Surface Combustion Inc., a leading manufacturer of thermal-processing equipment, announced that William J. Bernard III has been appointed president of the company. Bernard III previously held a series of leadership positions both within Surface Combustion and the industry, most recently as director of technical services and research and development for the company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in material science and engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Bernard III is also the current president of the Industrial Heating Equipment Association.