Virginia Talent Works to Recruit and Develop the Next Generation of Fire Protection Leaders

DALLAS – The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce that Katie Meehan, director of marketing at VSC Fire & Security, Ashland, Virginia, has been elected by her peers as the recipient of AFSA’s 2022 Young Professional of the Year award for educating, leading, and encouraging the next generation of fire sprinkler industry leaders. The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional, who is under 40 and demonstrates exemplary technical, professional, and inclusive leadership skills not only in their own businesses, but also at a national level.

Since joining VSC, Meehan has hit the ground running with her involvement in AFSA’s NextGen Workgroup, Public Education & Awareness Committee, Convention Committee, as well as AFSA’s Virginia Chapter. Meehan’s dedication to the industry has helped pave the way to her success.

Meehan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and management from Virginia Tech in 2013, which led to the start of her career in branding, marketing, and sales. Eventually, she came back home to Virginia to work alongside her father, Mike Meehan, CEO of VSC Fire & Security.

As chair of AFSA’s NextGen workgroup, Meehan has worked to develop programs and campaigns to recruit young professionals to the fire sprinkler industry and and retain them. She understands the importance of implementing new tactics to attract new industry professionals such as a program to sponsor the next generation of contractor members to attend AFSA’s annual convention.

“Katie is a very talented, driven individual. She is passionate about our industry and our association,” said AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia. “Her vision in leading NextGen is exciting and transformational.” Read more about Meehan in the July/August issue of Sprinkler Age.

Meehan will be presented with the Young Professional of the Year award during the general session at AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition to be held October 16-19 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. To learn more about and register for AFSA41, visit www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA41.