By Staff Writer, PHCC-National Association
PHCC CEO Cindy Sheridan was celebrated along with 13 other women in the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping industry.
Each of the women were asked six questions and their answers were published in the article. You can see Cindy’s answers below:
What is your role in the PHCP industry?
As CEO of PHCC, I work to ensure that our members are recognized as the best choice in their respective geographic areas for professionalism, reliable products and knowledgeable service. Through my 22 years of involvement in PHCC — first as vice president of membership and chapter relations, more recently as COO of PHCC’s Educational Foundation — I am uniquely positioned to help PHCC fulfill our strategic goals of public awareness, workforce development, valuable member resources and organizational impact.
Why did you enter a career in the industry?
I’ve always had a passion for association management. Prior to PHCC, I was in leadership positions for the Bank Marketing Association and the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives. When I transferred those skills to PHCC in 2000, I quickly realized the essential role that PHC professionals play in protecting the health and safety of society. It didn’t take long for their passion to become my passion, and that’s why I’m so committed 22 years later to workforce development in this industry.
What are some of your career highlights?
There are several initiatives that I am particularly proud to have worked on during my career at PHCC. Some highlights include the following: In 2007, PHCC’s membership exceeded 4,000, a result of the success of the Horizon Club and the Regional Leadership Workshops; in 2012, the PHCC Educational Foundation took on the leading role in preparing technicians to install the new lead-free products that were a result of the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act; and in 2023, I am proud to be the first female CEO of PHCC—National Association, an organization that was founded in 1883.
What are your experiences with women mentors or mentees?
The nature of PHCC is that we’ve established an incredible community of professionals at all levels who mentor each other. We have women contractor members who own their own companies, women who are executive directors of PHCC state chapters — the list goes on. Not only are they an inspiration to young people entering our industry, but also they are an inspiration to me, and I learn from them every day.
How can the industry better recruit and retain women?
I think one of the best ways to attract women to the industry is to show women in the industry. PHCC has several videos about women in the industry that can help raise awareness of the career opportunities for women in the PHC trades.
What does it mean to receive this honor?
I was an outsider when I joined PHCC in 2000. I soon fell in love with the industry, which at that time was considerably more male-dominated. After all these years, it is wonderful to see the increasing numbers of women leaders in all aspects of the industry. I am humbled to be part of this group of women who are making such a huge difference in the industry I love.
You can read the full article at the above link, and, to catch up on all the latest coverage of PHCC staff and members, stay tuned to the link below: