Comfort Systems CFO Bill George to retire after 30 years; Julie Shaeff named successor

Comfort Systems USA is preparing for a handoff in its finance department after three decades under the same leader.

Bill George, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will retire following the filing of the company's annual report for 2026, according to an 8-K filed Thursday. Julie Shaeff, currently senior vice president and chief accounting officer, will be promoted to executive vice president and CFO when George steps down from the role.

A planned transition

George helped found the mechanical and electrical contractor in 1997 and has served as CFO since May 2005. The company said he helped guide it through its formation and initial public offering and the development of its acquisition program.

Shaeff has been chief accounting officer since May 2005 and previously served as vice president and corporate controller and assistant corporate controller, joining in 1999. She earlier worked at Browning-Ferris Industries and Arthur Andersen and is a certified public accountant.

"Our thoughtful succession planning has positioned Comfort Systems USA for this transition," CEO Brian Lane said in the release.

The announcement came the same day the company reported third-quarter revenue of $3.77 billion and a record backlog of $17.81 billion.

By the numbers

• George's tenure as CFO: since May 2005
• Shaeff's tenure as CAO: since May 2005
• Timing: after the 2026 Form 10-K filing

Sources

1. Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Form 8-K (Items 5.02, 7.01) with Exhibit 99.1 dated Oct. 22, 2026, accession 0001104659-26-118149

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