American Fire Sprinkler Association Names Katie Meehan As 2022 Young Professional of the Year

Posted on October 13, 2022 by

ASHLAND, Va. (Oct. 13, 2022) ー Katie Meehan, director of marketing for Ashland, Va.-based VSC Fire and Security Inc., has been named the 2022 Young Professional of the Year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), the industry’s leading trade and professional organization. 

The award will be presented to Meehan on Oct. 18, 2022, during AFSA41, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s annual convention, exhibition and apprentice competition, which will be held this year in Las Vegas, Nev.

Meehan, 31, graduated from Virginia Tech in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and management. She spent the first five years of her career in New York, working with craft spirit producers and distributors. During her time in New York, she served as regional brand manager for Syracuse-based Empire Brewing Co. and director of marketing and branding for wine, cider and spirits maker 1911 Established, headquartered in LaFayette, N.Y.

Meehan joined VSC Fire & Security Inc. in September 2018 and was soon promoted to director of marketing. Since joining VSC, she has been active in the AFSA’s Virginia and National chapters, as well as the AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI). On the local level, Meehan represents NGI in the AFSA Virginia chapter and manages the chapter’s social media accounts. 

Nationally, Meehan has been a member of NGI’s Legislative and Membership committees, and currently serves on the AFSA’s Membership, Convention, and Public Education and Awareness committees. She recently spearheaded an effort to create a scholarship/sponsorship program that would encourage industry professionals under age 40 to attend the AFSA’s annual convention.

In a recent article for trade publication Sprinkler Age, AFSA President Bob Caputo praised Meehan for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to both her role and the industry. 

“Katie Meehan is an excellent choice for this recognition,” Caputo told the publication. “In her relatively short time in this industry, she has been a shining star with a fresh perspective. Her education and experience in branding and marketing allows her to bring a unique and exciting point of view along with new ideas to our challenges.”

Founded in 1981, the AFSA is an international nonprofit association that represents merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, with a goal of educational advancement for its members and promoting both the industry and the use of fire sprinklers to save lives. Now in its seventh year, the AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year award is presented by the organization’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) to recognize outstanding professionals under age 40 in the fire sprinkler industry. 

Click here to view her headshot.

About VSC Fire & Security Inc.VSC Fire & Security Inc. (VSC) is a provider of comprehensive fire protection, life safety, and low voltage solutions to retailers, commercial campuses, healthcare facilities and government properties throughout the southeast United States. Established in 1958 in Ashland, Va., as Virginia Sprinkler Co., VSC was initially managed from the family home of co-founder Roland C. Giles. Since then, VSC has grown to employ 1,500 people across 20+ offices in 10 states. Learn more at vscfire.com.