Leadership
Hill York’s Officers are dedicated, talented professionals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the air conditioning, construction, engineering and service industry. This team is recognized for its ability to create cost-effective and energy-efficient building solutions, resolve industry challenges, and provide leadership for our ever-growing family of Hill Yorkers.
Executive Team
Robert S. Lafferty, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Mr. Lafferty started working at Hill York in 1952 with his father Robert S. Lafferty, Sr., who was then president, as a summer helper in the field. At that time, he was still a student in Miami Edison High School. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960, he became President of Hill York, which has grown to be one of the largest HVAC corporations in the country. His 50-plus years of business experience and his established, trusted relationships with clients is unequalled in this industry. Mr. Lafferty now serves as Chairman of the Board. He loves his God, family, golf, and of course, Hill York.
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Robert W. “Chip” Lafferty, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
In the dynamic and challenging economic climate of business and commerce, Chip continually drives improvement by initiating and working through innovative changes. His out-of-the-box thinking creates an exciting corporate environment. He is successful in recruiting and keeping an outstanding team of talented, caring professionals, who are committed to designing, building, serving and maintaining air-conditioning systems for Florida’s unique indoor environments. Chip is responsible for all operations and more than 300 personnel in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Melbourne, Sarasota and Tampa.
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Jeffrey Phillabaum
President
Jeff’s major focus is developing new strategies and directions for Hill York’s Energy Solutions Group (hygreen), Sales Teams, Engineering and Pre-Construction Services, and Marketing effort. Hill York’s hygreen solutions provide clients with a return on investment of two years or less through energy savings, and they position Hill York to be the premier Energy & Building Solutions provider in Florida. “Hill York is a strategic company planning for tomorrow’s needs, today!”
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Mark Kerney
Chief Operating Officer
Mark insures that Hill York’s Operations Team has everything they need to execute a professional job for our clients. The goal is to provide outstanding value for the clients who trust us with their facilities. The caring professionals at Hill York require the right tools and proper training to fulfill that goal. Mark’s job is to insure they get both of these and provide an atmosphere of trusting support. The Operations Team motto: Can Do! Mark is responsible for our Operations Team in all branches, including Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Melbourne, Sarasota and Tampa.
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John Cancel
Vice President of Engineering and Pre-Construction Services
John leads Hill York’s Engineering and Pre-Construction Services Team. He has direct oversight for all engineering considerations for our Design/Build projects, which include HVAC load and fluid calculations, and energy surveys and energy payback calculations for our hygreen retrofit projects. John and his team work closely with our sales team, project managers and estimators to create unique, cost-effective and energy-saving engineering solutions for our clients.
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James A. Spors
Vice President of Construction
Jim monitors all Hill York construction operations and field productivity, both for new construction and retrofit projects. In so doing, he works with the General Managers and the Project Managers in all Hill York’s branches to ensure profitability, quality, and client satisfaction.