Thank you to everyone participating in the Education Session presentations during RMA 2023.
Alvin R. Hooper Jr - 18 years of professional experience across a variety of industries including industrial automation and construction. Currently resides in Denver, CO looking to create necessary change in the construction industry in a positive way. Education - B.S. Electrical Engineering Purdue University; M.B.A. Marquette University
Andrea is an Associate Principal, Architect and Laboratory Planner with Clark & Enersen. She has 19 years of experience focusing mainly on higher education and science & technology sectors. She has a passion for the environment and sustainable design, along with optimizing health and wellness features for building users and occupants and is currently serving on the USGBC Technical Advisory Committee for Indoor Environmental Quality.
GLHN Architects and Engineers Vice President and Director of Mechanical Engineering Bill Koller is a Vice President and Director of Mechanical Engineering at GLHN Architects and Engineers. GLHN is a 60+ person, multidisciplinary firm including a team of in-house Architects, MEP Engineers, and Civil Engineers. Working within and managing the Mechanical group of GLHN, Bill Koller began employment post-graduation from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007. Bill is involved in a wide variety of project types with a true passion for district energy and central plant systems. He leads project efforts involving facility condition assessments, energy analysis, mechanical systems design, cost estimating, and construction administration, with focus on central plant design, building HVAC design, utility distribution systems, and commissioning. Bill headed up the efforts with the University of Wyoming team to analyze the University’s existing district heating/cooling issues and develop and implement a course forward.
Brian is currently an Energy Account Executive at McKinstry. Prior to that he was an Sustainability Director and National Technical Trainer for an Insulation Manufacturer and prior to that, a Senior Business Development Executive for ICAST, a non-profit ESCO. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Science & Technology, Energy and Sustainability from the University of Denver and a Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Policy and Management-Energy and Sustainability from the University of Denver.
Brian has over 25 years of experience in Facilities Management He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Colorado who received a B.S. in systems engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an MBA from DePaul University, and an M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Colorado. He served a 20-year active duty career as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the United States Navy, worked as the Boulder County Building Services Division Manager and currently leads a team of 500 staff members as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management at the University of Colorado Boulder. His team includes planning, design, construction, facilities maintenance and repair, utilities and energy services, custodial services, landscape operations, recycling and solid waste collection, warehousing and distribution services, transportation and fleet management for the Boulder campus that includes support to over 12 million square feet of facilities.
Chris serves as the Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO at Salt Lake Community College where he leads a team driven to create opportunity and access for students through a focus on financial stewardship and operational effectiveness. Previously, Chris served as the Vice President for Finance and Administration at North Idaho College from 2014-2022. When not working on building and finance projects for SLCC, Chris is an avid hiker who loves exploring the Mountain West.
Dan Lloyd is the Grounds Director at Salt Lake Community College. He has been at the college for 13 years in the Grounds Department. Dan supervises about 45 full and part-time employees. Dan owned his own landscaping and sprinkler business before coming to the college. He has his own landscaper contractor’s license and is certified in pest control. Dan values integrity, community, and honesty. He loves the outdoors and all sports involving water, including wakeboarding and boating. He is passionate about irrigation because it also involves his favorite subject: water.
David Amoss, CFA, is a Vice President of Development at Bernhard with over 20 years of industry experience. Prior to joining the Bernhard team, David spent 18 years in finance, research, and business development. His most recent position was as the head of midstream and downstream research at Heikkinen Energy Advisors in New Orleans. Prior to this, he was a research analyst covering the energy sector at Iberia Capital Partners and Scotia Howard Weil. Amoss was previously an economist with AECOM in Chicago and Sydney, Australia, focusing on front-end traffic and revenue modeling for transportation and energy projects. Amoss holds a B.B.A. in international business from the University of Georgia, as well as the Series 7, 63, 86 and 87 licenses. He was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2011 and served as president of the CFA Society of Louisiana.
Garry serves as the Director of Facilities Operations at North Idaho College. Garry has been with NIC for over 25 years and built a team of professionals dedicated to ensuring the facilities at NIC are truly a gem that shines in the support of student learning outcomes. Garry has overseen the development of a new campus and multiple new buildings and additions in addition to significant remodels across NIC’s multiple sites. Outside of managing facilities operations, Garry is an avid golfer who also spends a good bit of time each summer fishing at his cabin on the Kenai.
Greg Brown is the Senior Building Automation Systems Engineer at the University of Wyoming. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and the University of Technology in Jamaica with an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Production. He worked as an Electro-Mechanical Supervisor and Wastewater Engineer for the City of Montego Bay, Jamaica for three years and as a Property Manager at the Port Authority of Jamaica’s 100-acre property in Montego Bay Jamaica where he managed building renovation and utility service projects for three years. After arriving in Wyoming and completing his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, he worked as a Project Manager, estimator and designer for Commercial HVAC and Plumbing systems for approximately five years. In his current role at the University of Wyoming, he is responsible for managing building automation upgrade projects, and energy efficiency upgrades as well as the design and management of complex laboratory and science building renovation projects.
Heather is a Facilities Manager at Salt Lake Community College, South City Campus. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah. She values compassion for those she works with, and reliability for those she works for. An interesting fact about Heather is that she learned to fly a plane before she learned how to drive a car. She loves painting, playing the drums, and her dog, Lu.
James Rosner partners with clients to achieve their carbon neutrality goals through the Johnson Controls Net-Zero Buildings and Decarbonization services. James has over 20 years of experience leading Higher Education District Energy Central Plants, Sustainability, and Renewable Energy programs while as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management and Planning (University of Denver) and as the Director of Utilities and Energy Management (Oklahoma State University). His experience includes worldwide service as an Air Force Civil Engineer with combat deployments to Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. He leads Johnson Controls’ ESG Advisory Services team focused on establishing decarbonization goals and roadmaps. James is a Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager holding a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Jeff Elsner is a mechanical engineer and project manager with extensive experience with central utility plants, higher education campuses, healthcare facilities, laboratories, data centers, and office buildings. Sustainable, energy and emissions conscious design has been an emphasis throughout this broad practice and especially in planning for low carbon district energy. Jeff also has special expertise combined heat and power (CHP or cogeneration) systems and high temperature hot water district plants. He is a LEED associate, member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Jeff is based in Denver Colorado and earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University.
Jennifer Coast is a professional engineer with ten years of experience at the University of Wyoming and directs capital construction projects, including construction and safety.
Josh Sylvester serves as the Associate Vice President for Facility Services at Salt Lake Community College. Josh has significant experience in facility and operations management in multiple sectors. Prior to joining SLCC, Josh served as the Director of Facilities for Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. Josh has worked in several project management roles and as a Facilities Manager in manufacturing. Additionally, Josh holds a ProFM Certification and a Six Sigma Certification.
Kathryn A. Ramirez-Aguilar, PhD: Kathy has a doctorate in chemistry and 15 years of laboratory research experience in chemistry and biochemistry. She left the lab bench driven into action by the large environmental footprint of scientific research and its contributions to climate change. Kathy created and manages the CU Green Labs Program at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) since 2009. She is also a board member for the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL), chair of the I2SL University Alliance Group (UAG), and through the I2SL UAG leads the Bringing Efficiency to Research Grants effort working to connect efficiency expectations and sustainability to US research funding.
Mark Labac is President of Edge Mechanical Systems, Inc., a specialty Manufacturer’s Representative serving Colorado & Wyoming and Business Partner with RMA. The firm specializes in energy efficient equipment such as Accutrol, Antrum, Direct Coil, Ingenia, and MeeFog, with a strong focus on laboratory projects. Mark has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, a Professional Engineer License from Texas, and a LEED AP Accreditation. Mark is an active member of APPA, ASHRAE, CAHED, I2SL, ISPE and is President of the Colorado I2SL Chapter.
Martha is a Senior Project Manager within the Facilities Planning, Design and Construction team at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has 18 years’ experience working within the built environment, 6 of which have been in an education setting. Martha is passionate about supporting internal stakeholders in creating successful projects that align project needs, values, and budget. Her ultimate goal is to deliver projects that everyone involved can be proud of.
Martin has over 15 years of work experience in the solar industry, installing, managing, designing and developing solar PV and energy storage projects, ranging from 5kW to 5MW. Martin oversees solar development and design processes to ensure that internal and external engineers and subcontractors are engaged early and completely in the project cycle. He manages competitive RFPs, assembly of project budgets, broad engagement on internal project design, cost & constructability risk reviews, drafting of preliminary construction schedules and presentation of final, guaranteed maximum (GMAX) pricing to McKinstry’s solar customers.
Mary Tucker is the Director of Interprofessional Simulation and Skills Hub at Metropolitan
State University of Denver. She is a Registered Nurse with 28 years of experience.
Mary has inspired teams to improve clinical practice, implement evidence-based methodology
into simulation, and integrate interprofessional learning of skills, knowledge, and
understanding in academia through simulation. The preparation, implementation, and
flow of effective, safe, and realistic simulation-based experiences are vital to Mary’s
teaching philosophy.
Mary earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from a community college in Maryland.
With a focus on simulation practices, Mary went on to earn her doctorate degree in
Professional Leadership. Mary is a Certified Radiology Nurse and Certified Healthcare
Simulation Educator. The endless opportunities offered by the field of nursing keep
Mary passionate about the care she provides and the quality of which she teaches.
When Mary is not practicing nursing, she is committed to lifelong learning through
travel, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Matthew Roberts, President and Founder of Landmark Environmental, Inc., has nearly 30 years of diversified professional experience, including IH and EH&S Project and Program Management, IH and environmental assessments, property redevelopment, litigation expert testimony, cost estimating, and course instruction.
MJ Thompson is the Senior Director for Facility Services at Salt Lake Community College. MJ has been at the college for 23 years and has an extensive background in psychology, facilities, construction, and project management. She believes everyone deserves a great manager and quality customer service. She loves travelling and experiencing different cultures. She values learning new leadership skills and believes there is no greater teacher in life than life itself.
Natasha Hernandez is a vice president, higher education group leader, project manager, and electrical engineer with more than 18 years of experience designing power distribution, lighting, fire alarm and life safety systems. Her project experience includes the many different types of spaces found within new and renovated higher education facilities. Natasha has been responsible for all aspects of project management including coordination with project owners, in-house staff, and subconsultants to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget.
Phil is a principal and architectural engineer with Clark & Enersen, a full-service design firm, and the leader of the Fort Collins Office. He has 20 years of experience with a wide range of higher education projects. Phil also serves on the board of the I2SL Colorado Chapter.
Phil Watson is an engineer and director with over ten years of experience specializing in complex renovations for higher education, healthcare, and commercial projects. He has successfully served as the Director of Engineering for a team of 21 engineers, designers, and draftsmen for more than 5 years. In this role, he holds one of Bernhard's most technical positions, contributing to the development and engineering of energy savings performance contracts. Phil is a Registered Professional Engineer in six states, including Colorado, and holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.
Recently, Phil was invited to present at Alabama ASHE with the title of "Improving Indoor Air Quality and Space Pressure Relationships," sharing innovative strategies for infection control in the time of Covid. Furthermore, Phil has extensive experience conducting internal training sessions and delivering presentations to partner firms throughout Little Rock, demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing and effective communication.
Phil is a recipient of the 2021 Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 40 Under 40 Award.
Sam is currently the Director of Facilities at Colorado School of Mines, where he has been since 2009. Prior to that he was an Energy Manager for the City of Aurora in Colorado and, prior to that, for Adams 12 school district in Thornton, Colorado. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and is a Certified Energy Manager as well as a registered professional engineer in the State of Colorado.
Sean Convery, PE is a Principal at Cator, Ruma & Associates and President of the Colorado I2SL Chapter. His 28 years of mechanical design experience includes energy-efficient mechanical systems for research labs and higher education campuses. He has been involved in the design of over 100 lab projects, many of them Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3).
Shantel Smith is the Deputy Director of Utilities Management at the University of Wyoming, a public land grant research university located in Laramie, Wyoming. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, (BS in Weapons and Systems Engineering), MIT (MS in Nuclear Engineering), and the College of William and Mary (MBA). She served eight years as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, completing combat deployments on both nuclear powered and conventionally powered vessels. After leaving the US Navy, she worked in energy management, overseeing major infrastructure upgrades at a combined US/Japan military facility in northern Honshu. In her present position at UW, she is responsible for managing the campus utility system, which encompasses over 7 million square feet and includes a coal and natural gas fired Central Energy Plant (for steam, compressed air and chilled water) as well as a newly constructed (2022) natural gas modular boiler plant with a 1.8 million gallon chilled water thermal energy storage tank.
Steven Fletcher joined the University of Wyoming facilities team in 2008 as a design engineer in Facilities Engineering. In 2010, he helped create the Building Automation Systems Team of Utilities Management, and since 2021 served as the Deputy Director of Facilities Management. Steven oversees the mechanical, structural, grounds, and equipment tradespeople of UW Operations. He is a 2001 graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in Electrical Engineering and holds a Professional Engineering license with a focus in Power Systems.
Over 35 years of experience in maintenance, operation, systems software, project management, and overseeing various trade personnel; 25 years of experience as associate director, facilities manager, and supervisor; 25 years of military leadership; and 20 years as HVAC adjunct collegiate instructor.
