Comfort Systems USA Announces Key Leadership Transitions and Appointments Effective Year-End 2025
Comfort Systems USA, Inc., a leading provider of commercial, industrial, and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical contracting services across the United States, today announced significant leadership transitions and appointments that will take effect as of January 1, 2026.
Trent T. McKenna, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Comfort Systems, has been appointed to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective at the start of the new year. Brian E. Lane will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity in the Company’s strategic direction and operations.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Lane stated, “I am thrilled to welcome Trent as Comfort Systems USA’s next President. Our thoughtful succession planning has prepared the Company for this leadership transition, and I am confident in Trent’s ability to build on our strong foundation. His leadership will continue to drive growth, operational excellence, and value creation for our Company and our stockholders.”
In addition to the executive leadership transition, Comfort Systems announced the retirement of Laura F. Howell, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, effective at year-end. Ms. Howell has dedicated over eleven years of service to Comfort Systems, providing invaluable guidance on legal, regulatory, and governance matters. While retiring from her official role, she will continue to support the Company in 2026 as a Senior Executive Advisor, ensuring a seamless transition for the legal and corporate affairs team.
To succeed Ms. Howell, Rachel R. Eslicker, who currently serves as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary, has been appointed as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Comfort Systems. Mr. Lane remarked, “We are grateful for Laura’s exceptional service and the significant contributions she has made throughout her tenure. Her dedication and expertise have been pivotal to the Company’s success, and we are pleased that she will continue to advise us during this transition.”
He further noted, “Rachel has been an integral member of Comfort Systems USA’s legal team for approximately seven years. Her extensive experience, sound judgment, and proven leadership will ensure a smooth transition into her new role as General Counsel. I am confident that she will continue to uphold the high standards of legal and corporate governance that our stakeholders expect.”
Trent T. McKenna brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to his new role as President. He has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2022 and was previously Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer during 2021. Prior to this, he held multiple senior leadership positions at Comfort Systems, including Senior Vice President and Vice President – Region 4 from January 2019 to December 2020, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from August 2013 to December 2018, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from May 2005 to August 2013, and Associate General Counsel from August 2004 to May 2005.
Before joining Comfort Systems USA, Mr. McKenna practiced complex commercial litigation as an attorney in the Houston, Texas, office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctorate from Duke University School of Law. His deep understanding of the Company’s operations, legal framework, and strategic goals positions him to lead Comfort Systems into the next phase of growth.
Rachel R. Eslicker, appointed as General Counsel and Secretary, has been a key member of the Company’s legal team since January 2019, initially serving as Senior Corporate Counsel and later advancing to Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary in January 2023. She began her career in the Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets practice groups at Vinson & Elkins LLP in Houston, Texas, gaining extensive experience in corporate law and complex transactions. Ms. Eslicker holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and History from the University of Texas and a Juris Doctorate from Duke University School of Law. Her combination of legal acumen and institutional knowledge will ensure the continued strength and integrity of Comfort Systems’ legal and governance practices.
These leadership changes reflect Comfort Systems USA’s commitment to strategic succession planning, ensuring stability and continuity across its executive and legal teams. By promoting from within, the Company reinforces a culture of development, institutional knowledge, and leadership continuity that has been central to its growth and success over the years.
Mr. Lane concluded, “These transitions highlight our ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and organizational stability. Both Trent and Rachel are highly respected leaders who embody the values and operational excellence that define Comfort Systems. With their guidance, the Company is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional service to our customers, advancing our business objectives, and creating long-term value for our stockholders.”
Comfort Systems USA has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of operational performance and financial stability in the HVAC and electrical contracting industry. The leadership updates, combined with a continued focus on succession planning, are expected to reinforce the Company’s ability to navigate evolving market demands, expand its service capabilities, and maintain its position as an industry leader.
With these transitions, Comfort Systems signals a clear commitment to sustained growth, strategic leadership development, and a seamless transfer of knowledge, ensuring that the Company remains well-equipped to meet the needs of its clients, employees, and investors in the years to come.
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