ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) announced that Laura Demarse, Ed.D., has been named president and CEO of the association. Demarse will begin her role on Nov. 9.

Demarse brings extensive experience in workforce development and skills transformation spanning higher education, private industry, and philanthropy. She is known for her role as the founder of the Accelerate to Industry Program (A2i), a widely acclaimed workforce development model implemented in over 30 institutions globally.

Demarse has been recognized with a National Science Foundation (NSF) award, the 2020 Blackburn Award for Excellence, and the 2019 NAGAP Exemplary Programs Award. Her work has also received funding from the National Career Development Association.

"Finding, training, and keeping skilled technicians is the defining challenge facing HVACR contractors today, and it touches every part of their business, from customer service to growth," said Kurt Hudson, chair of the ACCA Board of Directors. "Laura has spent her career building pathways that connect people to rewarding careers and connect employers to the talent they need. That workforce experience is exactly what ACCA needs in its top staff leader at this moment, and the board is confident she is the right person to help our members meet this challenge head-on."

At Ford Motor Company, Demarse served as a workforce development leader and directed the STEM Office for Outreach and Engagement, supporting the growth of the technician economy. Her work connected industry talent needs with education and training partners to build clearer pathways into technical careers. She regularly publishes and speaks on these topics, including on podcasts and at national convenings.

Most recently, she served as vice president for Future of Work at the Charles Koch Foundation, leading a national philanthropic portfolio supporting economic growth and mobility.

"I could not be more excited to welcome Laura to the ACCA family. From our very first conversations, her energy, her curiosity about our industry, and her genuine commitment to the people who do this work stood out," Hudson added. "Our members and our staff are going to love working with her, and I'm looking forward to everything we will accomplish together."

Demarse holds a doctorate in workforce development, a master's in counseling psychology, and a bachelor's in psychology. She will lead ACCA's staff and work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the association's mission of supporting HVACR contractors through education, advocacy, technical standards, and industry partnerships.

"I'm honored to join ACCA and to serve the contractors who keep homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and healthy," said Demarse. "The HVACR industry is at a pivotal crossroads — balancing innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation. ACCA will serve as the unifying voice that connects contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and policymakers to drive excellence, elevate standards, and strengthen the talent pipeline that powers our nation’s comfort and energy future.”