New Leadership at Women in HVACR Aims to Reshape a Male-Dominated Industry

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – January 22, 2026 – As the skilled trades face a persistent labor shortage, Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sector, has announced a new slate of leaders poised to accelerate its mission. The organization has elected a new executive board and board of directors for 2026, appointing industry veteran Jane Sidebottom as President and leadership expert Christyn Mueller as Vice President. Additionally, Meghan Millard steps into the crucial new role of Executive Director.

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for both the organization and the industry it serves. With women constituting a mere 3% of the HVACR workforce, the new team is tasked with not only building on WHVACR's recent momentum but also implementing a strategic vision to dismantle long-standing barriers and create tangible pathways for women to enter and thrive in the trades.

A New Era of Strategic Leadership

The new leadership team brings a formidable combination of industry-specific expertise, corporate leadership, and organizational development skills. Leading the charge is President Jane Sidebottom, the founder and president of Applied Marketing Knowledge, LLC (AMK), a consulting firm she established in 2007. Sidebottom is a well-respected figure in the industry, having guided over 60 organizations in the HVACR and home services sectors in expanding their market presence. Her career began in consulting engineering and includes leadership roles at major manufacturers like Trane and Carrier, where she earned 11 patent awards for split system designs. In 2020, she was recognized as one of "20 Women to Watch" by Engineered Systems magazine.

"Women in HVACR is essential to advancing and developing talented women across the industry," Sidebottom said. "Women bring critical leadership and expertise to contracting, and increasing their participation drives innovation, workforce growth and business success. As president, I look forward to working with our leadership team to expand access and opportunity for women in this important industry."

Supporting Sidebottom is Vice President Christyn Mueller, the Director of Global Learning and Development at Johnson Controls. Mueller's extensive experience in leadership development and training strategy will directly bolster WHVACR's educational initiatives. The operational arm of the organization will be managed by newly appointed Executive Director Meghan Millard, who will oversee member engagement and the advancement of programs focused on mentorship, education, and career development.

The executive board is rounded out by Immediate Past President Kristin Gallup of Carrier Enterprise, Treasurer Angela Miller of Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and Executive Board Secretary Crystal Williams of Lemon Seed Marketing, ensuring a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives.

Confronting the 3% Challenge

The stark statistic that only 3% of the HVACR workforce is female underscores the urgency of WHVACR's mission. Women have historically faced significant barriers to entry and advancement, from a lack of access to professional networks and mentorship to navigating a culture where they often have to work harder to establish credibility. While some data suggests a slight increase to 9% for female HVAC technicians specifically, the overall underrepresentation remains a critical issue.

However, this challenge is also an opportunity. The ongoing labor shortage in skilled trades has made the industry acutely aware of the need to tap into a broader talent pool. Women represent a large, capable, and largely untapped resource that can help fill this gap, bringing new perspectives and skills that foster innovation. WHVACR is positioned at the forefront of this movement, working to change perceptions and demonstrate that the trades offer viable, lucrative, and rewarding careers for women, whether in the field, the front office, or the corner office.

Building on a Foundation of Growth

The new leadership team inherits an organization on a strong upward trajectory. WHVACR has seen its membership grow significantly to 1,200 members, a substantial increase from just a few years prior. This growth reflects the increasing demand for the resources and community the organization provides.

In 2025, WHVACR doubled the number of scholarships it awarded to women pursuing trade school education or engineering and business degrees in the field. The organization's annual conference in Las Vegas, themed "Bet on Yourself," was a major success, and its sponsorship program was revamped to secure increased support from industry partners.

Perhaps most notably, the Navigator Mentor program, launched in 2024, has seen its participation nearly triple in the last year, with over 140 women now engaged as mentors and mentees. This explosive growth highlights the critical need for the guidance and support that experienced professionals can offer to those just starting their careers.

A Forward-Looking Agenda for 2026

With a solid foundation in place, the new board is set to launch several key initiatives in 2026 to further its impact. A top priority is the formalization of its mentorship success through a comprehensive mentor training program, with the first module scheduled for a pilot launch in the first quarter.

To ensure its programs remain aligned with industry needs, the organization will establish a Contractor Advisory Council, composed of advisors from diverse backgrounds. The goal is to enhance content development and delivery by staying connected to the realities faced by members on the ground.

WHVACR also plans to expand its reach beyond its national conference by launching two substantial regional events. These events will focus on education, professional development, and community engagement. Central to this outreach will be the Ambassador Program, designed to equip members and partners with the resources to guide young women and career-changers into the HVACR industry by showcasing what success looks like.

Looking ahead, the board will convene in January to develop a new five-year strategic plan, making long-term decisions to secure the organization's future impact. Through partnerships with allied groups like Women in ASHRAE and WHVACR Canada, the organization is signaling its commitment to a collaborative, industry-wide effort. The 2026 national conference is already scheduled for September 27-29 in Indianapolis, where the organization will continue its work empowering the next generation of female leaders in HVACR.