The thermal process heating industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. From sustainability initiatives and energy management efforts to economic pressures and tariff concerns, the challenges and opportunities facing our marketplace demand collaboration, innovation, and leadership. That’s where IHEA members make the difference.
IHEA is more than an association, it’s a working community of professionals committed to advancing the thermal processing industry. Membership means having a voice in conversations shaping our future and playing an active role in developing solutions that move the industry forward.
Engage. Contribute. Lead.
IHEA members are driving change. Through active committee participation, members collaborate on initiatives that address sustainability challenges, provide clarity on decarbonization strategies and promote balanced, fact-based industry education. Together, members share technical expertise and ensure our industry is represented with accuracy and integrity.
Members also gain exclusive access to tools that support smarter business decisions, including IHEA’s monthly Executive Economic Update Report, keeping you informed on the trends and forces impacting your company and customers.
Education that elevates the industry
Membership strengthens IHEA’s ability to deliver high-quality education and training programs designed to support both suppliers and end users. Members receive discounted access to events, seminars, and online courses, making it easier to stay competitive in a fast-changing environment.
Just as important, membership supports the continued development of new educational resources and expanded programming planned throughout 2026, ensuring our industry remains informed, skilled and future-ready.
Connections that matter
In an industry built on relationships, networking remains invaluable. IHEA events provide opportunities to build meaningful connections with peers, industry leaders, and emerging professionals. These conversations spark ideas, partnerships, and solutions that benefit the entire thermal processing community.
Be part of the progress
Engage with peers. Contribute your expertise. Strengthen the industry. Learn more about membership benefits and what’s ahead for 2026 at www.ihea.org.
Engaging the Industry: Highlights from IHEA’s 2026 Annual Meeting
Member engagement is the core focus for this year, and IHEA’s 2026 Annual Meeting brought that commitment to life through active participation and meaningful dialogue. The meeting delivered valuable insights, lively discussion, and plenty of opportunities for members to connect and engage. From economic forecasts and energy management strategies to global trade realities, the program sparked thoughtful conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. Attendees gained practical takeaways from timely presentations while also participating in interactive roundtable discussions that gave everyone a voice.
Of course, it wasn’t all business. The beach team-building event brought out creativity and camaraderie in full force during the sandcastle building contest. The winning team impressed everyone by constructing a detailed sand furnace, proving once again that industrial heating professionals can bring their expertise anywhere.
From the meeting room to the beach, the event was a great reminder that the real strength of IHEA lies in the relationships, collaboration, and engagement of its members.
Leadership Committed to Advancing Our Industry
As we continue building a stronger, more connected industry, the leadership of IHEA’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding our shared vision and advancing the priorities that matter most to our members. IHEA recently announced its 2026-27 Board of Directors and Executive Officers. Taking over as president is Jason Safarz of DUNGS Combustion Controls; vice-president is Bob Fincken of Super Systems, Inc.; and treasurer is Chad Spore of John Deere. Gary Berwick of Dry Coolers, Inc. assumes the past president position.
IHEA Executive Vice President Anne Goyer emphasized the significance of Spore’s appointment and the value he brings to the association’s leadership.
“Chad Spore’s election as IHEA Treasurer marks a historic milestone for our association,” she said. “As the first end-user officer in IHEA’s nearly 100-year history, Chad brings a critical real-world perspective that strengthens our leadership and reinforces IHEA’s commitment to serving the evolving needs of industry.”
IHEA also welcomes Michael Stowe, Stowe & Sons PLLC, back to its Board of Directors. Stowe recently launched his own energy consulting firm, where he focuses on strategic energy management (SEM) implementation for commercial and industrial facilities, as well as the development and execution of utility-based SEM programs. He previously served on the IHEA Board while with a different organization and brought a wealth of knowledge on energy management and efficiency. IHEA is grateful to have him back in a leadership capacity.
Finalizing the lineup of IHEA’s Board of Directors for 2026-2027, the following members continue their tenure: Scott Bishop, Electric Power Research Institute; Ben Gasbarre, Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems; Brian Kelly, Honeywell Thermal Solutions; John Podach, Fostoria Infrared; Jeff Rafter, Selas Heat Technology; John Stanley, DUNGS Combustion Controls; Helen Tuttle, WS Thermal Process Technology Inc.; and Jeff Valuck, Surface Combustion, Inc.
Representing the strength and diversity of our membership, the IHEA Board of Directors is dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement across the industry. IHEA invites you to engage, contribute and help shape the year ahead.
