By SHAUNICA JAYSON, Interim CEO, American Boiler Manufacturers Association

Meeting last month in Cranberry Township, PA, for its annual BILT Forum and WIBI Symposium, the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) proudly announced the latest recipients of its Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT) and Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Awards.

The awards uphold a tradition of recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have profoundly advanced ABMA, professional communities, BILT, WIBI, and the boiler industry at large.

This year, ABMA co-located the BILT Forum and WIBI Symposium, offering overlapping events to connect both professional communities. Following highly successful inaugural gatherings—the BILT Forum in Columbus, OH, and the WIBI Symposium in Minneapolis, MN—this year's co-located event provided an invaluable platform for knowledge-sharing and networking. A key highlight was the joint awards presentation, honoring leaders across both communities with the BILT Emerging Leader Award, WIBI Rising Star Award, BILT Excellence Award, WIBI Excellence Award, and the WIBI Trailblazer Award. 

BILT Emerging Leader Award

This is our first year offering the BILT Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes someone who is helping to lead the future of our industry. This award celebrates an emerging professional who is making an impact through leadership, industry engagement, professional achievement, and a commitment to supporting those around them.

Our industry is stronger because of the individuals who step up, get involved, share their knowledge, and look for ways to make a difference. This award recognizes someone who is doing exactly that and is already making an impact on the future of the boiler industry. That someone this year is:

Danial Laiq, Hydronics Product Specialist, Cleaver-Brooks

Danial exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership this award recognizes. As a Cleaver-Brooks product manager, he combines his mechanical engineering background with experience across power plants, engineering, and product 
management to develop practical, high-efficiency boiler solutions.

Danial leads new product development, collaborates across engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and field teams, and shares his expertise through training and industry involvement. His manager describes him as "a trusted, approachable resource who brings technical expertise, integrity, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to both his colleagues and customers." 

WIBI Rising Star Award: Recognizing a Woman Breaking Barriers

The WIBI Rising Star Award recognizes an exceptional woman whose drive, impact, and commitment to breaking barriers are helping shape the future of our industry. This award celebrates an up-and-coming professional who leads by example, takes initiative, builds strong relationships, and makes a meaningful impact within her organization and the boiler industry. It’s also about recognizing women who are paving the way for others and demonstrating what’s possible through their leadership, talent, and dedication. 

Cheryl Heiser, International Business Development Mgr, TGWT

Cheryl was nominated by two separate individuals for the WIBI Rising Star 
Award, which speaks to the impact she has already made within the ABMA and WIBI communities. Although she has more than two decades of experience, Cheryl joined ABMA just a year ago and has quickly become a familiar and trusted presence. Drawing on her deep technical expertise in boiler systems and water treatment, she has shared her knowledge through the ABMA BOILER Expo, the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, and her work with the Association of Water Technologies (AWT).

Beyond her technical contributions, both nominators highlighted Cheryl’s curiosity, approachability, and genuine commitment to helping others learn and succeed. She brings her experience while continuing to grow—and brings others with her—which truly embodies the spirit of a WIBI Rising Star. 

BILT Excellence Award: Recognizing Exceptional Commitment

This award recognizes an individual who consistently makes the BILT community stronger. It honors and celebrates someone who goes above and beyond through their engagement, collaboration, and willingness to support their peers and contribute to the BILT community and the broader goals of the ABMA. The award recognizes the individuals who show up, get involved, share their expertise, and help create a stronger network for everyone. Their commitment and contributions are what make BILT such a valuable community. This year's winners are:

Steve Jobin, Area Manager, TGWT 

Steve has been a consistent and valued presence at ABMA and BILT events. In addition to generously volunteering his time on the BOILER Expo Advisory Committee, he has played an important role in strengthening the relationship 
between ABMA and the Association of Water Technologies (AWT).

He has helped foster collaboration between our two organizations, most recently leading a joint task force focused on developing white papers that bring together the expertise and perspectives of both groups. His commitment to showing up, building relationships, and creating opportunities for collaboration has helped make the BILT community—and our industry as a whole—stronger. 

Ryan Poznanczyk, VP of Sales, Applied Heat Recovery

Ryan has been an exceptional contributor to both BILT and ABMA, consistently going above and beyond to support our programs and community. As a member of the BILT Advisory Committee, he is one of its most active and engaged members, always bringing ideas, offering support, and helping move initiatives forward. He also serves on the BOILER Expo Advisory Committee, where he spearheaded the hands-on, interactive component of the event. Ryan attends our in-person events whenever he can and is always one of the first to ask, “How can I help?” His dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to give his time and expertise truly make the BILT community stronger.

WIBI Excellence Award: Recognizing Exceptional Commitment 

The WIBI Excellence Award honors individuals whose outstanding volunteer 
contributions have significantly advanced the WIBI initiative and the broader goals of ABMA, exemplifying a spirit of collaboration and dedication to the industry. 

Chelsey Ryker, Director of Rental Sales & Marketing, Nationwide Boiler Inc.

Chelsey is an invaluable member of the WIBI Advisory Committee and a true 
champion for our industry’s future. She works tirelessly to organize the Nationwide Boiler Golf Tournament, which directly supports the ABMA Randy Rawson Scholarship. Beyond her official roles, Chelsey is always willing to lend a helping hand, regularly volunteering at ABMA meetings to support our staff and ensure everything runs smoothly. Her dedication and hard work make a lasting impact on our community. 

Scott Schindlbeck, President & CEO, DUNGS Combustion Controls 

Scott has been a massive supporter of the WIBI Community since its inception. From the day he found out about the launch of WIBI, his first question was, "How can I help and support this initiative?" He stepped up as a major sponsor for the 2025 WIBI Symposium, hosted the WIBI breakfast, and provided a DUNGS Facility Tour. His support continued as he helped secure our WIBI speaker, LaJuan Counts, for the 2026 Annual Meeting and sponsored the WIBI Session. Scott’s unwavering advocacy and generosity have been instrumental in WIBI's growth.

WIBI Trailblazer Award: Honoring Pioneering Women

The WIBI Trailblazer Award is the highest honor, celebrating groundbreaking women whose courageous efforts have shattered barriers and fundamentally transformed the industry landscape. 

Tricia Staible, President, Robinson Fans 

Tricia is a true pioneer whose journey continues to set precedents for female 
leadership within our association. As only the third woman to serve on the ABMA Board of Directors, she has consistently shattered glass ceilings and championed the next generation of female leaders. Tricia was instrumental in the launch of the WIBI professional community and continues to guide its growth as the WIBI Advisory Committee Vice Chair.

Furthermore, her commitment to supporting women in manufacturing is showcased through her incredible work with the Robinson Fans She 
Builds event. Her leadership has left a lasting mark on ABMA, the WIBI 
community, and the entire boiler industry.

About ABMA 

Since our founding in 1888, the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) has advocated for the safe production and operation of boilers, facilitated advances in energy efficiency, and provided solutions for our member companies. Throughout our history, the boiler industry and our member base have relied on ABMA to lead the industry as it tackles challenges and embraces opportunities in our constantly evolving sector. Through participation with ABMA, our members are better informed, 
connected, and positioned to thrive in today’s global boiler industry. To learn more, please visit www.ABMA.com. 

About BILT 
The Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT) Professional Community, initiative, is a program dedicated to developing and empowering the next generation of leaders in the boiler industry. BILT is designed to provide leadership development, networking, and industry knowledge to rising professionals within ABMA member companies. To learn more, please visit www.abma.com/bilt.

About WIBI 

The Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Professional Community, co-founded by ABMA Chair Nancy Simoneau and ABMA VP of Membership & Marketing Shaunica Jayson, promotes, inspires, supports, and connects women and allies in the boiler industry through networking events, education, and professional development. To learn more, visit www.ABMA.com/wibi.

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