PHCC CEO to Retire at End of 2026
The leadership change for the national trade group will impact over 3,300 member businesses relying on association services.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you feel long-standing professional associations effectively manage leadership changes and succession planning?
Cindy Sheridan, the chief executive officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association, will retire at the end of 2026. Her departure concludes a 26-year tenure with the organization, which represents over 3,300 contracting businesses and 65,000 industry professionals.
Why it matters
Sheridan led the organization through significant operational shifts, including technology adoption designed to streamline member services. Her transition marks a leadership change for a major trade group that influences technical standards and training for thousands of contractors nationwide.
The organization serves 65,000 professionals across 3,300 member businesses. Sheridan finishes her tenure after 26 years of service and four decades of total association management experience.
The players
Cindy Sheridan
The retiring CEO of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association who served 26 years at the organization.
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association
A national trade association based in Falls Church, Virginia, that represents more than 3,300 contracting businesses.
PHCC Educational Foundation
An industry-supported organization focused on professional training and education for trade contractors.
The details
During her tenure as the first female CEO since January 2023, Sheridan prioritized operational efficiency by implementing internal technology upgrades. These improvements were specifically aimed at reducing administrative overhead to allow staff to focus more resources on member-facing programs. She will remain in an advisory capacity until her official departure at the end of 2026 to ensure the continuity of these strategic initiatives.
Timeline
Cindy Sheridan joined the organization in 2000.
She assumed the role of CEO in January 2023.
Sheridan will formally retire at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the 2023 appointment of the association's first female CEO, which signaled a shift in the organization's governance. The upcoming retirement reflects a broader trend of leadership evolution within national trade associations as they modernize their internal operations.
Contractors should monitor future leadership announcements from the association, as the new CEO will dictate the organization's focus on member services and technical advocacy. Owners should prepare for potential adjustments in training programs or member resources during this transition period.
The takeaway
Sheridan’s exit highlights the importance of tracking internal operational shifts and technology adoption at the trade association level to gauge future service quality. Operators should note the December 31, 2026, retirement date to monitor any subsequent shifts in policy or educational focus for their businesses.
What happens next
Sheridan will transition into an advisory capacity starting next year until her official retirement on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
For additional updates on trade association governance, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Contractor.
Live Poll
Do you feel long-standing professional associations effectively manage leadership changes and succession planning?
