Chapter Leadership Academy
Calling all future ASHRAE leaders! Are you or someone in your chapter interested in getting involved with ASHRAE on a higher level? Chapter Leadership Academy is THE event for the next generation of ASHRAE leaders.
The 2025 Chapter Leadership Academy will be held at HQ in Peachtree Corners, GA, January 10-11, 2025.
Chapter Leadership Academy is a 1.5-day crash course designed to simplify the learning curve of all things ASHRAE. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how ASHRAE Society functions and obtain useful and practical knowledge essential for honing ASHRAE leadership skills. The program also will include sharing tips and best practices that attendees can confidently take back to their Chapters for implementation. Attendees help shape the discussion, too! A significant part of the program will be based on hot topics and ASHRAE-related challenges that attendees have identified they would like to see addressed.
Interested? Contact your Director and Regional Chair (DRC) TODAY! DRCs will approve attendees from their region. Each region has limited spots. Those interested should contact their DRC before October 11. All attendees will be approved to register by October 21.
Thanks to generous support from the ASHRAE Foundation, each region will be able to send up to 4 participants. Participants flight, course materials, hotel for 2 nights, Friday night reception, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be included with registration. Any additional expenses will be the responsibility of the attendee, the Chapter, and/or the Region.
Meet the Presenters:
Devin Abellon, P.E. is the Director of Engineered Solutions at Pac West Sales. He has over 30 years of experience in the HVAC and plumbing industries with a focus on high-performance and sustainable building design and construction. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a registered professional engineer in California and Arizona. He is an active member of ASHRAE and currently serves as a Society Vice President, Vice Chair of Technology Council, Coordinating Officer of the Planning Committee, member of Technical Committee TC6.5 (Radiant Heating and Cooling) and as a Distinguished Lecturer.
Doug Fick, PE, PMP, LEED AP BD+C, is a Principal and Mechanical Engineer at CMTA’s Indianapolis, IN office, bringing over 31 years of industry experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering and mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University, demonstrating a strong foundation in both disciplines. As a leader in CMTA’s Indianapolis office, Doug provides strategic direction to the MEP engineering group, effectively overseeing design processes and nurturing client relationships to ensure project success. A dedicated member of ASHRAE for 31+ years, he was recently honored with an Exceptional Service Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to the society and his contributions to advancing the industry. He currently serves as Chair of the Standards Committee, Technology Council, Chair of Standard 189.3, further demonstrating his passion for fostering professional growth and innovation within the field.
Rachel Romero, PE, is a senior engineer and project leader at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Rachel obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Hope College and then received her master’s degree in Building Systems Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Rachel is an active member of ASHRAE, currently serving on the Residential Buildings Committee.
At NREL, Rachel is the project manager for the U.S Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, which has inspired tens of thousands of students to be the next generation of zero energy buildings professionals. Rachel also leads the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Labs program, providing technical assistance to laboratory partners across the US. She was a main author of the Smart Labs Toolkit, which describes a systematic process to achieve safe, efficient, and sustainable laboratories.