Events

Masood Ali

Global Leader of Center of Excellence (COE) for Alternative Systems, Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration

Masood Ali is the Global Leader of Center of Excellence (COE) for Alternative Systems with Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration. The COE provides global leadership in developing state-of the-art technological solutions utilizing advanced refrigeration and modified cycles, and very low charge ammonia cascade systems providing energy efficiency and environmentally friendly (LCCP) solutions. Masood has designed and validated the-state-of-the-art alternative systems such as the transcritical condensing unit with split cycle with two stage compression, the trans-critical booster system with two stage expansion for supermarkets, and a low charge - high efficiency NH3/CO2 system for supermarkets and cold storage. Masood manages the strategic innovation process by inspiring the COE team to seek breakthrough in technology by inculcating strategic and visionary thinking beyond the obvious.

Masood holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has 28 years of experience in providing systems solutions specializing in heat transfer and implementing new technologies in supermarket refrigeration, power generation and petrochemical industries. He is a member of ASHRAE, a corresponding member of ASHRAE 10.7, a member of CANENA Technical Harmonization Sub-Committee and of UL JTG for Flammable Refrigerants.

Rob Arthur

Principal, CTA Architects Engineers

Co-director of CTA’s retail design team and principal-in-charge of refrigeration engineering, Rob Arthur has dedicated his career to high-efficiency, low-emission refrigeration solutions for retail and grocery spaces. With a personal and professional goal of helping the grocery industry transition to more technologically advanced, sustainable refrigeration systems, Rob works to provide high-quality designs for facilities across the United States and internationally. He and his team design responsible, long-term systems.

Rob is a licensed professional engineering 28 U.S. states, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Puerto Rico and a LEED-accredited professional. When he’s not engineering cutting-edge refrigeration solutions, Rob can be found coaching youth sports in his home state of Montana.

Antoine Azar

Managing Director, Sustainable Solutions

Antoine graduated from the University of Liège in Belgium, with a Master's degree in electro-mechanical & energy engineering. Antoine worked at the Coca-Cola Company for 16 years. Between July 2011 - December 2016 he held the position of global program director of Coca-Cola’s sustainable refrigeration program. Prior to that, Antoine performed as the maintenance manager and worked in various departments including engineering, design and innovation, quality control and telecommunication.

Preston P. Blay

Director of Refrigeration, Americas, Baltimore Aircoil Company

Beginning his career as an engineer in the semiconductor industry, Preston has spent the last 10 years in refrigeration and HVAC. At Baltimore Aircoil Company, he has held the roles of Sales Manager, Latin America Market Manager and currently is the Director of BAC's Refrigeration products for the Americas. Preston has has been hailed as one of the Nation’s top engineers by Inventors Digest and recognized for innovative ways of bridging the gap between technology and business by Minority Engineer magazine.

Preston holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from St. Edwards University. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Energy Manager, and a LEED AP. He is a member of ASHRAE, AHRI, IIAR, RETA, and AEE. While having held a Board of Directors position with RETA, he is currently a sub-section chair on the AHRI-IRHT committee.

Ilana Cember

Advanced Applications Engineer, Baltimore Aircoil Company

As the lead engineer for Baltimore Aircoil's TrilliumSeries™ hybrid condenser line, Ilana develops the modeling tools necessary to analyze energy consumption and system performance. Passionate about sustainability, she acts as the liaison between BAC and legislative groups promoting energy efficiency, natural refrigerants, and green building.

Ilana has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on energy engineering. She is a Professional Engineering in Training, Certified Energy Manager, and LEED Green Associate.

Michael A. Chapman

Manager of Process Safety and Risk Management Programs, Tyson Foods Inc.

Mike received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Masters degree in Public Administration, both from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Previously, he was with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality where he implemented and managed the Risk Management Program for the State of North Carolina and served for five years. Mike is now the Manager of Process Safety and Risk Management Programs for Tyson Foods Inc., with company-wide oversight for process safety management and risk management programs as well as Department of Homeland Security programs. He has been with Tyson Foods for twelve years. Mike is a 22-year veteran of the fire service where he has held officer level ranks in several fire departments including Assistant Chief and Regional Hazardous Materials Team Coordinator for a North Carolina Haz-Mat Team. Additionally, he is now a part-time Lieutenant for the Town of Wrightsville Beach Fire Department and a Master Instructor for the Ammonia Safety and Training Institute, leading and supporting instructional programs on safe handling and management of anhydrous ammonia for industry, regulatory and emergency response personnel.

Marc Chasserot

CEO, shecco

Marc Chasserot is a specialist in natural refrigeration with over 15 years of experience in the HVAC&R sector, starting as the Marketing Manager for the Norsk Hydro business unit specialised in CO₂ transcritical refrigeration and heating. He worked closely with several Japanese manufacturers selling the market innovative "CO₂ Ecocute heatpumps".

In 2006 Marc founded the industry leading website for CO₂ cooling and heating experts worldwide, called www.R744.com. This was followed by three additional industry resources for hydrocarbons, water and ammonia (namely: www.hydrocarbons21.com, www.R718.com and www.ammonia21.com).

Marc is co-founder and CEO of shecco, an independent market development company specialised in bringing Natural Refrigerants 'faster to market', working with numerous companies worldwide. Marc has chaired and organised several international workshops bringing together leading policy and industry experts to discuss 'how to bring natural refrigerants' faster to market, known as 'ATMOsphere'. He is also an active member of ASHRAE.

Robert Czarnecki

Program Manager, Refrigeration, Campbell Soup Company

Bob Czarnecki received his Bachelor of Science from Drexel University in Philadelphia and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. He is currently employed by the Campbell Soup Company and works in the Global Engineering Department at their corporate headquarters located in Camden, NJ. Bob is the Program Manager, Refrigeration, and covers all facilities and production processes company wide. His responsibilities include planning, concept development, system design, project management, installation, startup, and troubleshooting. Current project activity includes new and expanded processing systems, upgrades of existing refrigeration systems, and refrigerant conversions both domestically and internationally.

Bob has served two terms on the Board of Directors for the IIAR. He is now Chairman of the IIAR Standards Committee which has the responsibility for developing and maintaining a full range of ANSI Standards for the ammonia refrigeration industry.

Michael Englebright

Head of Engineering, Woolworths

Mr. Englebright holds Refrigeration and HVAC accreditations from RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) in Melbourne Australia. He has over 15 years of experience in Natural Refrigerant Technologies in both subcritical and transcritical applications from around the globe with different retailers and OEMs. Mr. Englebright served as Global Applications Engineering Manager in his previous employment at Danfoss. In this position he was responsible for managing specialized CO₂ projects, the development of CO₂ refrigerated products and services, and formulating and implementing training procedures for safe and efficient CO₂ system installations. Mr. Englebright used to serve as CAREL's Global Key Accounts Manager for Retail, promoting natural refrigerants and energy solutions to end users and OEM’s. He is also very active in lobbying for the use of natural refrigerants at leading international seminars. Currently he serves as the Head of Engineering at Woolworths.

Jim Flowers

Manager of Market Development Packaged Chemicals, Linde Canada

Jim Flowers is currently the business manager for Linde’s refrigerant and packaged chemical business in Canada, which supplies refrigerant gases to the commercial and industrial refrigerant markets in North America.

Jim Flowers is also the current chair of the Manufacturers Division of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute (HRAI) and a board member of HRAI. Mr. Flowers has over 25 years experience in the refrigerant industry and as founder of Protocol Resource Management, he was responsible for the designing and building of several international ODS and Halon reclamation centers for UNEP and Environment Canada in India, Venezuela (2), Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Jim Flowers has also been granted several patents for retrofit blends in the USA, Canada and Australia.

Mr. Flowers is currently focusing on the advancement of Linde’s wide range of natural refrigerant options which includes HC’s, R717 and R744.

Sam Gladis

Business Development Manager, CIMCO Refrigeration

Sam has nearly thirty years of experience in applying industrial refrigeration systems in food and beverage, cold storage and distribution, chemical and petrochemical as well as recreational applications. Together with expertise in applying ice thermal storage and industrial heat pumps, Sam has an extensive history in delivering energy efficient natural refrigeration systems for the numerous customers he has served.

Vicente Guilabert

R&D and Technology Director, Huayi Compressor Barcelona, S.L

Vicente Guilabert is currently the Vice General Manager leading R&D and Quality at Huayi Compressor Barcelona, S.L. He has an Industrial Engineer degree from the “Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya” and a PDD from the IESE Business School. He has made an extensive professional career within the HVAC&R sector. Mr. Guilabert is currently the head of the R&D team at Huayi Compressor Group for light commercial refrigeration compressors. He has an outstanding knowledge of the hermetic compressor technologies, combined with great expertise in light commercial refrigeration market trends. He has also participated as a speaker in international conferences.

Before joining Huayi Compressor Barcelona 15 years ago, he worked for Hitachi Air Conditioning for 5 years as the Technical Customer Service Centre Manager. His responsibilities were linked to the technical assistance of customers worldwide.

Mike Guldenstern

Director & Founder, e2s energy efficiency services, llc

Mike is passionate about helping transform the commercial grocery market space with efficient systems, design, and commissioning practices. Mike founded e2s in 2003 as a collaborative energy consulting firm which specializes in technology design integration, construction commissioning, and smart building energy re-investment. The company has grown to 12 team members nationally, and also launched a successful sister company a2b accurate air balancing in 2005. His career began early having worked in every department of grocery retail while obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Mike as spoken at Yale, FMI Energy and DOE seminars, and brings enthusiasm to discussions. e2s has integrated several combined heat and power systems, commissioned many USGBC Gold Certified projects, and has recommissioned hundreds of facilities. When not passionately correctly sizing and integrating projects to reduce building power density, Mike can be found making furniture in the wee hours of the night.

Steve Hagen

Procurement Manager, Sprouts Farmers Market

Steve Hagen brings more than 30 years of experience in the grocery retail industry, and more than half of those years were spent in management roles.

Over his career, Steve has been involved in all aspects of the design, engineering and installation of refrigeration and energy management systems.

Derek Hamilton

Business Development Manager, Azane

Derek is Business Development Manager at Azane Inc, the US subsidiary of Star Refrigeration. Azane manufacture low charge, high efficiency ammonia refrigeration packages for the US market.

Derek joined the Star Refrigeration Group in 2005 and has held the position of Senior Design Engineer and Design Manager before moving to his current role at Azane. Derek has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of ammonia refrigeration and heat pump systems. In recent years, Derek led the development of a range of low charge, packaged, air cooled ammonia refrigeration systems which allow modular installation without the need for a machinery room. Derek has a keen interest in the promotion of low charge ammonia as an excellent solution for R22 system replacement and an ideal alternative to HFCs in many applications.

Derek is Chartered with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is an active member of IIAR, IIR and IOR and is a regular contributor to industry events and publications.

Richard Heath

Sr. Director of Energy Optimization, Source Refrigeration

In May of 2013, Richard joined one of the Partners in the Carpinteria project, Source Refrigeration, as Sr. Director of Energy Optimization.

Grandson of an Independent Grocer from Macon, Georgia, Richard began his career in the In Supermarket Industry as a Technical Training Consultant over 20 years ago, after serving as an Instructor for the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Unit at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in upstate NY. Richard's first refrigeration OEM position was as Product Manager for Kysor Warren in the early 90’s; he then moved to Hillphoenix as the Director of Innovative Technologies concentrating on Advanced Refrigeration Technologies, Food Safety, and Controls Integration. After a 7 year hiatus, Richard returned to Hillphoenix as Director of Remodel Programs in 2007.

In 2010 the opportunity to put these remodel concepts to-the-test was presented by SUPERVALU with an offer to take on the role of Director of Energy Innovations and Projects. During his role, the Nation’s first all-natural supermarket refrigeration system was designed and installed in an Albertsons Remodel in Carpinteria, California.

John Hipchen

President, Exel Consulting Group

John Hipchen has over 15 years of experience with heat exchanger technologies, including the market development of copper alloys and manufacturing technologies for brazed and soldered heat exchangers. Previously, he managed the development of new markets for specialized equipment systems. John was graduated from Loyola University in Chicago and spent his early career working as a chemist. Currently, John is President of Exel Consulting Group and his company is involved in numerous projects related to sustainability and new technology for the HVAC and automotive industries.

Harrison Horning

Director of Maintenance â Hannaford, Retail Business Services, LLC

Harrison Horning is Director of Maintenance for Retail Business Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize. His role is focused on supporting Hannaford Supermarkets, with 181 stores in five northeastern US states. His current work includes collaborative efforts to address sustainability and climate impacts. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of facilities and energy management, encompassing a wide range of commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

Jim Hower

National Sales Manager, Danfoss

Jim Hower holds a BS in refrigeration technology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Since 2006, Jim has been with Danfoss holding various positions from technical and engineering to sales and management within the industrial refrigeration business sector. With the support of Danfoss Jim is a frequent contributor and supporter of many national and international industrial refrigeration industry groups, associations, and training programs focusing on driving the industry forward to meet today’s new challenges.

Eric Johnston

Principal Engineer, ConAgra Foods, Inc., ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Eric Johnston has been a Principal Engineer for ConAgra Foods since 2008. He is responsible for the company-wide over site of the Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plans (RMP) for Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration, Hydrogen Generation Systems, and Selective Catalytic Reduction systems. He is involved in the development, implementation, training, and auditing associated with compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations and of PSM / RMP programs since 1997. Eric is a member of the IIAR Standards Committee, Vice President of the Omaha RETA Chapter, and on the Advisory Board for the IRC.

Amy Larkin

, Author

Amy Larkin is the author of Environmental Debt: The Hidden Costs of a Changing Global Economy, Palgrave MacMillan, June 2013. In the book, she connects the environmental and financial crises -- both causes and solutions. Amy is an award-winning entrepreneur and environmental activist who has launched cultural institutions, co-founded one of the first affinity-marketing businesses, and was involved with Greenpeace for 30 years -- as a Board member, advisor, and from 2005 -– 2011, Director of Greenpeace Solutions.

Greenpeace Solutions worked with Refrigerants, Naturally! for many years and in 2010, collaborated with the Consumer Goods Forum, a consortium of 400 companies, to eliminate HFCs from all new equipment starting in 2015. This industry transformation can eliminate over 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years. Greenpeace’s work with Refrigerants, Naturally! won the prestigious 2011 Roy Award from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for public/private partnerships that protect natural resources.

Through her consulting business, she has recently worked with the Agricultural Sustainability Institute of UC/Davis, Greenpeace International, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Consumer Goods Forum. Amy currently serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board of BiomimicryNYC and is also the Chair of the Board of the ARChive of Contemporary Music, the largest collection of contemporary music in the world.

Marc-André Lesmerises

CEO & Co-founder, Carnot Refrigeration

Marc-André graduated in 2003 as a Mechanical Engineer and has since designed several industrial and commercial cooling systems. He is the President and co-founder of Carnot Refrigeration, a company established in 2008, which offers thermodynamic options to customers who are seeking cleaner and greener systems. His achievements include the Sobeys warehouse in Trois-Rivières, several supermarkets and warehouses that are mainly operating with natural refrigerants like CO2 and NH3.

Mark Lowry

Executive Vice President, RSES

Mark Lowry joined RSES, the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, in 1993. Over the next 13 years, he helped reshape the Society’s customer service, distribution, information technology, marketing and publishing activities. As Executive Vice President since 2006, he has led RSES in its renewed mission to provide knowledge and career development opportunities to a new generation of individuals engaged in the installation, maintenance and service of HVACR equipment.

Mark represents RSES on the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Board of Trustees as well as the HVACR Industry Alliance. He also serves on the boards of such organizations as the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) and the Western HVAC Performance Alliance (WHPA). He has written numerous articles for industry publications and speaks regularly to audiences around the world regarding the direct links from technician education to energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

Michael L. Marshall

PSM Coordinator, U.S. Dept. of Labor - OSHA

Michael Marshall has worked at the U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA (National/Area Office) for 27 years. Currently, he works in the Directorate of Enforcement Programs – Office of Chemical Process Safety and Enforcement Initiatives. His primary duties include agency enforcement and investigation activities related to process safety. Michael is the team leader of the OSHA Upstream Oil and Gas Safety Workgroup.

Previously, Michael worked in the Directorate of Construction in the Office of Engineering Services, where his primary duties included the investigation of major catastrophes in the chemical, petrochemical and refining industries. Michael also worked in the Office of Construction and Civil Engineering Safety Standards. Prior to that he was a Safety Engineer in the Baton Rouge, LA Area Office (Region VI).

Before working at the U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA (National/Area Office), Michael was a Field Engineer for 4 years and a Civil Engineer at Burlington Northern, Inc. for 1 year. Michael received his BSCE from North Dakota State University. He is a Certified Level 1 Chemical Plant Inspection Team Leader.

Scott Martin

Director, Business Development and Industry Relations, Hillphoenix

Scott Martin currently serves as Director, Business Development and Industry Relations for Hillphoenix, a Dover Company, located in Conyers, Georgia. A third generation Refrigeration Engineer, Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University in 1985.

Scott has held a wide variety of industry roles including Product Manager, Director of R&D, Engineering, and most recently Director of Sustainable Technologies. Today, Scott’s focus reflects a strong Hillphoenix commitment to providing product and technology answers that help retailers supply higher quality food products while advancing efforts toward environmental stewardship.

Nina Masson

Chief Strategy Advisor, Special Projects, shecco

Nina has been working with shecco for 11 years in various roles, including Deputy Managing Director shecco SPRL and Chief Market Development Officer shecco group. Today, as Chief Strategy Advisor for Special Projects, she is responsible for EU and UN projects for natural refrigerants and sustainable HVAC&R solutions. She holds two Masters’ degrees in Business Management and in Environmental Management. Nina has been the lead author on various publications. She serves as an independent expert for UN and EU agencies on policy analysis, capacity building, renewable energies and energy efficiency.

J'aime Mitchell

Green Mission Specialist, Whole Foods

J’aime Mitchell joined Whole Foods Market’s Northeast Region 1 year ago as the Associate Coordinator for Construction. She has been with the company for more than 6 years and previously worked in the Whole Foods Market Global Headquarters in Austin, TX. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture from the University of Texas. She is participating today in the hopes of building better supermarkets and changing the way consumers think about the retail experience.

Cindy Newberg

Chief of the Alternatives and Emissions Branch in the Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Cindy Newberg joined the EPA in 1992. Her current portfolio includes: managing the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program; implementing measures that reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances and their substitutes from the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors; partnering with the U.S. retail food industry through the GreenChill Program to reduce impacts on the ozone layer and climate system; and ensuring refrigerants, foams, and other material are properly disposed through the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) partnership. She also plays an important role in negotiations and policy initiatives for the United States under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Jeff Newel

Director of Research and Development, Hillphoenix

Jeff Newel is the Director of Research and Development for the Hillphoenix Systems division. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. Jeff has been designing refrigeration and cooling systems for over 25 years. The last 19 years he has been with Hillphoenix, where he has worked in various roles in support of supermarket, commercial, and light industrial refrigeration customers. He and his team continue Hillphoenix’s focus on developing and improving the current and next generation of supermarket refrigeration systems, with a particular focus on systems utilizing natural refrigerants.

Sidnei Oliveira

Global Manager, R&D Computer Aided Engineering, Tecumseh Products Company

Sidnei is the Global Manager, R&D Computer Aided Engineering at Tecumseh Products Company, a worldwide leader in commercial refrigeration compressors and condensing units. He is responsible for developing and implementing tools for compressor and refrigeration system simulation at Tecumseh’s Global Technology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

He earned his PhD in Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena following completion of bachelor and master’s degree studies at Universidade de São Paulo.

Rod Peterson

Procurement Manager - National Procurement, Sobeys

Rod Peterson is the National Procurement Manager at Sobeys responsible for the refrigeration, HVAC and lighting categories. In his current role he plans, executes and finalizes purchasing and procurement strategies for technology spending across the organization.

Sobeys is Canada’s second largest retail grocer, with annual revenues exceeding 14 Billion. Sobeys operates more than 1300 corporate and franchised stores in all 10 Provinces. Retail Banners include; Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, Price Chopper, FreshCo and Thrifty Foods, as well as Lawtons Drugs.

Rod is a graduate of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta with a diploma in Refrigeration and HVAC Engineering. His past experience includes; Energy, Facility, and Project Management in the Commercial, Manufacturing and Retail sectors.

Brian Porter

Corporate Director of Sales, Blissfield Manufacturing Company

Brian possesses over 16 years of sales and customer service experience at Blissfield Manufacturing Company. His specialization in refrigeration compressors helps set Blissfield apart in the HVAC industry. He is responsible for Blissfield's compressor products and its manufacturing partner Dorin in Florence Italy. Dorin is a world leader in refrigeration compressors and the leader for commercial CO₂ applications worldwide. Brian manages the activities of the outside sales staff.

Lowell Randel

Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs, Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA)

Lowell Randel currently serves as Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs for the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). He is responsible for advancing the industry’s interests with the U.S. Congress and Administration. Lowell also works in government relations for the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR). Lowell has over 15 years experience working in Washington, DC ranging from private sector representation to government service.

Prior to joining GCCA, Lowell served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). While in this role, Lowell worked closely with the Secretary of Agriculture and across all USDA agencies to coordinate legislative policy and functioned as a primary contact between the Department and Congress.

Lowell holds a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and Master’s degree in agricultural development, both from Texas A&M University. He also holds a law degree from George Mason University School of Law.

Merle Rocke

Chairman & CEO, EcoThermics Corporation

Merle Rocke is Chairman and CEO of EcoThermics Corporation, a pioneer in the development of natural refrigerant heat pump technologies, located in the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center in Peoria, IL. EcoThermics is building a sustainable business providing high value compressors, a critical component for CO2 heat pumps, which can significantly reduce energy consumption in a variety of applications. Prior to forming EcoThermics Corporation, Merle was COO of CGN & Associates, a global management consulting firm. Before joining CGN, Merle founded his own consulting practice, M.G. Rocke & Associates, LLC, following his retirement in 2002 from Caterpillar Inc. as General Manager at Caterpillar Logistics Services after thirty-five years in a variety of management positions.

Brian Rodgers

Principal Engineer (PDE) for Heating, Ventilating & Large-Scale Cooling, Underwriters Laboratories

Brian Rodgers is responsible for developing product safety requirements for heating, cooling and ventilating equipment with a current focus on refrigerants including A2L and natural refrigerants for air-conditioning equipment using UL 1995, and UL 60335-2-40. Brian has well over 20 years of experience in developing product safety requirements including 18 years as the Product Safety Engineer at Tecumseh Products Company. He is a voting member of ASHRAE SSPC 15 and corresponding member of ASHRAE TC 2.9, a member of CANENA Technical Harmonization Sub-Committee for SC 61D WG 2 and WG3, a convenor of IEC SC61C MTI for motor compressors, a member of IEC SC 61D WG9 and WG 11 executive member of UL JTG for Flammable Refrigerants.

Benoit Rodier

Director of Business Development, CIMCO Refrigeration

Benoit holds a BS Mechanical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Benoit started his career as an HVAC Manufacturer Rep and Sales Manager for heat exchangers and industrial compressors. He was recruited by Cimco in 1999 where he has held various positions, including Sales Manager, General Manager, and Director of Business Development. Benoit has worked with natural refrigerants for over 20 years. He is involved in many local and regional trade associations. Benoit was the driving force for CIMCO to evolve towards CO₂refrigeration and new technologies while maintaining its leadership position in ammonia industrial and recreative market.

Douglas Schmidt

Sales Manager, Commercial Cooling Solutions division, Embraco North America

Doug is the Sales Manager of Embraco North America's Commercial Cooling Solutions division. He has 21 years of experience in the industry and has participated and/or led the design, innovation, manufacturing and testing of various refrigeration equipment. Several of the projects Doug has worked on have focused on new product design to increase energy efficiency and the evolution of refrigerants. Prior to joining Embraco in 2007, Doug held management positions in various segments of the refrigeration industry.

Doug earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on thermal science from Purdue University. Doug is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and trade shows.

Eric Smith

Vice President and Technical Director, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)

Eric Smith is the Vice President and the Technical Director for IIAR. He manages the development of IIAR standards, research projects, safety and compliance publications, and technical program development. He is also involved with advocacy, outreach, education, and member services. Eric was a refrigeration designer for 18 years, and was a service technician for several years prior to that. Eric is a registered professional engineer in over 30 states and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

John Thompson

Deputy Director of the Office of Environmental Policy (ENV), U.S. Department of State

John Thompson came to the State Department in 2000 as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Diplomacy Fellow, and has worked at the State Department for 12 years. Over that time, his portfolio has covered a range of issues including transboundary air pollution, chemicals management, stratospheric ozone-layer depletion, climate change, environmental assessments, waste management, and international environmental institutions.

John has participated on or led U.S. delegations to dozens of bilateral, regional, and global meetings in these areas. He has played a leading role in negotiations and policy initiatives for the United States under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent, the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste, the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution, as well as ongoing negotiations on a global instrument to address mercury pollution.

Mark Tomooka

Director, Applied Technology Development, Mayekawa USA

Since 2005 Mark Tomooka has worked with companies that emphasize the use of natural refrigerants industrial refrigeration and food processing. He currently leads the US development team working on applying Mayekawa’s extensive natural working fluids experience to new areas like supermarkets, cold storage and food processing.

Mark is a licensed engineer and previously worked in refrigeration contracting. As chief engineer he designed and installed industrial refrigeration systems emphasizing energy and operational efficiency.

Prior to his work in the refrigeration industry, Mark worked in research and development for alternative energy systems.

Gerard Von Dohlen

CEO, Port Newark Refrigerated Warehouse

Gerard is currently the CEO of a company operating 2 public refrigerated warehouses in the New York area installing innovative refrigeration systems. He is an active member of several trade associations including the Global Cold Chain Alliance for whom he chairs the Refrigeration and Energy Committee. One of the public refrigerated warehouses uses natural gas engine driven compressors and a brine desiccant system using waste heat for regeneration instead of hot gas defrost evaporators. The system won the Chairman’s Award at the American Gas Cooling Center for the best natural gas based refrigeration system in the country. Gerard is also building a fully automated crane building with 20,000 pallets refrigerated by a system including a cooling tower, chiller package, and desiccant.

Gerard received a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering in 1964 and an MBA (1966) and a PhD (1970) from Columbia University’s Graduate Business School. Gerard taught accounting and finance at Columbia’s business school until he entered the banking community. Subsequent to a career in banking, he has been the CEO of a building products company, a defense contractor, a hotel company, and now a public refrigerated warehouse.

Robert Wilkins

Vice President Public Affairs, Danfoss

Robert Wilkins is vice president of public affairs for Danfoss, and previously served as president of Danfoss North America. Robert is responsible for advocating energy efficiency and sustainability policies that support industry advancement. In this role, he has worked with the US State Department and Environmental Protection Agency, serving on the India-U.S. task force on HFCs and alternatives.

Robert Wilkins has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) since 1998, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2007, leading the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute as it merged with the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association to form AHRI. He is a member of the Board of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy and the Policy and Programs Committee for the Alliance to Save Energy.

Keilly Witman

Owner, KW Refrigerant Management Strategy

Keilly Witman is the owner of KW Refrigerant Management Strategy, a consulting firm that helps industry manage the many strategic challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s refrigerant world. Prior to starting her own firm, she worked in the EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division, which regulates refrigerant sales, use and end-of-life. Keilly has held over 80 webinars on refrigeration and refrigerant management, and co-authored best practice guidelines for refrigerant leak prevention and repair, installation leak tightness and R-22 retrofits. She has written dozens of articles on current topics in refrigerant management and developed tools to help industry calculate the financial and environmental impact of their refrigerant emissions. In 2010, she was named one of the industry's 50 most influential people by Supermarket News. Keilly has a Law Degree and a Master’s in Environmental Policy from Vermont Law School.