 35 speakers. The Keynote Speaker of the week was Trevor Matthews of Refrigeration Mentor. • Testing —84% of the 45 test-takers passed the CARO, CIRO, CRST, CRES exams. • Networking —The exhibit hall showcased 130 exhibitors from the Conference was held Oct. 20–24, in Spokane, WA. With 1,267 attend Conference Overview

knowledge at numer ous industry conferences, including IIAR, RSES and RETA. (Vern was the

March 2025 RSES Techni cal Presenter, where he spoke on the history of refrigeration.)

since 2017. Lori Schiavo, Senior Direc tor of Operations, said, “Having collabo rated with Vern during the RETA–RSES merger committee work, I have seen first hand his methodical approach and his commitment to honoring the legacy and missions of both associations. Jim Barron left the organization on solid footing, and I am confident Vern will continue that momentum. Our Board, staff, and Members can be assured that the organiza tion is in capable hands.” To learn more about Vern, visit www. reta.com/news.

When asked about some of his plans for the organization in this pivotal role, Vern said, “In the coming year, it is my goal to provide industry professionals with the ability to learn, test and certify across the entire HVACR industry. Providing more industry news, more training opportuni ties, more Chapter meeting options and more affinity benefits maximizes our value.” Vern worked with the RETA-RSES Merge Committee for more than nine months and has been an RSES member

industrial refrigeration indus try. Operators, corporate lead ers, students and spouses mixed and mingled through various events. given to seven industry leaders, all making their mark in their work, education and commit ment to RETA-RSES and the

• Recognition —Awards were

refrigeration industry. The 30 Under 30 group was also announced and recognized. • Leadership —The 2025-26 Executive Committee and Board Members were inducted, with President Bill Lape presenting the Association’s 2025-26 theme, “Think Outside the Box.” (See Page 6 for the full 2025 26 Executive Committee and Board Member roster.)

• Committees —Conference, Market ing and Publications Committees each appointed a new chairperson. RETA-RSES Inclusion Network for African Americans (RINAA) was recognized as a new Commit

tee, held their first meeting and appointed a new chairperson, as well.

28 RSES Journal WINTER 2025

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