Louis Guerrazzi
Victaulic
Application Engineer
Louis Guerrazzi, PMSFPE, is a seasoned fire protection professional with over a decade of industry experience spanning engineering, product standards, professional development, and business strategy. He currently serves as an Application Engineer at Victaulic, where he supports clients and partners with expert guidance on fire suppression systems and mechanical piping solutions. Beyond his professional roles, Louis is an active contributor to standards development and education through numerous volunteer leadership positions. He has served for nearly a decade as a Technical Committee member on several standards including NFPA 13R, 14, 15, 20, 420, and 461. He also chaired the American Water Works Association’s Fire Protection Committee and held committee roles with ISO TC21/SC5 on fixed firefighting systems. Louis has also supported the broader engineering profession through service with ABET as a Board Delegate and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the SFPE New York Metro Chapter. His multi-faceted experience—from field application and business development to technical standards and professional education—makes him a compelling speaker with a unique, well-rounded perspective on the challenges and future of fire protection.
NFPA 420 Updates
The Cut and Dry of Dry Sprinklers
Victaulic
Application Engineer
Louis Guerrazzi, PMSFPE, is a seasoned fire protection professional with over a decade of industry experience spanning engineering, product standards, professional development, and business strategy. He currently serves as an Application Engineer at Victaulic, where he supports clients and partners with expert guidance on fire suppression systems and mechanical piping solutions. Beyond his professional roles, Louis is an active contributor to standards development and education through numerous volunteer leadership positions. He has served for nearly a decade as a Technical Committee member on several standards including NFPA 13R, 14, 15, 20, 420, and 461. He also chaired the American Water Works Association’s Fire Protection Committee and held committee roles with ISO TC21/SC5 on fixed firefighting systems. Louis has also supported the broader engineering profession through service with ABET as a Board Delegate and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the SFPE New York Metro Chapter. His multi-faceted experience—from field application and business development to technical standards and professional education—makes him a compelling speaker with a unique, well-rounded perspective on the challenges and future of fire protection.
NFPA 420 Updates
The Cut and Dry of Dry Sprinklers
Kevin Hall
M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE
AFSA
Director of Engineering
Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the director of engineering for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is a member of several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees responsible for developing the model codes and standards, including, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 13/13R/13D Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 14 Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, NFPA 20 Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection, NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and NFPA 200 Hanging, Bracing, and Anchorage of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. He also represents AFSA on numerous UL technical committees responsible for revising and maintaining the product standards used in the sprinkler industry. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland, NICET III certified in water-based system layout, a certified water-based system professional through NFPA, and a professional member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) where he serves as an At-Large Board Member and Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the Chesapeake Chapter. In 2021, he was recognized as one of SFPE’s “5 Under 35” award recipients. Prior to his association and committee work, he worked for Reliance Fire Protection in Baltimore, Maryland as a project manager overseeing projects of various sizes and complexity.
AFSA & NFPA Advancing the Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem
Proposed Updates to NFPA 13, 2028 Ed.
M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE
AFSA
Director of Engineering
Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the director of engineering for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is a member of several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees responsible for developing the model codes and standards, including, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 13/13R/13D Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 14 Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, NFPA 20 Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection, NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and NFPA 200 Hanging, Bracing, and Anchorage of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. He also represents AFSA on numerous UL technical committees responsible for revising and maintaining the product standards used in the sprinkler industry. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland, NICET III certified in water-based system layout, a certified water-based system professional through NFPA, and a professional member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) where he serves as an At-Large Board Member and Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the Chesapeake Chapter. In 2021, he was recognized as one of SFPE’s “5 Under 35” award recipients. Prior to his association and committee work, he worked for Reliance Fire Protection in Baltimore, Maryland as a project manager overseeing projects of various sizes and complexity.
AFSA & NFPA Advancing the Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem
Proposed Updates to NFPA 13, 2028 Ed.
Samuel Harbert
Driven Fire Consultants
Design Manager
I joined the Driven Fire Consultants team in 2022 as an experienced designer with 12 years in the fire protection industry, including serving as the Fire & Emergency Services Manager for the Department of the Military in South Dakota as well as the Engineering and Fabrication manager for a fire protection contracting company for 5 years. I am currently an integral part of the training and sales sectors at Driven Fire Consultants. I am currently on the AFSA Designer Training Committee serving in a role to help improve the future of our industry.
Introduction to BIM
Good Listing Processes and Jobsite Organization
Driven Fire Consultants
Design Manager
I joined the Driven Fire Consultants team in 2022 as an experienced designer with 12 years in the fire protection industry, including serving as the Fire & Emergency Services Manager for the Department of the Military in South Dakota as well as the Engineering and Fabrication manager for a fire protection contracting company for 5 years. I am currently an integral part of the training and sales sectors at Driven Fire Consultants. I am currently on the AFSA Designer Training Committee serving in a role to help improve the future of our industry.
Introduction to BIM
Good Listing Processes and Jobsite Organization
Justin Hassell
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Business Development Manager
Emerging Technologies for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Business Development Manager
Emerging Technologies for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
Jeff Hebenstreit
UL Solutions
Principal Engineer
Jeff Hebenstreit is a Principal Engineer and a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at UL Solutions specializing in water-based fire suppression products. During his 23-year career at UL, he has been involved with several of UL’s testing and certification activities. He is a member of several NFPA Technical Committees including Sprinkler System Installation Criteria, Hanging and Bracing of Water Based Fire Protection Systems, Private Water Supply Piping Systems, and Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. Jeff obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Antifreeze in Fire Sprinkler Systems
UL Solutions
Principal Engineer
Jeff Hebenstreit is a Principal Engineer and a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at UL Solutions specializing in water-based fire suppression products. During his 23-year career at UL, he has been involved with several of UL’s testing and certification activities. He is a member of several NFPA Technical Committees including Sprinkler System Installation Criteria, Hanging and Bracing of Water Based Fire Protection Systems, Private Water Supply Piping Systems, and Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. Jeff obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Antifreeze in Fire Sprinkler Systems
Keith Heckler
MEng, PE
U.S. Fire Administration
Training Specialist
Keith is a retired Authority Having Jurisdiction and currently serves as the Fire Prevention: Technical curriculum director at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. Keith has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. He also has a professional engineering license.
Forward Flow Testing of Backflow Preventers?
MEng, PE
U.S. Fire Administration
Training Specialist
Keith is a retired Authority Having Jurisdiction and currently serves as the Fire Prevention: Technical curriculum director at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. Keith has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. He also has a professional engineering license.
Forward Flow Testing of Backflow Preventers?
Travis Hitzeman
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Area Sales Manager
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Area Sales Manager
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
Don Hopkins
P.E.
Jensen Hughes Inc.
Vice President
Don Hopkins is vice president and global fire suppression service line leader for Jensen Hughes. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered fire protection engineer in multiple states (CA, DC, LA, MA, MD, NJ, NY, and WY). Don has over 29 years of experience in fire protection engineering, is a professional member of SFPE, and currently serves on multiple NFPA technical committees. Don has technical experience in fire protection and fire alarm system design, code consulting, forensic/litigation support, corrosion evaluations, research/fire testing, performance-based design, fire/smoke modeling, and timed-egress analyses.
Retrofitting Sprinklers in Historic Properties
P.E.
Jensen Hughes Inc.
Vice President
Don Hopkins is vice president and global fire suppression service line leader for Jensen Hughes. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered fire protection engineer in multiple states (CA, DC, LA, MA, MD, NJ, NY, and WY). Don has over 29 years of experience in fire protection engineering, is a professional member of SFPE, and currently serves on multiple NFPA technical committees. Don has technical experience in fire protection and fire alarm system design, code consulting, forensic/litigation support, corrosion evaluations, research/fire testing, performance-based design, fire/smoke modeling, and timed-egress analyses.
Retrofitting Sprinklers in Historic Properties
Mark Hopkins
P.E., FSFPE
Summit Fire National Consulting
Engineering Director
Mark Hopkins, P.E., FSFPE, engineering director and industry liaison with Summit Fire Consulting, is a registered fire protection engineer with over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He has B.S. ('92) and M.S. ('96) degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, in fire protection engineering. Hopkins has experience as a sprinkler fitter, designer, inspector, contractor, and engineer. He is a member of the SFPE Committee on Public Outreach and Advocacy, Existing Buildings, and Performance-Based Design Standards Development. He has been a member of numerous NFPA technical committees, including, but not limited to, NFPA 13D, 13R, 13 (SSI, AAC, SSI, HBS, and SSD), 25, 30, 72, 101, 101A, 200, 232, 550, 551, 909, 914, and 5000. Hopkins currently serves on the NFPA 13, 72, 200, 909, and 914 technical committees. He has authored many articles and publications and is an SFPE Fellow, president of the SFPE Chesapeake Chapter, and a Maryland State Fire Prevention Commissioner.
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
Retrofitting Sprinklers in Historic Properties
P.E., FSFPE
Summit Fire National Consulting
Engineering Director
Mark Hopkins, P.E., FSFPE, engineering director and industry liaison with Summit Fire Consulting, is a registered fire protection engineer with over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He has B.S. ('92) and M.S. ('96) degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, in fire protection engineering. Hopkins has experience as a sprinkler fitter, designer, inspector, contractor, and engineer. He is a member of the SFPE Committee on Public Outreach and Advocacy, Existing Buildings, and Performance-Based Design Standards Development. He has been a member of numerous NFPA technical committees, including, but not limited to, NFPA 13D, 13R, 13 (SSI, AAC, SSI, HBS, and SSD), 25, 30, 72, 101, 101A, 200, 232, 550, 551, 909, 914, and 5000. Hopkins currently serves on the NFPA 13, 72, 200, 909, and 914 technical committees. He has authored many articles and publications and is an SFPE Fellow, president of the SFPE Chesapeake Chapter, and a Maryland State Fire Prevention Commissioner.
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
Retrofitting Sprinklers in Historic Properties
Brandon Ingram
P.E.
Summit Fire Consulting
Fire Protection Consultant
Brandon Ingram, P.E., has over 12 years' experience in fire protection engineering and thermodynamics. His areas of expertise is smoke control systems, fire modeling, and code consulting. He currently works at Summit Fire Consulting as a fire protection engineer.
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
P.E.
Summit Fire Consulting
Fire Protection Consultant
Brandon Ingram, P.E., has over 12 years' experience in fire protection engineering and thermodynamics. His areas of expertise is smoke control systems, fire modeling, and code consulting. He currently works at Summit Fire Consulting as a fire protection engineer.
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
Duane Johnson
P.E., SET
Diamondback Fire Protection, LLC
President
Duane is the founder of Diamondback Fire Protection with over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He is a licensed Fire Protection Engineer and has NICET certifications in WBSL and ITM. He has worked for installing contractors, as a consulting engineer, fire marshal, and lecturer which gives him a well-rounded perspective of the fire protection industry.
Increasing Profits Through Better Design
Partnering with a Fire Protection Engineer
P.E., SET
Diamondback Fire Protection, LLC
President
Duane is the founder of Diamondback Fire Protection with over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He is a licensed Fire Protection Engineer and has NICET certifications in WBSL and ITM. He has worked for installing contractors, as a consulting engineer, fire marshal, and lecturer which gives him a well-rounded perspective of the fire protection industry.
Increasing Profits Through Better Design
Partnering with a Fire Protection Engineer
Alan Johnston
BSME
Hydratec, Inc.
President
Alan Johnston has been president of Hydratec, Inc., since 1972. Beginning with providing sprinkler system design services, Hydratec went on to develop software for hydraulic analysis, material fabrication, AutoCAD, and Revit-based design of fire protection sprinkler systems. Alan holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has been involved in design, programming, training and support within Hydratec. Alan is also the holder of several U.S. patents including one to simplify the retrofit of sprinkler systems into single-family homes. Alan has provided advanced training on the latest features of the HydraCAD software to groups of existing users in cities around the United States and Canada, as well as teaching classes on hydraulic calculations. He is also a co-instructor of the AFSA Intermediate Design School. His passionate interest in the use of BIM-related software in the design of fire sprinkler systems has been an important application of his more than 50 years of experience in this industry.
Cost Benefits of Nitrogen Filled Dry Systems
BSME
Hydratec, Inc.
President
Alan Johnston has been president of Hydratec, Inc., since 1972. Beginning with providing sprinkler system design services, Hydratec went on to develop software for hydraulic analysis, material fabrication, AutoCAD, and Revit-based design of fire protection sprinkler systems. Alan holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has been involved in design, programming, training and support within Hydratec. Alan is also the holder of several U.S. patents including one to simplify the retrofit of sprinkler systems into single-family homes. Alan has provided advanced training on the latest features of the HydraCAD software to groups of existing users in cities around the United States and Canada, as well as teaching classes on hydraulic calculations. He is also a co-instructor of the AFSA Intermediate Design School. His passionate interest in the use of BIM-related software in the design of fire sprinkler systems has been an important application of his more than 50 years of experience in this industry.
Cost Benefits of Nitrogen Filled Dry Systems
Amanda Kimball
Fire Protection Research Foundation
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
Suppression Research from FPRF
Fire Protection Research Foundation
Automated Storage Warehouse Protection
Suppression Research from FPRF
Shaun Kramer
Viking Corp.
Director - Technical Services
Shaun Kramer, Viking Corporation, Senior Director of Technical Services and Training, has been with Viking for 19 years. Shaun is NICET Level III certified in both Water-Based Systems Layout and Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Prior to joining Viking, Shaun was an estimator, project manager, and sprinkler system designer for 8 years with two sprinkler contractors. Shaun is a member on the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Sprinkler Discharge Criteria and the NFSA Engineering & Standards Committee.
Evolution of Data Center Fire Protection
Viking Corp.
Director - Technical Services
Shaun Kramer, Viking Corporation, Senior Director of Technical Services and Training, has been with Viking for 19 years. Shaun is NICET Level III certified in both Water-Based Systems Layout and Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Prior to joining Viking, Shaun was an estimator, project manager, and sprinkler system designer for 8 years with two sprinkler contractors. Shaun is a member on the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Sprinkler Discharge Criteria and the NFSA Engineering & Standards Committee.
Evolution of Data Center Fire Protection
Russell Leavitt, CFPS, SET
SET
TELGIAN Corporation
Chairman
Russ Leavitt is the executive chairman of Telgian Corporation. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he holds a Level IV certification from NICET in Water-Based Systems Layout and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Russ is a licensed contractor with 43 years of experience in the design, installation, and testing of fire protection systems. He is the immediate past chair of the NFPA board of directors, where he has served since 2014. He sits on the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria and Installation technical committees and several other technical committees. He also serves on the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Board of Governors. Russ is a long-time senior instructor for AFSA and has authored several articles and training materials, including AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program and the online hydraulic calculations series. Russ was the 2013 recipient of AFSA's prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award.
Changing How We Classify System Conditions, NFPA 25, 2023 Ed.
Is it Engineering or System Layout?
SET
TELGIAN Corporation
Chairman
Russ Leavitt is the executive chairman of Telgian Corporation. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he holds a Level IV certification from NICET in Water-Based Systems Layout and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Russ is a licensed contractor with 43 years of experience in the design, installation, and testing of fire protection systems. He is the immediate past chair of the NFPA board of directors, where he has served since 2014. He sits on the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria and Installation technical committees and several other technical committees. He also serves on the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Board of Governors. Russ is a long-time senior instructor for AFSA and has authored several articles and training materials, including AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program and the online hydraulic calculations series. Russ was the 2013 recipient of AFSA's prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award.
Changing How We Classify System Conditions, NFPA 25, 2023 Ed.
Is it Engineering or System Layout?
Jeff Lewis
SET
VSC Fire & Security, Inc.
Vice President of Technical Workforce Development
Jeff Lewis is vice president of Technical Workforce Development for VSC Fire & Security, Inc. He holds an A.A.S. degree in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College and a B.S. Degree in Occupational Safety and Health with a concentration in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. His NICET certifications include Level III in the Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, Level III in Special Hazards Suppression Systems, Level II in Fire Alarm Systems, and Level II in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. He is also an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Lewis served as a review committee member and instructor for AFSA's ITM Inspector Development Program and has served on the board of directors for AFSA's Virginia Chapter, the Business Advisory Committee for Henrico County Public Schools CTE, and as an SME on three NICET committees.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
SET
VSC Fire & Security, Inc.
Vice President of Technical Workforce Development
Jeff Lewis is vice president of Technical Workforce Development for VSC Fire & Security, Inc. He holds an A.A.S. degree in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College and a B.S. Degree in Occupational Safety and Health with a concentration in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. His NICET certifications include Level III in the Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, Level III in Special Hazards Suppression Systems, Level II in Fire Alarm Systems, and Level II in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. He is also an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Lewis served as a review committee member and instructor for AFSA's ITM Inspector Development Program and has served on the board of directors for AFSA's Virginia Chapter, the Business Advisory Committee for Henrico County Public Schools CTE, and as an SME on three NICET committees.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Need Employees: High School CTE is Your Answer!
Travis Mack
Travis Mack has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 35+ years. He is currently employed with MEPCAD as a Support and Training Specialist, and also serves as Director of Education & Training for the online Fire Sprinkler Academy of Technology. Travis maintains his NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout.
Incorporating Pressure Regulating Devices in Hydraulic Calcs
Travis Mack has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 35+ years. He is currently employed with MEPCAD as a Support and Training Specialist, and also serves as Director of Education & Training for the online Fire Sprinkler Academy of Technology. Travis maintains his NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout.
Incorporating Pressure Regulating Devices in Hydraulic Calcs
Joshua McDonald
P.E., MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM
AFSA
Manager Engineering & Technical Services
Joshua McDonald, PE, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM, is the Director of Training and Operations for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He oversees technical content development and hands-on training for fire protection professionals. With experience in manufacturing and risk engineering, he contributes to NFPA technical committees and UL standard panels, shaping industry codes and product standards. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas, NICET Level III certified in water-based inspection, testing, and maintenance, and holds multiple fire protection certifications through NFPA. McDonald has a B.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology and an M.S. in Fire Safety and Explosion Protection from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of NFPA and SFPE.
Updates to NFPA 25, 2026 Ed.
P.E., MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM
AFSA
Manager Engineering & Technical Services
Joshua McDonald, PE, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM, is the Director of Training and Operations for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He oversees technical content development and hands-on training for fire protection professionals. With experience in manufacturing and risk engineering, he contributes to NFPA technical committees and UL standard panels, shaping industry codes and product standards. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas, NICET Level III certified in water-based inspection, testing, and maintenance, and holds multiple fire protection certifications through NFPA. McDonald has a B.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology and an M.S. in Fire Safety and Explosion Protection from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of NFPA and SFPE.
Updates to NFPA 25, 2026 Ed.