CHAPTER MEETINGS
Meeting Calendar 2025
APRIL 2026
Join us for the ASHRAE Central Arizona Chapter Monthly Chapter Meeting as we explore “Your Building: Does it support your goals—or waste money, time, and resources?” 🔷🏢 This insightful presentation will focus on how building systems, facility data, and operational strategies can directly impact performance, efficiency, and occupant well-being. Attendees will gain practical ideas for improving energy efficiency, operational uptime, comfort, health, and productivity ⚙️🌿💡 while identifying budget-friendly opportunities to make smarter building decisions. This is a valuable session for anyone looking to better align building performance with organizational goals and long-term success 📈✨
Sharon Dinges, MBA & BSEE Founder/Consulting Engineer
This month’s speaker is Sharon Dinges, MBA & BSEE, Founder and Consulting Engineer, and a 30+ year industry veteran 
Sharon brings decades of experience in sustainability, engineering, and facility performance, with a passion for helping organizations better understand and optimize their buildings. Her presentation will offer actionable insights into unlocking the full potential of facility assets, systems, and information to support stronger performance and smarter investment decisions 
Don’t miss the chance to learn from a seasoned professional and connect with others in the industry 
MARCH 2026
Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life highlights how thoughtful building design and operations can elevate health, comfort, and productivity for every occupant. At the core is an integrated approach that balances energy efficiency with exceptional indoor environmental quality (IEQ)—delivering a true win-win for people and the planet. By optimizing HVAC systems for ventilation, thermal comfort, and high-performance energy use, we can reduce environmental impact while creating indoor spaces that feel better, perform better, and support well-being every day. This strategy not only enhances occupant experience, but also strengthens long-term building value, resilience, and operational excellence.
Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow Member ASHRAE, LEED AP is ASHRAE’s President for the 2025-26 Term.
McQuade previously served on the ASHRAE Board of Directors as president-elect, treasurer, vice president and director-at-large. He has also served as chair of the ASHRAE Members Council and Technology Council, liaison to the Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization, vice chair of the President-Elect Advisory Committee and coordinating officer of the Conferences and Expositions Committee, the Communications Committee, the Chapter Technology Transfer Committee, the Honors and Awards Committee, the Membership Promotion Committee, the Research Promotion Committee, the Student Activities Committee and the Young Engineers in ASHRAE Committee. From 2021-2022, Bill served as president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of ASHRAE and was awarded the ASHRAE Region III ACE award.
Prior to his term as President, McQuade was the ASHRAE representative to the Building Owners and Managers Association, the International Code Council and the Rocky Mountain Institute, liaison to the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force and was a member of the AIA Liaison Committee, the AiCARR ASHRAE Club and the United Nations Environment Programme, among other Society participation.
McQuade’s theme for the 2025-26 ASHRAE Society Year is “Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life.”
McQuade’s theme highlights the interplay between energy efficiency and IEQ and presents practical solutions to enhance air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting and water quality in buildings.
“We are all so proud of the work that ASHRAE has done to protect our climate and outdoor environment by improving energy efficiency, eliminating ozone depleting refrigerants, conserving resources, and decarbonizing buildings. We can build on a half-century of progress in the energy performance of buildings and now focus the same effort on the indoor climate and environment.”
He was selected by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to serve as an industry representative on the Indo-U.S. Taskforce on Hydrofluorocarbons. He has served as an expert on the U.S. Department of Energy HVAC Roadmap Collaboration Team (Oak Ridge National Lab).
McQuade is an ASHRAE Fellow and received the ASHRAE Exceptional Service Award in 2023. During his career, he has been awarded 22 U.S. and international patents related to chiller design, oil separation, chiller control algorithms and leak detection for flammable refrigerants.
McQuade has over 32 years of experience in the HVAC&R, serving in various roles. He is currently vice president for government affairs and global sustainability at Baltimore Aircoil Company Inc. (BAC) in Jessup, Maryland, where he is responsible for establishing and maintain relationships with regulators, legislators, associations and societies for the purpose collaborating in all areas that are relevant to the BAC businesses and provide for the benefit of its customers or society as a whole. In addition, he leads the development and implementation of the company’s global ESG strategy, including setting ambitious goals and targets aligned with industry best practices and stakeholder expectations. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
FEBRUARY 2026
February 2026 Chapter Meeting — ASHRAE Standard 15: A Review & Update 🧊⚙️
Join the ASHRAE Central Arizona Chapter for our February chapter meeting featuring an important technical update on ASHRAE Standard 15 (Refrigeration Safety). ✅
🎯 Program Topic: ASHRAE Standard 15 — A Review & Update
ASHRAE Standard 15 is one of ASHRAE’s oldest standards (dating back to 1919 🕰️) and provides guidance for the safe design, construction, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems 🏗️✅. If you work with building mechanical systems or refrigeration, this is an essential standard to understand. 🧠🛠️
This presentation will cover:
✅ A practical review of Standard 15 and key requirements
🆕 Recent updates to the standard
⚠️ Common misapplications—and how to avoid them
Douglas Reindl — University of Wisconsin–Madison
Douglas Reindl is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UW–Madison and the Founding Director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, working with global food companies to improve the safety and performance of ammonia-based refrigeration systems.
Additional highlights:
ASHRAE Fellow and award recipient
Former chair/member of ASHRAE Standard 15 (Refrigeration Safety)
Licensed Professional Engineer (Wisconsin)
Author of 6 books and 100+ technical papers on industrial refrigeration, building and energy systems, indoor air quality, and solar energy.
We hope to see you there for a practical, safety-focused technical session and an opportunity to connect with local HVAC&R professionals.
JANUARY 2026
Everyone communicates — but few truly connect.
At this month’s meeting, you’ll discover how to turn everyday communication into meaningful connection and avoid misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and unnecessary conflict.
Our featured presentation, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect,” will show how success—both personal and professional—is directly tied to your ability to connect with others. You’ll learn practical principles and real-world strategies to strengthen teamwork, leadership, and relationships in every area of life.
✨ Whether you’re an engineer, leader, or aspiring professional, this talk will give you tools you can immediately apply to communicate with confidence and connect with purpose.
Karine Leblanc
Engineer | Daikin Applied
Karine is an engineer, bestselling author, and international speaker who blends engineering expertise with leadership and emotional intelligence. She is the Western Regional Equipment Sales Manager at Daikin Applied and a recognized leader in building high-performing teams. Karine holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from École de Technologie Supérieure in Montréal and has made history as ASHRAE’s first female Region X Director.
DECEMBER 2025
HEALTH & WELL-BEING: ONE BREATH AT A TIME 🌬️
This session explores the critical intersection of indoor air quality, HVAC system design, and human well-being. As organizations place increasing emphasis on healthier indoor environments, understanding the science, standards, and strategies behind effective air management has never been more important. Attendees will gain practical insight into how the HVAC industry is evolving to meet today’s health, safety, and sustainability expectations.
Topics Covered
• Application of ASHRAE ETF Guidelines to Promote Healthier Buildings 🏢✨
Discover how ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force (ETF) guidance continues to influence modern building practices. We will examine recommended ventilation rates, filtration strategies, and air-cleaning technologies and discuss how these guidelines can be integrated into both new construction and retrofit projects. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches for enhancing occupant well-being and reducing airborne contaminant risks.
• Advantages and Limitations of Recommended HVAC Best Practices ⚙️✔️
Not all solutions are universally applicable. This segment breaks down the strengths and challenges associated with widely recommended HVAC best practices, including increased outdoor air, high-efficiency filtration, air distribution enhancements, and system optimization strategies. Learn where these practices excel, where they fall short, and how to evaluate the real-world trade-offs in energy, cost, and operational performance.
• Environmental Factors Influencing Infection During Cold & Flu Season – and the Myth of a Well-Mixed Environment 🦠🤧
Indoor air does not behave as uniformly as many assume. We will explore environmental drivers—such as humidity, temperature, occupant density, and air movement—that influence infection risk. This discussion also debunks the long-standing assumption of a “well-mixed environment,” illustrating how localized airflow patterns, stratification, and microzones complicate traditional HVAC modeling and pathogen control strategies.
• Innovative HVAC Design Strategies Bridging IAQ Guidelines and Decarbonization Initiatives ♻️💡
As ASHRAE advances both indoor air quality (IAQ) guidelines and aggressive decarbonization goals, design teams face the challenge of balancing health, sustainability, and energy efficiency. This portion presents forward-thinking design strategies—from demand-controlled filtration to hybrid ventilation and next-generation heat recovery—that support both goals. Discover how new technologies and system approaches can close the gap between enhanced IAQ expectations and the industry’s carbon-reduction commitments.
Dan Hahne
Director of High-Performance HVAC Solutions | Varitec
Dan Hahne began his HVAC career in 1985 and has since become a recognized leader in high-performance building systems. As Director of High-Performance HVAC Solutions at Varitec, Dan champions education-driven approaches that elevate industry expertise. He is well-known for his webinars on infectious aerosols during the pandemic and has authored multiple articles for Engineered Systems magazine. 📘
In December 2021, Dan joined the AIA Arizona Chapter as an Allied Member and became an AIA CES Accredited Provider, fostering stronger collaboration between architects and mechanical engineers. 🏛️🤝 An active ASHRAE member since 2009, he has held leadership roles and contributed to several standards committees.
NOVEMBER 2025
A JOINT ASHRAE / ASPE EVENT!!
🎉 DESIGN SPOTLIGHT: MARICOPA COUNTY TABULATION & ELECTION CENTER 🎉
Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at one of Arizona’s most important civic hubs! The 260,000-square-foot Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center is more than just a building—it’s a modern marvel designed to make ballot processing faster, smarter, and safer for all.
🗳️ Purpose-Driven Design:
This facility is thoughtfully crafted to streamline every step of the election process, from ballot intake to tabulation—all while ensuring the highest standards of security and integrity for the workers and the democratic process they support.
👀 Transparency Meets Protection:
Visitors are taken on a journey through the ballot lifecycle, with the building’s layout offering a guided, intuitive experience that beautifully balances openness and controlled access. It’s democracy in motion, with every step visible and protected.
🏜️ Inspired by the Desert:
Rooted in its Arizona surroundings, the design draws from the natural beauty of the desert. Think bold stone outcroppings—metaphorical anchors that ground the building both structurally and symbolically. These elements evoke stability, strength, and permanence, echoing the core values of the election process itself.
This isn’t just an election center—it’s a civic landmark, where architecture and democracy meet in the heart of Maricopa County.
Brian Hummell
Senior Mechanical Engineer | DLR Group
Brian H. is a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer at DLR Group, bringing over 30 years of industry expertise to the firm. A graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Brian has built a distinguished career delivering thoughtful, efficient, and reliable mechanical systems across a wide range of building types.
His diverse project portfolio spans K–12 education, higher education, justice and civic facilities, corporate environments, and venture projects. Brian is known for his collaborative approach, technical precision, and ability to develop sustainable, cost-effective solutions that meet both client needs and long-term performance goals. His extensive background makes him a valuable asset to any multidisciplinary design team.
Marlene Bennett
Senior Plumbing Designer | DLR Group
Marlene B. is a seasoned Senior Plumbing Designer at DLR Group with more than 25 years of professional experience in the building design and construction industry. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to the success of numerous complex projects, including those in the healthcare, arts and culture, corporate, justice/civic, higher education, and K–12 sectors.
Marlene is recognized for her deep technical knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to design excellence. Her ability to coordinate seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams ensures the delivery of high-performing plumbing systems tailored to each project’s unique demands. Her dedication to innovation and code compliance has earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
OCTOBER 2025
⚡ ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN ACTION! ⚡
Driving Market Transformation Through ARC Innovation & Powerful Programs
Get ready for an energizing session that showcases how ARC rebates and technologies are transforming the market and driving real, sustainable change!
💡 What to Expect:
Exciting innovations and real-world examples of how we’re pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency.
An in-depth look at ARC rebates and cutting-edge HVAC technologies that boost performance, enhance comfort, and deliver serious energy savings for businesses.
BONUS! A sneak peek into EVSE and electric equipment rebates—presented by none other than Jen Arnold!
Don’t miss this high-energy session filled with innovation, insight, and opportunities to help your business save energy, boost comfort, and be part of a more sustainable future!
🎤 Featured Presenters:
Jim Monsen & Jen Arnold — SRP
Jim Monsen brings over 25 years of HVAC expertise in system design, installation, sales, and training. He’s a driving force behind utility incentive programs in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and beyond. From designing impactful rebates like Advanced Rooftop Controls (ARC) and Demand Control Ventilation, to working hands-on with contractors, engineers, and manufacturers—Jim is a trusted leader and passionate educator in the field.
Oh, and did we mention he’s been teaching HVAC apprentices for over 16 years and holds multiple professional certifications?
SEPTEMBER 2025
Beyond Compliance: Leveraging FEI to Optimize Fan Systems
FEI Is Now the Standard
With the Fan Energy Index (FEI) now incorporated into ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and the 2024 IECC, compliance is no longer optional — it’s expected by 2029.
Understand the Code
Gain insight into the latest FEI requirements and learn how to design systems that meet or exceed code.
Make Smarter Selections
Learn how to use FEI to choose the most efficient fan systems tailored to your application.
Stephen Butina – Greenheck
Sales Application Manager
Stephen brings over eight years of HVAC industry experience to his role at Greenheck. A graduate of Michigan Technological University, he completed a two-year leadership development program before serving as a Sales Engineer and Regional Manager. His expertise is centered on HVAC design for warehouses and distribution centers, with a strong emphasis on customer education and system optimization within his territory.