TheAir-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)has hired David B. Calabrese to fill a newly created position of Vice President, Public Policy. In that role, Calabrese will oversee and provide overall direction for the association's government relations, regulatory, research, and international affairs activities.

Calabrese comes to AHRI from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, where he has served as Vice President of Government Relations since 2003. Calabrese has over 17 years of government relations experience, having also served as Director of Government Relations for the Electronic Industries Alliance from 1990 to 2000 and as an attorney with the Washington, DC law firm of Dewey Ballantine, LLP, where he represented association clients on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies.

"We are extremely pleased that someone with Dave's experience and knowledge will be joining us to help us meet our public policy goals," said AHRI President Stephen Yurek. "Part of the impetus for the merger of ARI and GAMA that created AHRI was to strengthen the industry's voice on Capitol Hill, in the federal agencies, and overseas. Having someone of Dave's caliber overseeing our efforts will help us achieve influence commensurate with the strength of our membership."

Calabrese, who holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from The George Washington University and a law degree from The George Washington University School of Law, will join AHRI September 15, 2008.