HILTON HEAD, S.C. — Members of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association elected Ronald E. Massa, president of A.O. Smith Water Products Co., to be chairman of GAMA for 2003-2004. The election took place May 12 during the General Session of GAMA’s 68th annual meeting at Hilton Head.

Massa has served GAMA in a number of capacities over the years, including first vice chairman, second vice chairman and director at large. From 2000 to 2002, Massa served as chairman of GAMA’s water heater division.

Massa’s career at A.O. Smith began in 1976 as a plant superintendent manufacturing manager at the company’s Newark, Calif., facility. He subsequently held a number of positions with A.O. Smith, including president of A.O. Smith Water Products Co. from 1995-1996, president of A.O. Smith Automotive Products Co. from 1996-1997 and, since 1999, he has held the position of senior vice president of A.O. Smith Corp. as well as president of A.O. Smith Water Products Co.

GAMA member companies account for more than 90% of U.S. sales of gas- and oil-fired space-heating equipment and gas, oil and electric water heaters.