ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) announced a leadership transition, naming Martin Hoover as interim CEO while the association begins a national search for its next permanent leader.

The announcement follows the departure of former CEO Barton James, who has concluded his tenure as ACCA's top leader. The association thanked James for his many years of dedicated service. According to ACCA, James led several modernization initiatives during his time with the organization, including its transition to a fully virtual operating structure and efforts aimed at improving the association's financial stability.

The ACCA board of directors said the leadership change comes as the association prepares for its next phase of growth and industry service. Board leaders indicated future priorities will include expanding national membership, strengthening performance measurement, increasing engagement with industry partners, and maintaining operating practices focused on transparency and accountability.

"The board is grateful to Barton for his dedicated service and leadership over the years," said Kurt Hudson, ACCA Board Chair. "This transition is not a reflection of diminished appreciation for his contributions. Rather, it reflects the Board's responsibility to position ACCA for its next stage of service, growth, and industry impact."

Hoover will serve as interim CEO while ACCA conducts its search process. He most recently served as ACCA's 2024-2025 chair of the board and brings familiarity with the association's strategic priorities, membership, and operations.

A longtime ACCA member, Hoover has more than 41 years of HVAC industry experience and is the co-founder of Empire Heating and Air Conditioning in Decatur, Georgia.

"ACCA's day-to-day operations, advocacy work, and contractor support initiatives remain on track," Hoover said. "My focus is on supporting the staff, serving members, and helping maintain steady operations while the ACCA board of directors conducts a thorough search for the association's next permanent CEO."

The ACCA board of directors is forming a search committee to oversee the national recruitment effort and expects to work with an executive search firm to identify candidates for the permanent CEO position.