The ACHR NEWS launched its first-ever HVAC All Stars contest this year in order to spotlight outstanding products, as well as the individuals driving progress in the HVAC industry. As part of the program, one exceptional professional was selected for the HVAC Legend award — an honor reserved for someone whose career has left a lasting impact on the industry.
This year, that honor goes to Karen Meyers, vice president of government affairs at Rheem. With more than four decades in the industry, Meyers has been a driving force behind key policy initiatives, energy efficiency standards, and the advancement of sustainable technologies. Her decades-long commitment to the HVAC industry has not only helped shape the regulatory landscape, but also inspired countless others in the field as well.
Like many industry veterans, Meyers didn’t set out to pursue a career in HVACR. After graduating from college, she worked briefly in retail but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. She moved back home, began taking MBA classes part-time, and — needing health insurance — applied for a job as a market research analyst at Rheem’s Air Conditioning Division in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She got the job and has been with the company ever since.
Over the past 40 years at Rheem, Meyers has held a wide range of roles. Her positions have included pricing analyst, pricing manager, heating product manager, and senior product manager, where she oversaw all product development activities for the Air Conditioning Division. She also served as training manager, forecasting manager, and led the administration of Rheem’s extended warranty programs.
Today, as the vice president of government affairs, Meyers directs Rheem’s public policy strategy, regulatory compliance, government relations, and engagement with industry stakeholders. In this role, she helps Rheem navigate changing environmental regulations and industry trends, ensuring the company stays current with both policy and market demands.
“I’m celebrating more than four decades of working with Rheem, and I’m incredibly proud to have helped to establish and develop the government affairs function within this company,” said Meyers. “When I first began, there wasn’t a formal structure to represent our industry’s voice in policymaking conversations. Building that function from the ground up and watching it evolve into a respected and influential presence in Washington has been a meaningful part of my career.”
Others have also recognized Meyers’ active role in government affairs, noting her commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard on key issues. As one nominator for the HVAC Legend award wrote, “Meyers’ career is defined by longevity and impact. A true bridge-builder and innovator, she ensures the voices of contractors, distributors, and manufacturers are heard where it matters most — at the decision-making tables shaping the future of HVAC, water heating, and commercial refrigeration. … Respected across both government and industry circles, Meyers is known for her ability to translate complex technical and policy issues into clear, actionable strategies.”
Meyers’ contributions also extend to product innovations, as she was part of the team that introduced the first tubular heat exchanger gas furnace with a 34-inch cabinet height — a significant innovation at the time that still serves as the foundation of Rheem’s design today. In addition, she has picked up several awards and honors over the years, including the Richard Schulze Award from AHRI and being named a “Woman in Industry – Making a Difference” by the PHCP-PVF industry.
One of her latest accomplishments includes playing a key role in the passage of the AIM Act, which is helping shape the future of refrigerant use in the U.S.
“I’ve also served on several committees with the Department of Energy to help guide the development of new energy efficiency standards,” she said.
Industry Commitment
The HVAC industry has undergone significant changes over the last several decades, and Meyers has had a front-row seat to many of them. Through it all, she appreciates how innovation continues to move the industry forward.
“Take Rheem, for example,” she said. “It’s celebrating a century of manufacturing excellence in 2025, and even after 100 years, we continue to innovate as the fundamentals, like heat transfer, remain the same.”
Equally inspiring to Meyers is the team she works with. She credits her colleagues at Rheem with fueling her passion for the industry.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, intelligent, and collaborative individuals in the business. That sense of shared purpose has been a constant source of motivation.”
Meyers’ commitment to the industry also stems from her belief in the essential role HVAC plays in everyday life. From heating and cooling homes to delivering hot water and preserving the safety of food and medicine, she notes that the industry touches nearly every aspect of modern living.
“Knowing that our work directly supports comfort, safety, and well-being has made this a deeply meaningful career,” she said.
She hopes others will find similar fulfillment in the HVAC industry as well and encourages newcomers to stay flexible in order to achieve that goal.
“Given the various industry, geopolitical, and other macro changes that have occurred in the last decade, and will undoubtedly continue into the future, your approach to your job/career/company, must be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to change in order for you to thrive.”
Success can also be achieved by being “open to ideas and opportunities that come your way. I did not plan to enter the HVAC industry, but it was (unconsciously) one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she said.
“The other advice I would give is to focus on listening to others. Rarely do you have all the answers. Intentional listening will help navigate people, your career, become more objective, and provide opportunities to continuously learn.”
Indeed, the HVAC industry offers abundant opportunities and welcomes a wide range of talents, and Meyers appreciates how dynamic and inclusive it can be for those willing to lean in and contribute.
“As one of the first women to step into a leadership role in this industry, I’ve long been aware of the importance of representation. I hope my career helps demonstrate what’s possible for women and for anyone passionate about making a difference.”