HARDI Engages Senior AI Advisor Mandy Long to Support Member Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Greene, Marketing Director
Email: agreene@hardinet.org
Direct: 614.345.4328

Columbus, OH — February 4, 2026 — Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced today an engagement with Mandy Long, former CEO and Board Member of BigBear.ai (NYSE:BBAI), who will serve as a Senior AI Advisor to the association. The partnership will support HARDI member companies as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent across the tools, platforms, and processes shaping wholesale distribution.

As AI-related offerings continue to expand, distributors are evaluating where these technologies can deliver real value. Through this engagement, HARDI will provide members with practical, business-focused education designed to bring clarity, build confidence, and support smarter decision-making.

“Mandy brings a rare combination of technical fluency and business pragmatism,” said Talbot Gee, HARDI CEO. “This engagement is about helping members understand what’s real, what’s ready, and how to approach AI with confidence. Our goal is to ensure members feel informed, optimistic, and empowered as these capabilities continue to evolve.”

Long has spent almost two decades working in software, machine learning, and artificial intelligence across a variety of industries. She is a patent holder in these categories and has held senior positions at IBM, Modernizing Medicine, Experian Health, and Epic. She brings a unique perspective at the intersection of national security, health equity, emerging technology, and cross-sector innovation.

“AI is no longer theoretical, but it’s also not one thing,” said Long. “The term gets applied to everything from simple automation to advanced generative systems, which makes it difficult for leaders to evaluate what’s being offered. My role with HARDI is to help create shared understanding—so members can ask better questions, recognize genuine opportunities, and approach AI thoughtfully rather than reactively.”

Beginning in 2026, Long will work with HARDI to develop educational resources informed by real-world input from distributors. HARDI will invite members to share their experiences experimenting with AI to help shape future content and programming.

More information about the engagement and opportunities for member participation will be shared in the coming weeks. Until then, explore more information about the engagement here.

HARDI Members - How're You Using AI?

We’d love to hear how you’re experimenting with and implementing artificial intelligence in your business. Tell us what’s working, what’s not, and what you’re learning along the way. Your input will help us make the most of our Senior AI Advisor, Mandy Long, and shape future conversations around AI at HARDI.

This isn’t a survey. It’s simply a starting point for conversation.