Thomas Tebbe Announces Retirement After More Than Six Decades of Service to HVACR Industry
MOUNT PROSPECT, Illinois — After more than 60 years of dedicated service to the HVACR industry, Thomas M. Tebbe, CMHE, M.Ed., has announced his retirement. Throughout his remarkable career, Tebbe has worn many hats, demonstrating unwavering dedication to advancing HVACR education and technician training. His roles have included:
- Field technician;
- Business owner;
- Technical college instructor;
- Curriculum developer;
- College administrator;
- Regional director, Louisiana Technical College System; and
- National Programs Director, HVAC Excellence.
In each of these positions, Tebbe worked tirelessly to raise the standards of HVACR education, shape workforce development, and empower the next generation of professionals.
Tebbe’s HVACR journey began with the United States Air Force and Jefferson Technical School. His academic path continued with a Bachelor of Science in Trade and Industrial Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross. He also earned professional distinction as a Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE).
His national influence has been profound. He led the development of national standards for HVACR education, advanced instructor credentialing, and championed programmatic accreditation to ensure quality and relevance in training. Through his advocacy and leadership, Tebbe has impacted thousands of instructors and students across the country.
As National Programs Director for HVAC Excellence, Tebbe was instrumental in building and expanding systems that recognized instructional excellence, promoted continuous improvement, and ensured industry-relevant training for HVACR professionals.
Tebbe’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous accolades, including being named Apprenticeship Man of the Year by Associated Builders and Contractors, receiving the Excellence in Education Award from the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and being inducted into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.
His commitment to service extended beyond the classroom, with leadership roles in organizations such as the Louisiana Heat Pump Association, the Shreve Memorial Library Board, as Mayor and Alderman of Ida, Louisiana, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the North Caddo Medical Center.
“Tom has played a vital role in developing the standards that have helped move our industry forward,” said Howard Weiss of HVAC Excellence. “His passion for education and our mission has left a lasting impact. While we will greatly miss his presence in our daily operations, we are pleased that he will now have more time to spend with his devoted wife and loving family.”
“Tom always took the time to mentor new instructors,” added Randy Petit, a longtime colleague. “He believed in people even before they believed in themselves, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”
Please join us in extending our deepest gratitude to Thomas Tebbe for his visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and transformative contributions to HVACR education. His integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment have left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.