I followed in my father’s footsteps to study mechanical engineering, pursue a career in the buildings sector, and actively engage in ASHRAE. The semester prior to receiving my undergraduate degree, I tapped into the ASHRAE network to search for a job with a consulting engineering firm. I accepted an entry-level position with a well-respected MEP firm in Cincinnati, OH that was owned by an ASHRAE Presidential member. Although I worked under a nurturing environment and gained many valuable skills, I realized my true passion was to push the boundaries for what the buildings industry can accomplish beyond what I was able to do in a consulting environment.
I transitioned to working with the buildings research team at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory. Over the 30+ years I have been with this lab, my professional roles have included researcher, project leader, line manager (managing people), partnership development (business development), and portfolio management. Looking back at what was considered cutting edge building design and performance when I began my career compared to what is common practice today gives me great satisfaction to know I have been and continue to be a part of this evolution. Always being on the leading edge of developing and deploying the next generation of solutions for the buildings industry is the reason I dedicated my entire career to the buildings industry.