Eric Andresen
WBITM
AFSA
Technical Training Specialist
Eric Andresen, WBITM, is the technical training specialist for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He has experience with risk engineering applied to fire protection system analysis and the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems for the insurance industry. Andresen has experience in the hands-on training of water-based fire protection systems for risk engineers and facilities management staff. Andresen received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University.
Updates to NFPA 25, 2026 Ed.
WBITM
AFSA
Technical Training Specialist
Eric Andresen, WBITM, is the technical training specialist for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He has experience with risk engineering applied to fire protection system analysis and the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems for the insurance industry. Andresen has experience in the hands-on training of water-based fire protection systems for risk engineers and facilities management staff. Andresen received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University.
Updates to NFPA 25, 2026 Ed.
Weston C. Baker, Jr.
FM Global
Wes Baker is a Senior Engineering Technical Specialist in the Chief Engineers Group at FM Global. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and an NFPA member serving on both the NFPA 13 Installation and NFPA 13 Discharge committees. He has been with FM Global for 40 years and is currently responsible for data sheets related to the protection of storage, as well as the installation guidelines for sprinklers that are used for storage protection. Mr. Baker was named the 2011 William M. Carey award recipient by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the NFPA, for his technical paper, “Storage Sprinkler Design Criteria” – the concept behind the 2010 release of FM’s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. Mr. Baker also received a Special Achievement Award from NFPA in 2015 for the contributions he provided on updating the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13 regarding guidelines for commodity classification. Mr. Baker also received a Committee Service award from NFPA in 2024 for his participation in and contributions to NFPA 13 over tthe past three decades.
The Hazard of Open-Top Combustible Containers and New Guidelines for Their Protection
FM Global
Wes Baker is a Senior Engineering Technical Specialist in the Chief Engineers Group at FM Global. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and an NFPA member serving on both the NFPA 13 Installation and NFPA 13 Discharge committees. He has been with FM Global for 40 years and is currently responsible for data sheets related to the protection of storage, as well as the installation guidelines for sprinklers that are used for storage protection. Mr. Baker was named the 2011 William M. Carey award recipient by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the NFPA, for his technical paper, “Storage Sprinkler Design Criteria” – the concept behind the 2010 release of FM’s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. Mr. Baker also received a Special Achievement Award from NFPA in 2015 for the contributions he provided on updating the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13 regarding guidelines for commodity classification. Mr. Baker also received a Committee Service award from NFPA in 2024 for his participation in and contributions to NFPA 13 over tthe past three decades.
The Hazard of Open-Top Combustible Containers and New Guidelines for Their Protection
Ellen Ballard
Fire Tech Systems, Inc.
Executive Director
Ellen Ballard, originally from LaPlace, Louisiana, has proudly called Shreveport home since 1998. She has served as Executive Assistant to Linda Biernacki at Fire Tech Systems since 2017 and became Executive Director of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) in 2019. As LFSA's executive director, she serves as co-host for the Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit and serves on several AFSA national committees, including Convention, Public Education & Awareness, and Membership, allowing her to further support industry growth and outreach. Prior to entering the fire protection industry, Ellen spent over 30 years in the private country club sector and 8 years in community relations at Eagle Distributing. Her career focus has consistently been on service, collaboration, and strengthening businesses and communities.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Fire Tech Systems, Inc.
Executive Director
Ellen Ballard, originally from LaPlace, Louisiana, has proudly called Shreveport home since 1998. She has served as Executive Assistant to Linda Biernacki at Fire Tech Systems since 2017 and became Executive Director of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) in 2019. As LFSA's executive director, she serves as co-host for the Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit and serves on several AFSA national committees, including Convention, Public Education & Awareness, and Membership, allowing her to further support industry growth and outreach. Prior to entering the fire protection industry, Ellen spent over 30 years in the private country club sector and 8 years in community relations at Eagle Distributing. Her career focus has consistently been on service, collaboration, and strengthening businesses and communities.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Mac Beaton
Henrico County Public Schools
Director, Workforce & Career Development
Mac Beaton has served as Director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools Henrico since 2000. He started his career as an apprentice electrician at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard but has spent the last 38 years at Henrico County Schools as a teacher and education specialist, serving as director for the last 23 years. Mac received his B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and his Masters in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. With the ever-changing world of education, Mac has been recognized with various awards for his progressive approach to workforce development. Most recently, he was recognized nationally for “The CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day” recognizing students leaving high school and entering the workforce much like the signing day for athletes.
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
Henrico County Public Schools
Director, Workforce & Career Development
Mac Beaton has served as Director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools Henrico since 2000. He started his career as an apprentice electrician at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard but has spent the last 38 years at Henrico County Schools as a teacher and education specialist, serving as director for the last 23 years. Mac received his B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and his Masters in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. With the ever-changing world of education, Mac has been recognized with various awards for his progressive approach to workforce development. Most recently, he was recognized nationally for “The CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day” recognizing students leaving high school and entering the workforce much like the signing day for athletes.
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
Kerry Bell
UL Solutions
Kerry M. Bell is a Corporate Fellow and Principal Engineer for fire sprinkler and pump equipment at UL Solutions. Since 1976, he has been involved in UL’s testing and certification activities related to a variety of fire suppression products including portable fire extinguishers, special hazard extinguishing systems as well as fire sprinkler and pump system equipment. He has authored dozens of technical articles/papers related to these products and has also contributed time as a speaker for numerous seminars and events sponsored by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and industry associations. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University. He has been a registered professional engineer in the State of Illinois since 1981. He is a life member of NFPA, a Fellow member of the SFPE and a former member of the SFPE Foundation Board of Governors from 2009 to 2024. He currently participates or previously participated in dozens of technical committees of the NFPA, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), American Water Works Association (AWWA), ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. He was one of the key technical contributors in the design of UL’s award-winning large-scale fire test facility which opened in 1996. Bell has been a primary technical contributor in the development of new and/or revisions to more than 50 UL standards. He was member of NFPA’s Standards Council for 15 years from 2004 - 2019 including serving as Chair for 6 years.
Field Sprinkler Testing Statistics and ITM in NFPA 25
UL Solutions
Kerry M. Bell is a Corporate Fellow and Principal Engineer for fire sprinkler and pump equipment at UL Solutions. Since 1976, he has been involved in UL’s testing and certification activities related to a variety of fire suppression products including portable fire extinguishers, special hazard extinguishing systems as well as fire sprinkler and pump system equipment. He has authored dozens of technical articles/papers related to these products and has also contributed time as a speaker for numerous seminars and events sponsored by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and industry associations. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University. He has been a registered professional engineer in the State of Illinois since 1981. He is a life member of NFPA, a Fellow member of the SFPE and a former member of the SFPE Foundation Board of Governors from 2009 to 2024. He currently participates or previously participated in dozens of technical committees of the NFPA, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), American Water Works Association (AWWA), ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. He was one of the key technical contributors in the design of UL’s award-winning large-scale fire test facility which opened in 1996. Bell has been a primary technical contributor in the development of new and/or revisions to more than 50 UL standards. He was member of NFPA’s Standards Council for 15 years from 2004 - 2019 including serving as Chair for 6 years.
Field Sprinkler Testing Statistics and ITM in NFPA 25
Tracey Bellamy
P.E., CFPS, CWBSP
Telgian Engineering and Consulting
Chief Engineering Officer
Tracey Bellamy is chief engineering officer with Telgian Corporation and has over 30 years of experience in fire protection engineering. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina holding undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering. Bellamy also holds the inaugural Advanced Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering from WPI. Bellamy serves on several NFPA committees, including NFPA 13, 15, 16, 25, 30, 30B, 101, and 5000, and is currently chair for NFPA 15. He is a major contributor to the NFPA 13 and 25 Handbooks and holds professional engineering licenses in Fire Protection and Civil Engineering in 49 of the 50 states and all the U.S. territories. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Water-Based Systems Professional, and an active member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE.
Navigating Disagreements in Code Development
Is it Engineering or System Layout?
P.E., CFPS, CWBSP
Telgian Engineering and Consulting
Chief Engineering Officer
Tracey Bellamy is chief engineering officer with Telgian Corporation and has over 30 years of experience in fire protection engineering. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina holding undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering. Bellamy also holds the inaugural Advanced Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering from WPI. Bellamy serves on several NFPA committees, including NFPA 13, 15, 16, 25, 30, 30B, 101, and 5000, and is currently chair for NFPA 15. He is a major contributor to the NFPA 13 and 25 Handbooks and holds professional engineering licenses in Fire Protection and Civil Engineering in 49 of the 50 states and all the U.S. territories. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Water-Based Systems Professional, and an active member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE.
Navigating Disagreements in Code Development
Is it Engineering or System Layout?
Linda Biernacki
Fire Tech Systems
Board Chair - President
Serving as AFSA Chair of the Board and Region 4 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La. Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records, and is past chair of the AFSA40 Convention Committee and the Membership & Chapter Development Committee. She is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.
Women in the Industry
Fire Tech Systems
Board Chair - President
Serving as AFSA Chair of the Board and Region 4 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La. Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records, and is past chair of the AFSA40 Convention Committee and the Membership & Chapter Development Committee. She is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.
Women in the Industry
Bob Caputo
CFPS
AFSA
President
Bob Caputo, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is the current chair of the NFPA 24 and NFPA 291 technical committees and a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 and NFPA 25. Caputo is a contributor of the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Handbooks, the NFPA Inspection Manual, and the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook. A member of NFPA and AFSA faculties, Caputo has written and presented seminars worldwide on fire protection and life safety systems and is a regular speaker at AFSA and NFPA conventions. Caputo is an instructor at the U.S. National Fire Academy and an Industry Advisory Board member at Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Engineering & Safety. Caputo’s industry distinctions include “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” from San Diego County in 1994, “Man of the Year” from Fire Protection Contractor magazine in 1997, and the Henry S. Parmelee award from AFSA in 2017. Caputo attended the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a U.S. Navy veteran and former volunteer firefighter.
Estimating and Bidding: Best Practices
Introduction to Field Labor Management
CFPS
AFSA
President
Bob Caputo, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is the current chair of the NFPA 24 and NFPA 291 technical committees and a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 and NFPA 25. Caputo is a contributor of the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Handbooks, the NFPA Inspection Manual, and the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook. A member of NFPA and AFSA faculties, Caputo has written and presented seminars worldwide on fire protection and life safety systems and is a regular speaker at AFSA and NFPA conventions. Caputo is an instructor at the U.S. National Fire Academy and an Industry Advisory Board member at Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Engineering & Safety. Caputo’s industry distinctions include “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” from San Diego County in 1994, “Man of the Year” from Fire Protection Contractor magazine in 1997, and the Henry S. Parmelee award from AFSA in 2017. Caputo attended the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a U.S. Navy veteran and former volunteer firefighter.
Estimating and Bidding: Best Practices
Introduction to Field Labor Management
Johnathan Carl
CET
Victaulic
Sr. Fire protection Specialist
Johnathan Carl, CET, is a senior fire protection application specialist at Victaulic. Johnathan has over 25 years of fire protection experience, including journeyman sprinkler fitter, project manager, and lead service/inspector. He holds multiple NICET and NFPA certifications and has served as a captain for the South Whitehall Fire Department Engine #32 for 17 years. Johnathan currently serves on the NFPA 14, 24, and 420 committees as a principal member and on NFSA's NFPA 25 task force committee. ohnathan has delivered fire protection training throughout the United States, South America, and Canada, and is a member of AFSA, ASCET, NFPA, and NFSA.
NFPA 420 Updates
CET
Victaulic
Sr. Fire protection Specialist
Johnathan Carl, CET, is a senior fire protection application specialist at Victaulic. Johnathan has over 25 years of fire protection experience, including journeyman sprinkler fitter, project manager, and lead service/inspector. He holds multiple NICET and NFPA certifications and has served as a captain for the South Whitehall Fire Department Engine #32 for 17 years. Johnathan currently serves on the NFPA 14, 24, and 420 committees as a principal member and on NFSA's NFPA 25 task force committee. ohnathan has delivered fire protection training throughout the United States, South America, and Canada, and is a member of AFSA, ASCET, NFPA, and NFSA.
NFPA 420 Updates
Lorraine Carli
NFPA
Lorraine Carli is vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association where she oversees all media, public affairs and advocacy activities; the organization’s magazine NFPA Journal; NFPA’s Government Affairs, Wildfire, Public Education and US/Canada Regional Operations Divisions; Community Risk Reduction and Metro Fire Chief Section. Carli is president of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, past president and current board member of the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) board of directors, member of the board of directors for the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation, and past president of the board of directors for The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Carli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell, teaching graduate public relations courses.
AFSA & NFPA Advancing the Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem
NFPA
Lorraine Carli is vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association where she oversees all media, public affairs and advocacy activities; the organization’s magazine NFPA Journal; NFPA’s Government Affairs, Wildfire, Public Education and US/Canada Regional Operations Divisions; Community Risk Reduction and Metro Fire Chief Section. Carli is president of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, past president and current board member of the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) board of directors, member of the board of directors for the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation, and past president of the board of directors for The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Carli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell, teaching graduate public relations courses.
AFSA & NFPA Advancing the Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem
Beverly Cocke
M.Ed.
Henrico County Public Schools
Admin. Coord., Workforce & Career Development
Beverly Cocke, Administrator of Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools, has been connecting business partners and career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school level and her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board before officially becoming part of the CTE Team five years ago. Mrs. Cocke has worked to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners that create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She has received several accolades for organizing career readiness events like the Life Ready Expo, Career Rodeo Skills Challenge, Letter of Intent Signing Day, and the Career Mega Sale hiring event. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
M.Ed.
Henrico County Public Schools
Admin. Coord., Workforce & Career Development
Beverly Cocke, Administrator of Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools, has been connecting business partners and career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school level and her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board before officially becoming part of the CTE Team five years ago. Mrs. Cocke has worked to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners that create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She has received several accolades for organizing career readiness events like the Life Ready Expo, Career Rodeo Skills Challenge, Letter of Intent Signing Day, and the Career Mega Sale hiring event. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
Jessica Cox
AFSA Florida Chapter
Executive Director
Jessica Cox is an accomplished association leader with over 13 years of experience in membership development, event planning, and leadership training within the construction and fire protection industries. Since 2019, she has served as the Executive Director of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Florida Chapter, where she has led significant growth in member engagement, education programming, and advocacy efforts. Jessica is the architect of the Florida Chapter’s NEXGEN Leadership Program and plays a central role in managing chapter operations, including CEU course administration, committee oversight, sponsor relations, and event execution. She works closely with contractors, instructors, and the State Fire Marshal to maintain high-quality training offerings that serve the industry’s evolving needs. Prior to joining AFSA, Jessica spent 8 years with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, where she held progressive leadership roles in membership, marketing, and communications. She brings a strong background in project management, strategic communication, and grassroots leadership development. Jessica is passionate about helping emerging leaders find their path in the fire protection industry and building strong, connected professional communities.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
AFSA Florida Chapter
Executive Director
Jessica Cox is an accomplished association leader with over 13 years of experience in membership development, event planning, and leadership training within the construction and fire protection industries. Since 2019, she has served as the Executive Director of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Florida Chapter, where she has led significant growth in member engagement, education programming, and advocacy efforts. Jessica is the architect of the Florida Chapter’s NEXGEN Leadership Program and plays a central role in managing chapter operations, including CEU course administration, committee oversight, sponsor relations, and event execution. She works closely with contractors, instructors, and the State Fire Marshal to maintain high-quality training offerings that serve the industry’s evolving needs. Prior to joining AFSA, Jessica spent 8 years with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, where she held progressive leadership roles in membership, marketing, and communications. She brings a strong background in project management, strategic communication, and grassroots leadership development. Jessica is passionate about helping emerging leaders find their path in the fire protection industry and building strong, connected professional communities.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Micah Davis
SET
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Senior Manager - Engineering Services
Beverly Cocke, Administrator of Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools, has been connecting business partners and career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school level and her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board before officially becoming part of the CTE Team five years ago. Mrs. Cocke has worked to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners that create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She has received several accolades for organizing career readiness events like the Life Ready Expo, Career Rodeo Skills Challenge, Letter of Intent Signing Day, and the Career Mega Sale hiring event. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Emerging Technologies for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
7 Habits of a Highly Effective Fire Sprinkler Designer
SET
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Senior Manager - Engineering Services
Beverly Cocke, Administrator of Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools, has been connecting business partners and career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school level and her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board before officially becoming part of the CTE Team five years ago. Mrs. Cocke has worked to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners that create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She has received several accolades for organizing career readiness events like the Life Ready Expo, Career Rodeo Skills Challenge, Letter of Intent Signing Day, and the Career Mega Sale hiring event. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Emerging Technologies for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
7 Habits of a Highly Effective Fire Sprinkler Designer
John Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE
P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE
AFSA
Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services
John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE, is the vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is responsible for strengthening AFSA’s engineering and technical approaches to meeting member, industry, and operational priorities, with an emphasis on service, quality, and integrity. Denhardt is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is NICET Level III certified in water-based systems layout, NICET Level III certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems, and a certified water-based system professional through NFPA. Denhardt is a member of the NFPA 13 technical committee on sprinkler system discharge criteria, a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation and sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. Prior to this role, Denhardt was employed by Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland, since 1994, overseeing large-scale projects and assisting with design and installation technical issues.
Electrical Requirements for Fire Pumps
Proposed Updates to NFPA 14 and NFPA 20
P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE
AFSA
Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services
John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE, is the vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is responsible for strengthening AFSA’s engineering and technical approaches to meeting member, industry, and operational priorities, with an emphasis on service, quality, and integrity. Denhardt is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is NICET Level III certified in water-based systems layout, NICET Level III certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems, and a certified water-based system professional through NFPA. Denhardt is a member of the NFPA 13 technical committee on sprinkler system discharge criteria, a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation and sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. Prior to this role, Denhardt was employed by Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland, since 1994, overseeing large-scale projects and assisting with design and installation technical issues.
Electrical Requirements for Fire Pumps
Proposed Updates to NFPA 14 and NFPA 20
George DiMatteo
DiMatteo Consulting
George DiMatteo has over 45 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry, beginning his career in 1979 with Delta Fire Systems. He co-founded a fabrication shop in Sacramento at just 29 and later joined Ferguson in 1992, where he played a key role in expanding their Fire & Fabrication division. George helped grow the business significantly, opening multiple branches and leading Ferguson’s first fabrication shop acquisition in 2000. After relocating to Texas in 2004, he held several leadership roles, focusing on growth strategy, acquisitions, and national expansion—overseeing more than 23 company acquisitions. Promoted to President of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication in 2011 and later Vice President of Ferguson Enterprise in 2016, George served on Ferguson’s Executive Leadership Team until his retirement in 2024. Under his leadership, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication became the market leader in the industry. Widely respected in the field, George remains active on several national fire protection committees and received the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award in 2021 for his contributions to the industry.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
DiMatteo Consulting
George DiMatteo has over 45 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry, beginning his career in 1979 with Delta Fire Systems. He co-founded a fabrication shop in Sacramento at just 29 and later joined Ferguson in 1992, where he played a key role in expanding their Fire & Fabrication division. George helped grow the business significantly, opening multiple branches and leading Ferguson’s first fabrication shop acquisition in 2000. After relocating to Texas in 2004, he held several leadership roles, focusing on growth strategy, acquisitions, and national expansion—overseeing more than 23 company acquisitions. Promoted to President of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication in 2011 and later Vice President of Ferguson Enterprise in 2016, George served on Ferguson’s Executive Leadership Team until his retirement in 2024. Under his leadership, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication became the market leader in the industry. Widely respected in the field, George remains active on several national fire protection committees and received the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award in 2021 for his contributions to the industry.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
Dave English
General Air Products, Inc.
Director of Business Development
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
General Air Products, Inc.
Director of Business Development
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
Danielle Fowler
Potter Signal
Executive Director
Danielle Fowler is the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Potter Electric Signal. She has worked in the fire sprinkler industry for over 40 years and is the executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of AFSA. She has held this position for over 17 years, making her the longest standing ED, but not the oldest!
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Potter Signal
Executive Director
Danielle Fowler is the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Potter Electric Signal. She has worked in the fire sprinkler industry for over 40 years and is the executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of AFSA. She has held this position for over 17 years, making her the longest standing ED, but not the oldest!
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Ray Fremont, Jr.
General Air Products, Inc.
President
Ray Fremont, Jr. has worked at General Air Products in many positions over 25 years. Now, as president, he represents the fourth generation of his family's air compressor and industrial equipment manufacturing company. For 60 years, General Air Products has offered the fire sprinkler industry a variety of air supply equipment for dry and preaction systems. This includes air compressors, dry air, and nitrogen generators, and now Vapor Pipe Shield. Ray has spent the last 10 years educating the fire protection industry about the nuances of the spaces where air supply equipment is installed and serviced.
The What & Why of 2025 NFPA Codes & Standards Updates Regarding Fire Protection Air Supplies
General Air Products, Inc.
President
Ray Fremont, Jr. has worked at General Air Products in many positions over 25 years. Now, as president, he represents the fourth generation of his family's air compressor and industrial equipment manufacturing company. For 60 years, General Air Products has offered the fire sprinkler industry a variety of air supply equipment for dry and preaction systems. This includes air compressors, dry air, and nitrogen generators, and now Vapor Pipe Shield. Ray has spent the last 10 years educating the fire protection industry about the nuances of the spaces where air supply equipment is installed and serviced.
The What & Why of 2025 NFPA Codes & Standards Updates Regarding Fire Protection Air Supplies
Jason Gill
SET
Crews
Operations Manager
Jason Gill is the operations manager for Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers in Richmond, Va., and holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Jason is an NFPA 13 committee member, representing AFSA for SSI, and is a board member for the AFSA Virginia Chapter and the Burn Survivors Foundation. He is an experienced salesman, estimator, designer, manager and industry member since 1997.
Get Your Hands Dirty - Big Profits from Small Business
SET
Crews
Operations Manager
Jason Gill is the operations manager for Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers in Richmond, Va., and holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Jason is an NFPA 13 committee member, representing AFSA for SSI, and is a board member for the AFSA Virginia Chapter and the Burn Survivors Foundation. He is an experienced salesman, estimator, designer, manager and industry member since 1997.
Get Your Hands Dirty - Big Profits from Small Business
Scott Golly
P.E.
Jensen Hughes
Vice President - FBS Service Line Leader Special Hazards
Scott Golly is a Vice President and Service Line Leader in Special Hazards for Jensen Hughes and works as a subject matter expert, mentor, instructor, project manager, and industry advocate. Mr. Golly has experience in designing fire alarm and emergency communication systems, water-based fire suppression, gaseous suppression systems, conducting performance-based assessments, and preparing code and life safety evaluations for new and existing buildings. He oversees fire protection system installations, system failure investigations, and is serving as a technical expert for legal cases. Scott is a registered fire protection engineer. He has manufacturer-specific fire alarm system training and knowledge for numerous brands of fire alarm systems. Mr. Golly has been, and continues to be, an active volunteer fire fighter for over 33 years with experience in Baltimore and Harford counties in Maryland.
Fire Protection Challenges for Li-Ion Batteries
P.E.
Jensen Hughes
Vice President - FBS Service Line Leader Special Hazards
Scott Golly is a Vice President and Service Line Leader in Special Hazards for Jensen Hughes and works as a subject matter expert, mentor, instructor, project manager, and industry advocate. Mr. Golly has experience in designing fire alarm and emergency communication systems, water-based fire suppression, gaseous suppression systems, conducting performance-based assessments, and preparing code and life safety evaluations for new and existing buildings. He oversees fire protection system installations, system failure investigations, and is serving as a technical expert for legal cases. Scott is a registered fire protection engineer. He has manufacturer-specific fire alarm system training and knowledge for numerous brands of fire alarm systems. Mr. Golly has been, and continues to be, an active volunteer fire fighter for over 33 years with experience in Baltimore and Harford counties in Maryland.
Fire Protection Challenges for Li-Ion Batteries