Our Leadership

Driving Innovation, Collaboration, and Excellence

NAEC’s leadership team brings together our Board of Directors, dedicated committees, and a professional staff all working to guide our organization and empower the elevator industry. Meet the teams advancing NAEC’s mission every day.

The contact information in the following section is provided by NAEC as a service. NAEC is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information obtained from these contacts, nor does it endorse their views. Any information shared by the contacts represents their personal opinions and not those of NAEC.

NAEC makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the information provided, and it assumes no responsibility for how you use it. This includes all implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. NAEC disclaims all liability for any damages—whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential—that may result from the use, reference to, or reliance on information from these contacts. Use this information at your own risk.

Board of Directors

Bill McGrath

Bill McGrath
President
South Jersey Elevator

Amy DiPaolo

Amy DiPaolo
Vice President
American Elevator Group

Anita  Seymour

Anita Seymour
Treasurer
Expert Service Solutions

Travis Carlisle

Travis Carlisle
Secretary
Murphy Elevator Company

Blake Pilgrim

Blake Pilgrim
Vice Treasurer
Wurtec, Inc.

Matt Hollinshead

Matt Hollinshead
Director
Kencor Elevator

Teru Irvin

Teru Irvin
Director
Executive Elevator

Phil Isaac

Phil Isaac
Director
Gable Elevator Powered by 3Phase

Dennis Lotter

Dennis Lotter
Director
Jersey Elevator

Jack O'Shea

Jack O'Shea
Director
Start Elevator

Evan Petrower

Evan Petrower
Director
Day Elevator & Lift

Veronica  Querales

Veronica Querales
Director
Kohtler Elevator Industries

Matthew Yelland

Matthew Yelland
Director
The Peelle Company

NAEC Staff

Rená  Cozart

Rená Cozart
Executive Director
NAEC Staff

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
NAEC Staff

David   Smarte

David Smarte
Global Education and Safety Officer
NAEC Staff

Paula Sanchez

Paula Sanchez
National Sales Director
NAEC Staff

Kathy Bell

Kathy Bell
Education Manager
NAEC Staff

Danielle Chappelear

Danielle Chappelear
Senior Development Manager
NAEC Staff

Kathryn Duke

Kathryn Duke
Project Specialist
NAEC Staff

Jessica Harris

Jessica Harris
Certification Manager
NAEC Staff

Frances McGuire

Frances McGuire
Certification Specialist
NAEC Staff

Deanna Shaw

Deanna Shaw
Development Specialist
NAEC Staff

NAEC Committees

Accessibility & Residential Committee

The Committee advises and counsels the Board of Directors and staff on the needs and significant issues of accessibility and residential members and proposes means of addressing these needs and issues, including the development of educational programs for the Annual Convention and Spring Conference. Solicits new memberships from among accessibility prospects. Informs NAEC Headquarters of potential accessibility contractor members. Informs the Board of Directors on activities of the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association and serves as the link between NAEC and AEMA.

David Smarte
Global Education and Safety Officer
NAEC Staff
Evan Petrower
Director
Day Elevator & Lift
Jessica Harris
Certification Manager
NAEC Staff
Justin Hansen
Chair
A+ Elevators & Lifts
Certification Board

Created to promote quality elevator technicians through verification of formal education and examination of an  individual’s experience within the industry

Amanda Smith
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
NAEC Staff
Amy DiPaolo
Vice President
American Elevator Group
Frances McGuire
Certification Specialist
NAEC Staff
Frank Giampa
Chair
Delaware Elevator
Jessica Harris
Certification Manager
NAEC Staff
Mike Hollinshead
Vice Chair
Kencor Inc
Educational and Safety Committee

This Committee will be responsible for the development and maintenance of educational programs. They also keep members informed regarding safety developments and identifies information and materials which may be helpful to the Association’s members in their safety and safety training programs. 

Amanda Smith
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
NAEC Staff
Daniel Foley
Education Committee Chair
DC Elevator
David Smarte
Global Education and Safety Officer
NAEC Staff
Kathy Bell
Education Manager
NAEC Staff
Matt Hollinshead
Director
Kencor Elevator
Timothy Irvin
Education Committee Vice Chair
Executive Elevator
Exhibitors Advisory Committee
  • Serves as liaison between NAEC and its exhibitors. 
  • Develops recommendations for the tradeshow aimed at improving the quality of the exhibits and the value of the show to those attending. 
  • Assists in developing and enforcing rules and regulations of the tradeshow for the benefit of all participants.
  • Assists staff in troubleshooting on-site of annual trade show as needed.
Danielle Chappelear
Senior Development Manager
NAEC Staff
Matt Yelland
Director
The Peelle Company
Rená Cozart
Executive Director
NAEC Staff
Steve Husband
Chair
GAL Canada
Finance Committee

Prepares budgets, recommends investments, and advises the Board of Directors on matters of dues, fund raising, and expenditures.

Amanda Smith
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
NAEC Staff
Anita Seymour
Chair
Expert Service Solutions
Blake Pilgrim
Vice Chair
Wurtec, Inc.
Rená Cozart
Executive Director
NAEC Staff
Membership Committee

Recommends to the NAEC Board of Directors benefits and services the Association should provide to the members. Analyzes existing services and evaluates the results of surveys, member service forums and other indicators of member attitudes and needs, recommending appropriate action to the Board and staff. This Committee also advises the Board of Directors on special matters related to membership.

Charley Meeks
Chair
Delaware Elevator, Inc.
Danielle Chappelear
Senior Development Manager
NAEC Staff
Dennis Lotter
Director
Jersey Elevator
Paula Sanchez
National Sales Director
NAEC Staff
Rachel Hrynko
Vice Chair
NexGen Committee

NexGen is NAEC’s initiative to connect emerging industry professionals with today’s leaders, ensuring a seamless transition into executive roles. Through targeted education, mentorship, and networking, NexGen equips members with the tools they need to succeed in leadership positions. With over 200 active members from more than 85 companies—equally represented by contractors and suppliers—NexGen is committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and decision-makers.

If you’re under 40, passionate about the elevator industry, and ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to join this dynamic group. You must be a member of NAEC to join NexGen.

Danielle Chappelear
Senior Development Manager
NAEC Staff
Deanna Shaw
Development Specialist
NAEC Staff
Jessica Harris
Certification Manager
NAEC Staff
John Mezzo
Committee Chair
Dynasty Elevator
Morgan Jones
Vice Chair
Hyperion Solutions
Veronica Querales
Vice Chair (Women in Motion); Director (NexGen)
Kohtler Elevator Industries, Inc.
Vertical Transportation Management Task Force (VTMP)

Advises and counsels the Board of Directors and staff on the VTMP program.   This includes but is not limited to the development and maintenance of the educational program and ensuring the Association’s membership has understanding and access to the program.

Jessica Harris
Certification Manager
NAEC Staff
Kathryn Duke
Project Specialist
NAEC Staff
Rick Kennedy
Chair
Richard A. Kennedy & Associates
Women in Motion Committee

Women in Motion’s mission is to create an inclusive, influential, and dynamic community within the vertical transportation industry that champions education, networking, and mentorship. While founded by a group of inspiring women, our commitment extends to allies who share our vision of equality and mutual support.

Deanna Shaw
Development Specialist
NAEC Staff
Kelly Oberhardt
Committee Chair
KONE Spares
Paula Sanchez
National Sales Director
NAEC Staff
Teru Irvin
Director
Executive Elevator
Veronica Querales
Vice Chair (Women in Motion); Director (NexGen)
Kohtler Elevator Industries, Inc.