Stars of Our Community: Cory Palmer
Posted by jteo on Jan. 1, 2026 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Meet our featured member, Cory Palmer, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in sales, sales management, applications/support, and marketing of engineered commercial air conditioning systems, both as a manufacturer-direct and manufacturer representative. A recognized leader in the industry, Cory has served as President of a local trade group and has extensive experience recruiting, mentoring, and managing client support teams.
A technical specialist in decarbonization and heat pump systems, central chilled water plants, VRF systems, fan and air handling systems, building controls, natural ventilation, energy efficiency, and a wide range of air distribution technologies, Cory combines hands-on expertise with strategic leadership.
How long have you been involved with ASHRAE in years? Describe the roles or capacities in which you are involved with ASHRAE.
Over 25 years! I’m glad that I got involved with the Golden Gate Chapter when I had just moved to the Bay Area and was starting my career in the HVAC industry. I’ve also served as RP chair, Nominating Committee Chair (currently), Product Show Chair, and attended the CRC.
Passionate, Dedicated, Effective.
What has been your favorite ASHRAE memory, event, or experience, and why?
Serving on the Board of Governors was a really rewarding experience for me. I was Chapter President in 2005. I made lifelong friendships with my fellow Board members – that was not something I was expecting beforehand. As a Board member, it was rewarding for me to work for this organization that was a big part of my industry, but different from the company I worked for every day. I’m proud of the work this Chapter does in terms of scholarships, community outreach, career development, and so many other ways.
How has your involvement with ASHRAE influenced your career and personal growth?
Being involved with ASHRAE has expanded my network tremendously, made me a better public speaker (although still a work in progress), developed my leadership skills and confidence, and given me an appreciation of the time and dedication that it takes to run a nonprofit.
Do you hold any ASHRAE or other professional certifications/licenses? If so, how have they benefited your career?
I think I’m still an EIT in the state of Indiana?
What initially drew you to ASHRAE, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
This industry may seem very traditional, even unexciting, to people who don’t know it (especially in an area like the Silicon Valley). In fact, the technology changes rapidly and constantly. During my career I’ve seen big changes in terms of air movement, efficiency, refrigerants, and certainly controls and internet-connected systems. I expect that we’ll keep developing more energy and water-efficient systems, and controls will move more into the cloud.
What is one key piece of advice you would offer to young professionals entering this field?
As someone just entering the field of HVAC, your enthusiasm is highly valuable to a company and to an organization like ASHRAE. As a young professional just entering the field, you might feel overwhelmed and inexperienced. If you have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and curiosity, over you time you will enjoy a very stable, supportive, and rewarding industry.
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