ACHR News Names Charlotte Trane Leader One of Nation's "Top 40 Under 40"

Aug 2017 • 2 min read

Trane leaders recognized two consecutive years

Davidson, N.C., Aug. 29, 2017 –  Kristen Actis-Grande, vice president of finance for Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has been named one of the nation’s top 40 heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry professionals under age 40 by Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News (ACHR News).

This is the second consecutive year that that ACHR News has recognized a Trane leader as one of its “40 under 40.” Last year, ACHR News recognized Bryan Davenport, sales director for Trane in Dallas.

Kristen Actis-Grade has progressed through the ranks at Ingersoll Rand to become one of its youngest female vice-presidents, leading the financial operations for Ingersoll Rand’s Residential HVAC & Supply business, which includes leading brands such as Trane, American Standard, Ameristar and Nexia.

“Kristen never shies away from a challenge and steps forward to lead her team and that of the larger Finance group,” said Susan K. Carter, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Ingersoll Rand. “The whole company benefits from Kristen’s leadership, and she is well-deserving of the 40 under 40 recognition award for all she does to demonstrate excellence in her field and the industry.”

Kristen’s success is largely based on her philosophy that a finance professional must deliver insights that drive performance. Actis-Grande has successfully tested this concept over time, which has driven changes ranging from product design and availability to marketing strategy and has impacted nearly every aspect of the business.

“While I am honored to receive this award, it truly recognizes a group effort in positively transforming the Trane Residential business to drive growth and optimize operations,” said Actis-Grande.

Actis-Grande also was recently recognized with The Manufacturing Institute’s 2017 Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards recognize women who demonstrate excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to the C-suite.

Actis-Grande holds a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Lehigh University College of Business and Economics. She also served on the steering committee for the Indianapolis Chapter of the Ingersoll Rand Women’s Network Group and is a founding member of the Ingersoll Rand PRIDE Employee Resource Group.