GF Building Flow Solutions (Uponor) - Experts & Thought Leaders

GF announced Javier Alarcón as the new Vice President of Finance for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, effective Dec. 15, 2025. In this role, Javier will oversee all aspects of Finance and Accounting. He will report to GF Building Flow Solutions Americas President John Reutter, who previously served as the Vice President of Finance and held the role in an interim capacity. Javier will be a key member of the company’s Senior Management Committee. Prior roles of Javier  Javier brings over 25 years of global finance leadership experience and operational excellence to organizations across the financial services, food, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. He holds a strong track record transforming financial functions and laying the foundation for long-term value creation for leading brands, such as CHS Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, and Conagra Brands. He spent the past six years at CHS Inc., most recently as Segment CFO, Agriculture. Javier's breadth of knowledge “The breadth of knowledge Javier carries as well as experience leading high-growth teams will be a great asset,” says Reutter. “I’m confident in his ability to guide our organization through its next phase and look forward to seeing his leadership in action.” Javier earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking, from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Throughout his career, he has supported organizations as they navigated strategic decisions, transformation initiatives, and cross-border expansion.

Chrissie Walsh, Regional Head of Environmental Sustainability at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, has been named to the Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation (MCESF) Board of Directors. Walsh’s primary function will be providing governance to and community representation for the MCESF. Walsh was appointed on Sept. 9, 2025, and will serve a three-year term. Chrissie's leadership “Chrissie brings an exceptional mix of technical expertise, passion, and community focus to the Foundation,” says Sydney Henderson, Environmental Sustainability Director for the Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation, adding “Her leadership will help advance our mission of supporting businesses in developing practical, effective solutions that drive resource optimization and move Minnesota toward a more sustainable future.” Action, mitigation, and innovation “I care deeply about sustainable action, mitigation, and innovation, and it’s evident the Minnesota Chamber values and works to enact these concepts,” says Chrissie Walsh, adding “As a board member, I’m eager to become more ingrained with the structures that define progress in our communities and play a pivotal role in Minnesota-based sustainable action in any way I can.” Prior roles of Walsh Walsh is also actively growing her involvement with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), serving on the following technical committees: Global Climate Change, Building Impacts, and Sustainability and the Minnesota Chapter’s Sustainability Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), where she works with task groups for the PEX Industry-Level Recycling and Takeback Program as well as Advanced Recycling. Walsh also maintains her membership in the American Meteorological Society (AMS).

In advance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, GF is proud to announce its support of Veteran Village, a first-of-its-kind housing community for Minnesota veterans. In partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), Housing First Minnesota Foundation and Lennar®, Veteran Village stands behind the mission to end veteran homelessness across Minnesota. Uponor ServicePEX™ pipe for water service lines More than 200 partners, trade professionals, and in-kind donors offered their time, skills, and resources to create this 22-unit housing community. The project will have the capacity to house up to 36 veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. GF provided Uponor ServicePEX™ pipe for water service lines connecting each home to the water main, in addition to Uponor AquaPEX® pipe for the plumbing system in each unit. Generosity of construction trade partners “We are so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our construction trade partners,” said Sofia Humphries, Senior Director, Community Impact at Housing First Minnesota Foundation, adding “More than $1.25 million in-kind donations have already been contributed to the Veteran Village project. We simply could not construct Veteran Village without the support of companies like GF, the Uponor brand, and so many others who’ve stepped up.” Veteran Village serves as a place for veterans “Not only does Veteran Village serve as a place for veterans to call home, but it also provides a sense of stability as they navigate life after active duty,” says Jon Lovald, Chief Operating Officer at MACV, adding “We’re grateful for partners like GF and all those involved in bringing this community to life to support those who have sacrificed more than we can imagine.” Core leadership responsibility “As a fellow veteran, I can personally relate to some of the struggles that our service members face once they leave active duty,” said Nate McIntosh, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps and Director of Logistics and Warehousing at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. He adds, “In the military, we’re taught to look out for one another and to ensure that our brothers and sisters are being taken care of; the Veteran Village project is in direct alignment with this core leadership responsibility. No one who has worn the uniform should be left without a roof over his or her head, and I’m extremely proud to work for a company that supports this local initiative.”

Because we spend about 90% of our time indoors, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is critical. Poor IAQ, including pollutants such as mold and chemicals, directly impacts health, causing respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Good IAQ enhances comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can HVAC systems ensure better indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) acts as a powerful new tool to automate tasks, analyze massive datasets, and enhance decision-making. The impact is widespread for almost any industry you can name, leading to increased efficiency, innovation, and personalization across various sectors. To focus the discussion on HVAC, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can artificial intelligence (AI) be used to increase HVAC profits?

The HVAC industry impacts virtually every aspect of modern life, from our comfort and health to economic productivity and environmental sustainability. However, the HVAC industry is not without its challenges, whether related to people, equipment, regulations, or the economy. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest challenge currently facing the HVAC industry?