Kevin Falconer was formally inducted as the 2026–2027 President of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association during the Closing General Session of GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Boston.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new leadership year for the association and introduced members to Falconer’s presidential theme, “Lean In and Level Up.”
A personal introduction
Falconer’s wife, Michaela, opened the induction with a personal introduction that gave attendees a closer look at the new GAWDA President.
She described a leader who is willing to face difficult situations, acknowledge when he does not have all the answers and treat every person he encounters as important. Her remarks were followed by GAWDA’s traditional presidential induction video celebrating Falconer’s family, career and path through the association.
Falconer then received the President’s Pin, plaque and presidential banner.
He thanked Michaela and his family, the CM2 Supply team, GAWDA staff and the association’s many volunteers.
Honoring outgoing President Allison Earlbeck
Falconer also recognized outgoing President Allison Earlbeck for her leadership and service throughout the 2025–2026 GAWDA year.
Continuing GAWDA’s tradition of presenting the outgoing president with a personalized gift, Falconer surprised Earlbeck by announcing that ducks would be added to the farm at her home. Earlbeck’s farm already provides a home for rescued animals, including pigs and horses, and the gift will help her expand it with its newest residents.
The thoughtful—and appropriately lighthearted—gift reflected Falconer’s friendship with Earlbeck and brought a warm, personal touch to the association’s leadership transition. It also gave Falconer an opportunity to thank her for guiding GAWDA through a year centered on “The Human Advantage in the Digital Age.”
“Lean In and Level Up”
Reflecting on his GAWDA journey, Falconer noted that many of his most meaningful opportunities began when someone encouraged him to take a step he was not yet certain he was ready to take.
That experience became the foundation for his 2027 presidential theme.
“Lean In and Level Up” calls on GAWDA members to lean into relationships, leadership responsibilities, challenging conversations and industry change. It also encourages individuals, teams, companies and the association as a whole to continually improve.
The theme reflects Falconer’s belief that progress begins with active participation. Members grow when they engage with one another, share their experiences, ask difficult questions and remain open to new responsibilities and ideas.
A leadership focus for 2027
Falconer also previewed how the theme will shape GAWDA’s educational programming throughout 2027.
The Spring Management Conference in Chicago will concentrate on the practical work of leadership. Sessions will address productive conversations, coaching, accountability, developing future leaders and practical applications of artificial intelligence.
At the 2027 Annual Convention in Palm Desert, California, the focus will expand to strategic leadership, innovation, workforce and career-path development and the gases and welding industry’s long-term stewardship.
Together, the programs will encourage members to strengthen their day-to-day leadership skills while preparing their organizations and the industry for the future.
Introducing the GAWDA Mentorship Challenge
As part of his presidential initiative, Falconer announced the new GAWDA Mentorship Challenge, a nine-month program that will intentionally connect experienced industry professionals with members seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
GAWDA will match mentors and mentees and provide participants with a framework, suggested topics and activities. Each pair will commit to at least one meaningful conversation per month.
The program is designed as a two-way learning experience. Experienced members will have opportunities to share lessons, professional knowledge and industry perspective, while emerging leaders will contribute their own experiences, questions and ideas.
Participants will explore subjects including personal effectiveness, communication, leadership development, business and industry knowledge and career growth. Members who complete the program will be recognized at the 2027 GAWDA Annual Convention.
GAWDA’s 2026–2027 leadership team
The induction followed the formal election of GAWDA’s 2026–2027 slate of officers and directors.
Falconer will lead an Executive Committee that includes President-Elect Nicole Kissler, First Vice President Justin Johnson, Second Vice President Ben Black and First Past President Allison Earlbeck.
As Falconer accepted the gavel, he challenged members to remember the people who had encouraged and invested in them throughout their careers—and to create those same opportunities for someone else.
With “Lean In and Level Up” as its guiding theme, GAWDA enters its new leadership year focused on stronger relationships, intentional development and preparing the next generation to lead the industry forward.
Browse the photo gallery below for highlights from Kevin Falconer’s presidential induction at the 2026 GAWDA Annual Convention in Boston.
