Michael Meehan
VSC Fire & Security, Inc.
Chairman
A lifelong Virginian, Michael Meehan started his career with VSC as a pipe fitter apprentice while earning a degree in public administration from George Mason University. Immediately upon graduation in 1981, he entered the VSC Springfield, Va., office as a design trainee. Such foundational bedrock created strong technical skills that eventually led to estimating, project management, divisional, corporate, and ownership roles. Having gone from pulling pipe wrenches to C-suite leadership has led to Meehan’s deep understanding of construction, fire protection contracting, and a foundational life perspective on value. Meehan has served on numerous community and fire protection industry boards. His accomplishments include being the past chair of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and a 20-year veteran of the NFPA 13 committee.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
VSC Fire & Security, Inc.
Chairman
A lifelong Virginian, Michael Meehan started his career with VSC as a pipe fitter apprentice while earning a degree in public administration from George Mason University. Immediately upon graduation in 1981, he entered the VSC Springfield, Va., office as a design trainee. Such foundational bedrock created strong technical skills that eventually led to estimating, project management, divisional, corporate, and ownership roles. Having gone from pulling pipe wrenches to C-suite leadership has led to Meehan’s deep understanding of construction, fire protection contracting, and a foundational life perspective on value. Meehan has served on numerous community and fire protection industry boards. His accomplishments include being the past chair of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and a 20-year veteran of the NFPA 13 committee.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
Meda Merritt
CAE
AFSA
VP, Membership & Chapter Development
Meda Merritt, CAE, is a solution-oriented Membership Executive with a proven track record of driving strategic growth, enhancing member engagement, and streamlining operations. With over a decade of experience spanning membership development, retention strategies, marketing, and organizational leadership, she brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to advancing association goals. As the Vice President of Membership and Chapter Development at the American Fire Sprinkler Association, she leads initiatives that fuel sustainable membership growth, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize internal processes. Her leadership has included overseeing award-winning campaigns, implementing a high-impact trial membership model with a 40% conversion rate, and leading AMS integration projects to improve business efficiencies. A recipient of the prestigious ASAE Gold Circle Award, she is recognized for developing impactful branding and engagement strategies. Her core strengths include strategic planning, program management, data-driven decision-making, and building inclusive, high-performing teams. Whether guiding regional development strategies or spearheading new member touchpoint models, she is committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
Women in the Industry
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
CAE
AFSA
VP, Membership & Chapter Development
Meda Merritt, CAE, is a solution-oriented Membership Executive with a proven track record of driving strategic growth, enhancing member engagement, and streamlining operations. With over a decade of experience spanning membership development, retention strategies, marketing, and organizational leadership, she brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to advancing association goals. As the Vice President of Membership and Chapter Development at the American Fire Sprinkler Association, she leads initiatives that fuel sustainable membership growth, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize internal processes. Her leadership has included overseeing award-winning campaigns, implementing a high-impact trial membership model with a 40% conversion rate, and leading AMS integration projects to improve business efficiencies. A recipient of the prestigious ASAE Gold Circle Award, she is recognized for developing impactful branding and engagement strategies. Her core strengths include strategic planning, program management, data-driven decision-making, and building inclusive, high-performing teams. Whether guiding regional development strategies or spearheading new member touchpoint models, she is committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
Women in the Industry
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Jim Milke
PhD, FSFPE
Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC.
Senior Principal Engineer
Dr. Jim Milke, P.E., is Professor Emeritus and past chair of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. He is also a Principal Senior Engineer with Fire and Risk Alliance. He received his PhD in Aerospace Engineering, MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and BS degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. In addition, he has a BS degree in Physics from Ursinus College. He has served on the faculty of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering for over 40 years. Jim has served as the Fire Protection Engineer for Fairfax County, VA, and a Research Fire Prevention Engineer at NIST. Dr. Milke is a Fellow and past president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). He was a member of FEMA’s Building Performance Study Team that investigated the World Trade Center catastrophe of 9-11. He is a Life Member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a past member of the Standards Council, a past member of the NFPA Fire Tests Committee, a current member and past chair of the NFPA committee on Smoke Management Systems. He has received awards for teaching, communications and service from the University of Maryland, NFPA, SFPE, Automatic Fire Alarm Association, American Fire Sprinkler Association and Siemens Building Technology Division.
Protection of Aircraft Hangars
PhD, FSFPE
Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC.
Senior Principal Engineer
Dr. Jim Milke, P.E., is Professor Emeritus and past chair of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. He is also a Principal Senior Engineer with Fire and Risk Alliance. He received his PhD in Aerospace Engineering, MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and BS degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. In addition, he has a BS degree in Physics from Ursinus College. He has served on the faculty of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering for over 40 years. Jim has served as the Fire Protection Engineer for Fairfax County, VA, and a Research Fire Prevention Engineer at NIST. Dr. Milke is a Fellow and past president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). He was a member of FEMA’s Building Performance Study Team that investigated the World Trade Center catastrophe of 9-11. He is a Life Member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a past member of the Standards Council, a past member of the NFPA Fire Tests Committee, a current member and past chair of the NFPA committee on Smoke Management Systems. He has received awards for teaching, communications and service from the University of Maryland, NFPA, SFPE, Automatic Fire Alarm Association, American Fire Sprinkler Association and Siemens Building Technology Division.
Protection of Aircraft Hangars
James Mongeau, Jr.
Detectors Group, Inc.
Growing up in the fire life safety industry and majoring in marketing, James has a unique point of view regarding different strategies and approaches when it comes to connecting businesses and opportunities via social media. After graduating from Plymouth State University, James moved to Grapevine, Texas, to take on a regional manager position. In this role, LinkedIn was a pivotal tool to network with the right people in a new region. From there, he has shared is experience and strategies to multiple companies, organizations and individuals. Presenting on this topic is something that he really enjoys and is a bit different than his usual flame detection presentations. James is currently the Director of Business Development at Detectors Group, Inc., and serves on the board for the Texas Fire Alarm Association, and is Marketing Director for the DFW SFPE chapter.
Practical Strategies for Professional Growth Utilizing LinkedIn
Detectors Group, Inc.
Growing up in the fire life safety industry and majoring in marketing, James has a unique point of view regarding different strategies and approaches when it comes to connecting businesses and opportunities via social media. After graduating from Plymouth State University, James moved to Grapevine, Texas, to take on a regional manager position. In this role, LinkedIn was a pivotal tool to network with the right people in a new region. From there, he has shared is experience and strategies to multiple companies, organizations and individuals. Presenting on this topic is something that he really enjoys and is a bit different than his usual flame detection presentations. James is currently the Director of Business Development at Detectors Group, Inc., and serves on the board for the Texas Fire Alarm Association, and is Marketing Director for the DFW SFPE chapter.
Practical Strategies for Professional Growth Utilizing LinkedIn
Randy Mongiovi
Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection
Vice President
Randy Mongiovi, CET, CWBSP, is the senior vice president of Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection Services. He is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and an NFPA Certified Water Based System Professional. He is a licensed fire protection contractor in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Florida, and holds both sprinkler fitter and company licenses in Ohio and West Virginia. Randy over 15 years in project management, estimating, and operations experience.
Operations Excellence: Own It, Transform it, Achieve it
Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection
Vice President
Randy Mongiovi, CET, CWBSP, is the senior vice president of Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection Services. He is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and an NFPA Certified Water Based System Professional. He is a licensed fire protection contractor in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Florida, and holds both sprinkler fitter and company licenses in Ohio and West Virginia. Randy over 15 years in project management, estimating, and operations experience.
Operations Excellence: Own It, Transform it, Achieve it
Thomas Parrish
CFPS, SET, PSP, GROL
Telgian Fire Safety
VP
Tom Parrish has more than 30 years of experience in fire protection and emergency response and is the retired fire marshal for Putnam Township, Mich. He serves on several NFPA technical committees including NFPA 72 Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property and Emergency Communications Systems. He currently serves as president of AFAA and is a senior instructor for NFPA. His professional credentials include NICET Level IV certified Fire Alarm Technician, Level III NICET Inspection and Testing, Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Master Electrician. He is board-certified as a Physical Security Professional by ASIS and holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial Technology from Kean University.
Interfacing Fire Sprinkler Systems to the Fire Alarm
CFPS, SET, PSP, GROL
Telgian Fire Safety
VP
Tom Parrish has more than 30 years of experience in fire protection and emergency response and is the retired fire marshal for Putnam Township, Mich. He serves on several NFPA technical committees including NFPA 72 Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property and Emergency Communications Systems. He currently serves as president of AFAA and is a senior instructor for NFPA. His professional credentials include NICET Level IV certified Fire Alarm Technician, Level III NICET Inspection and Testing, Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Master Electrician. He is board-certified as a Physical Security Professional by ASIS and holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial Technology from Kean University.
Interfacing Fire Sprinkler Systems to the Fire Alarm
Jack Poole
P.E., FSFPE
Poole Fire Protection
Jack Poole is a Principal and Founder of Poole Fire Protection, Inc., a family-owned code consulting and fire protection engineering firm located in the Greater Kansas City area. In 2021, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. Mr. Poole graduated from the University of Maryland in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Fire Protection, licensed in 50 states, plus Washington, DC and Guam. He chairs NFPA 520, serves on many other NFPA technical committees, was honored with the NFPA Committee Service Award in 2024 and is a past member of the NFPA Standards Council. Mr. Poole is also a SFPE Fellow and was the SFPE International President in 2021. Mr. Poole was honored by SFPE with the Ahern President’s Award in 2024, the SFPE D. Peter Lund Award in 2022, the Service Recognition Award in 2021, and the John L. Bryan Mentor Award in 2016. Mr. Poole serves as the Chair of the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering Board of Visitors, is a member of the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering Board of Visitors, and the past Chair of the OSU FPST Industrial Advisory Board. Mr. Poole was appointed to and presently serves as an Engineering Member of the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions. He is also the proud dad of two University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineers – Drew and Stephanie, both of whom are co-owners of the firm.
Protection of Aircraft Hangars
P.E., FSFPE
Poole Fire Protection
Jack Poole is a Principal and Founder of Poole Fire Protection, Inc., a family-owned code consulting and fire protection engineering firm located in the Greater Kansas City area. In 2021, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. Mr. Poole graduated from the University of Maryland in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Fire Protection, licensed in 50 states, plus Washington, DC and Guam. He chairs NFPA 520, serves on many other NFPA technical committees, was honored with the NFPA Committee Service Award in 2024 and is a past member of the NFPA Standards Council. Mr. Poole is also a SFPE Fellow and was the SFPE International President in 2021. Mr. Poole was honored by SFPE with the Ahern President’s Award in 2024, the SFPE D. Peter Lund Award in 2022, the Service Recognition Award in 2021, and the John L. Bryan Mentor Award in 2016. Mr. Poole serves as the Chair of the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering Board of Visitors, is a member of the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering Board of Visitors, and the past Chair of the OSU FPST Industrial Advisory Board. Mr. Poole was appointed to and presently serves as an Engineering Member of the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions. He is also the proud dad of two University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineers – Drew and Stephanie, both of whom are co-owners of the firm.
Protection of Aircraft Hangars
Michael Reardon
P.E.
Reardon Fire Consulting
Mr. Reardon has over 25 years in the fire protection engineering industry along with 30 years as a volunteer firefighter in Prince George's County, Maryland. As the President of Reardon Fire Consulting since 2010, Mr. Reardon provides fire and life safety design and consulting services for various types of facilities with a specialty in large and micro distilleries.
Fire Protection for Distilleries
P.E.
Reardon Fire Consulting
Mr. Reardon has over 25 years in the fire protection engineering industry along with 30 years as a volunteer firefighter in Prince George's County, Maryland. As the President of Reardon Fire Consulting since 2010, Mr. Reardon provides fire and life safety design and consulting services for various types of facilities with a specialty in large and micro distilleries.
Fire Protection for Distilleries
Melisa Rodriguez
P.E., SET
JCI
Business Development Manager
Melisa Rodriguez is the Vertical Business Development Leader for Storage with Johnson Controls. She is a licensed Fire Protection Professional Engineer with 20 years of experience in the industry and has held various roles including Project Manager, Designer, Lead Fire Protection Engineer, and Senior Business Development Manager. She is also NICET certified Level IV in Water-Based Systems Layout. She earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Minnesota located in Minneapolis, MN. Melisa serves as Chair on the MN board of licensure (AELSLAGID), Vice-Chair of the MN Governor’s Council for Fire Prevention and Control, a principal member of NFPA 14, 13R/13D and 88A Technical Committees, alternate member of the NFPA 13 Discharge Committee, NFSA Future Leadership Committee Vice-Chair, SFPE Virtual Learning Subcommittee Chair, and President of the MN Chapter Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
Updates and Challenges in Parking Structures
P.E., SET
JCI
Business Development Manager
Melisa Rodriguez is the Vertical Business Development Leader for Storage with Johnson Controls. She is a licensed Fire Protection Professional Engineer with 20 years of experience in the industry and has held various roles including Project Manager, Designer, Lead Fire Protection Engineer, and Senior Business Development Manager. She is also NICET certified Level IV in Water-Based Systems Layout. She earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Minnesota located in Minneapolis, MN. Melisa serves as Chair on the MN board of licensure (AELSLAGID), Vice-Chair of the MN Governor’s Council for Fire Prevention and Control, a principal member of NFPA 14, 13R/13D and 88A Technical Committees, alternate member of the NFPA 13 Discharge Committee, NFSA Future Leadership Committee Vice-Chair, SFPE Virtual Learning Subcommittee Chair, and President of the MN Chapter Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
Updates and Challenges in Parking Structures
Tom Savage
ASC Engineered Solutions
Product Manager
Tom Savage is currently the lead Product Manager for Fire Protection Products at ASC Engineered Solutions. With 15-plus years’ experience in fire protection, Tom has experience in manufacturing, distribution, contracting, sales. He currently holds 6 U.S. patents in fire protection technologies. Before joining ASC, Tom founded two companies, including a family-owned fire protection products distribution company. Tom has lectured on fire protection and industrial manufacturing globally.
The Last Six Feet
ASC Engineered Solutions
Product Manager
Tom Savage is currently the lead Product Manager for Fire Protection Products at ASC Engineered Solutions. With 15-plus years’ experience in fire protection, Tom has experience in manufacturing, distribution, contracting, sales. He currently holds 6 U.S. patents in fire protection technologies. Before joining ASC, Tom founded two companies, including a family-owned fire protection products distribution company. Tom has lectured on fire protection and industrial manufacturing globally.
The Last Six Feet
Steven Scandaliato
CFPS, RME, SET
SDG, LLC
Principal
Steven Scandaliato is a principal at SDG, LLC. He has over 39 years of experience in fire protection engineering, contracting, design, and project management covering all types of fire protection and life safety systems. He serves as a member of several NFPA committees, including 11, 13, 16, 101, 102, and 5000. He also serves on several technical committees including the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He is a member of NFPA, SFPE ,and AFSA.
An AHJ Guide for Inspection and Testing Sprinkler Systems
CFPS, RME, SET
SDG, LLC
Principal
Steven Scandaliato is a principal at SDG, LLC. He has over 39 years of experience in fire protection engineering, contracting, design, and project management covering all types of fire protection and life safety systems. He serves as a member of several NFPA committees, including 11, 13, 16, 101, 102, and 5000. He also serves on several technical committees including the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He is a member of NFPA, SFPE ,and AFSA.
An AHJ Guide for Inspection and Testing Sprinkler Systems
Phil Schechinger
Viking Corp.
Vice President
Phil Schechinger has been in the fire protection industry for over 30 years in a multitude of positions. He has been involved with the AFSA for 20 years and is currently the chair of the Manufacturers/Suppliers Council.
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
Viking Corp.
Vice President
Phil Schechinger has been in the fire protection industry for over 30 years in a multitude of positions. He has been involved with the AFSA for 20 years and is currently the chair of the Manufacturers/Suppliers Council.
Paths to Progress: Powerhouse Sales - Focused Professionals in the Industry
Manny Silva
P.E.
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Sr. Director of Engineering
Manny Silva P.E., is the Sr. Director of Engineering and Fellow for JCI’s Fire Suppression Products business. He has over 36 years of engineering experience and for the past 25 years he has developed numerous products for use in fire sprinkler systems and is named on over 60 U.S. patents related to fire suppression devices. In his current role, Mr. Silva oversees the maintenance and improvement of fire suppression products. He is a member of the NFPA 13, 25, and 1910 technical committees, the UL technical committees 47, 199, and 2901, and the NFSA Engineering and Standards Committee.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
P.E.
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Sr. Director of Engineering
Manny Silva P.E., is the Sr. Director of Engineering and Fellow for JCI’s Fire Suppression Products business. He has over 36 years of engineering experience and for the past 25 years he has developed numerous products for use in fire sprinkler systems and is named on over 60 U.S. patents related to fire suppression devices. In his current role, Mr. Silva oversees the maintenance and improvement of fire suppression products. He is a member of the NFPA 13, 25, and 1910 technical committees, the UL technical committees 47, 199, and 2901, and the NFSA Engineering and Standards Committee.
History of the Sprinkler Industry
Russ Slaby
Ferguson Fire Design, LLC
Russ heads the North West 01 design team at Ferguson Fire Design. In this role, he provides technical expertise and support for a staff of 6 to 10 designers. For 37 years, he has provided fire protection design services for locations worldwide. Prior to joining Ferguson, he served as owner and president of Fire-Ex Systems Engineering, Inc. At FSEi, he managed day to day operations, and trained & supervised a staff of designers while providing full shop design services. Russ is accomplished in many facets of fire sprinkler system design, specializing in industrial facilities. Complex system design examples include large deluge water spray applications including high- and low-expansion foam applications for high hazard industrial facilities served by private underground fire main systems supplied by multiple fire pump / reservoir locations. Russ is licensed in Wisconsin as a Designer of Engineering Systems and was certified a NICET IV fire sprinkler designer in 1998. In his spare time, Russ enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, and competitive trapshooting.
7 Habits of a Highly Effective Fire Sprinkler Designer
Ferguson Fire Design, LLC
Russ heads the North West 01 design team at Ferguson Fire Design. In this role, he provides technical expertise and support for a staff of 6 to 10 designers. For 37 years, he has provided fire protection design services for locations worldwide. Prior to joining Ferguson, he served as owner and president of Fire-Ex Systems Engineering, Inc. At FSEi, he managed day to day operations, and trained & supervised a staff of designers while providing full shop design services. Russ is accomplished in many facets of fire sprinkler system design, specializing in industrial facilities. Complex system design examples include large deluge water spray applications including high- and low-expansion foam applications for high hazard industrial facilities served by private underground fire main systems supplied by multiple fire pump / reservoir locations. Russ is licensed in Wisconsin as a Designer of Engineering Systems and was certified a NICET IV fire sprinkler designer in 1998. In his spare time, Russ enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, and competitive trapshooting.
7 Habits of a Highly Effective Fire Sprinkler Designer
Jeremy Souza
P.E., CFPS, PMSFPE
Code Red Consultants
Sr Project Manager
Jeremy Souza, P.E., CFPS, PMSFPE is a Senior Project Manager and fire protection engineer at Code Red Consultants in Massachusetts. Licensed in seven states. Mr. Souza specializes in fire protection system design with an emphasis on water based systems, pumps, and protection of high-hazard and complex, non-traditional fire protection problems. He has been in the fire service for over 30 years, leaving the career fire service as a Deputy Chief with 12 years in fire prevention. His fire service background focused on both structural and flammable liquid firefighting. He also serves on three NFPA Technical Committees: NFPA 14 (Standpipes), NFPA 385 (Transportation of Flammable Liquids), and NFPA 407 (Aircraft Fuel Servicing). Mr. Souza is a Professional Member of the SPFE and has presented on foam and ignitable liquid firefighting for over 20 years.
AFFF-SFFF Conversion Updates - Recent Lessons Learned
P.E., CFPS, PMSFPE
Code Red Consultants
Sr Project Manager
Jeremy Souza, P.E., CFPS, PMSFPE is a Senior Project Manager and fire protection engineer at Code Red Consultants in Massachusetts. Licensed in seven states. Mr. Souza specializes in fire protection system design with an emphasis on water based systems, pumps, and protection of high-hazard and complex, non-traditional fire protection problems. He has been in the fire service for over 30 years, leaving the career fire service as a Deputy Chief with 12 years in fire prevention. His fire service background focused on both structural and flammable liquid firefighting. He also serves on three NFPA Technical Committees: NFPA 14 (Standpipes), NFPA 385 (Transportation of Flammable Liquids), and NFPA 407 (Aircraft Fuel Servicing). Mr. Souza is a Professional Member of the SPFE and has presented on foam and ignitable liquid firefighting for over 20 years.
AFFF-SFFF Conversion Updates - Recent Lessons Learned
Randy Stutzman
Randal Stutzman Advisors
Managing Director
After having completed a successful 45-year career with FMI Corporation and FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., Randy Stutzman shares his expertise with a select group of clients. He has spent his entire working career acting as a trusted advisor to contractors. Starting in the late 1970s, he spent the next 20 years consulting with companies on a wide variety of issues including strategy, pricing and bidding, increasing field productivity and ownership transfer. Since the late 1990s, Randy concentrated on helping clients in ownership transfer and management succession, including representing sellers to third parties, finding opportunities for buyers, facilitating employee and family buyouts, and adopting Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Stutzman's focus has always been to do what is right for the client and build company value.
How Employees Become Business Managers
Is Employee Ownership a Better Fit for Your Company?
Randal Stutzman Advisors
Managing Director
After having completed a successful 45-year career with FMI Corporation and FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., Randy Stutzman shares his expertise with a select group of clients. He has spent his entire working career acting as a trusted advisor to contractors. Starting in the late 1970s, he spent the next 20 years consulting with companies on a wide variety of issues including strategy, pricing and bidding, increasing field productivity and ownership transfer. Since the late 1990s, Randy concentrated on helping clients in ownership transfer and management succession, including representing sellers to third parties, finding opportunities for buyers, facilitating employee and family buyouts, and adopting Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Stutzman's focus has always been to do what is right for the client and build company value.
How Employees Become Business Managers
Is Employee Ownership a Better Fit for Your Company?
Brandon Telford
CFPS
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
Technical Services Manager
Brandon Telford, has been with Reliable since 2015 and has over twenty-seven years of fire protection industry experience. Brandon started his career working in fire protection contracting for nine years in the Mid-Atlantic region, followed by three years working on Department of State and Department of Defense projects in Albania and Qatar. Before joining Reliable, he worked six years as a sales territory manager for a fire protection products manufacturer. Brandon holds Associates in Applied Science degrees in both Fire Protection Engineering Technology and Safety Management from Delaware Technical Community College. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) through NFPA and has achieved NICET certification as a Level III Certified Engineering Technician (CET) in automatic sprinkler system layout. Brandon currently sits on the AFSA Technical Advisory Council, NFSA Engineering and Standards Council, and UL/FM/ISO Technical Advisory Group.
Extended Coverage, Beyond Ordinary
CFPS
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
Technical Services Manager
Brandon Telford, has been with Reliable since 2015 and has over twenty-seven years of fire protection industry experience. Brandon started his career working in fire protection contracting for nine years in the Mid-Atlantic region, followed by three years working on Department of State and Department of Defense projects in Albania and Qatar. Before joining Reliable, he worked six years as a sales territory manager for a fire protection products manufacturer. Brandon holds Associates in Applied Science degrees in both Fire Protection Engineering Technology and Safety Management from Delaware Technical Community College. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) through NFPA and has achieved NICET certification as a Level III Certified Engineering Technician (CET) in automatic sprinkler system layout. Brandon currently sits on the AFSA Technical Advisory Council, NFSA Engineering and Standards Council, and UL/FM/ISO Technical Advisory Group.
Extended Coverage, Beyond Ordinary
Victoria Valentine
P.E., FSFPE
AFSA
Director of Program Development & Special Projects
Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE, is the director of program development and special projects for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). She has served the fire sprinkler industry and fire protection community for over 20 years. Victoria is a licensed professional engineer and a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Her education was pursued at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), achieving both a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Fire Protection Engineering. In addition, she has focused her career working with non-profit associations concentrating on professional qualifications, codes and standards development, and training programs to ensure quality in fire protection systems. Throughout her professional career, she has written many publications and presented on fire protection systems to a wide variety of audiences. Victoria continues to be involved with many organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and the SFPE, among others. She also maintains efforts to engage the next generation in fire protection careers and support young professionals as they develop into the next leading experts.
What's Going on With NFPA 200?
P.E., FSFPE
AFSA
Director of Program Development & Special Projects
Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE, is the director of program development and special projects for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). She has served the fire sprinkler industry and fire protection community for over 20 years. Victoria is a licensed professional engineer and a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Her education was pursued at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), achieving both a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Fire Protection Engineering. In addition, she has focused her career working with non-profit associations concentrating on professional qualifications, codes and standards development, and training programs to ensure quality in fire protection systems. Throughout her professional career, she has written many publications and presented on fire protection systems to a wide variety of audiences. Victoria continues to be involved with many organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and the SFPE, among others. She also maintains efforts to engage the next generation in fire protection careers and support young professionals as they develop into the next leading experts.
What's Going on With NFPA 200?
Jared Van Gammeren
ET
Driven Fire Consultants
Owner
Jared Van Gammeren has been in the fire sprinkler industry for over 20 years. He has worked his way up through the ranks as an installer, foreman, superintendent, designer, estimator, project manager, design manager, director, and owner. He has estimated, designed, and managed fire protection work on hospital facilities, industrial projects, schools, and mixed-use buildings. Out of his desire to provide the best design services to companies from coast to coast, Jared, and Darin Syverson, P.E., created Driven Fire Consultants in 2015. Driven is currently performing work in 30 states and has licensed engineers in 14 states. Jared holds NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout and NICET III in Inspections and Testing of Water-Based Systems. He completed Fire Pump Applications, Inspections & Testing from Oklahoma State University in 2008, and Analysis of High Piled & Rack Storage Systems and Hydraulic Calculation of Automatic Sprinkler Systems in 2009. Jared is a volunteer firefighter for the Inwood Fire Department, servs as an alternate member on NFPA 33/34 and NFPA 11 and principal on NFPA 30B and currently serves on AFSA's Apprenticeship & Education Committee, the Convention Committee for AFSA44, and co-chairs the Design Training Task Group. Jared is also on the FLC committee for NFSA.
Introduction to BIM
ET
Driven Fire Consultants
Owner
Jared Van Gammeren has been in the fire sprinkler industry for over 20 years. He has worked his way up through the ranks as an installer, foreman, superintendent, designer, estimator, project manager, design manager, director, and owner. He has estimated, designed, and managed fire protection work on hospital facilities, industrial projects, schools, and mixed-use buildings. Out of his desire to provide the best design services to companies from coast to coast, Jared, and Darin Syverson, P.E., created Driven Fire Consultants in 2015. Driven is currently performing work in 30 states and has licensed engineers in 14 states. Jared holds NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout and NICET III in Inspections and Testing of Water-Based Systems. He completed Fire Pump Applications, Inspections & Testing from Oklahoma State University in 2008, and Analysis of High Piled & Rack Storage Systems and Hydraulic Calculation of Automatic Sprinkler Systems in 2009. Jared is a volunteer firefighter for the Inwood Fire Department, servs as an alternate member on NFPA 33/34 and NFPA 11 and principal on NFPA 30B and currently serves on AFSA's Apprenticeship & Education Committee, the Convention Committee for AFSA44, and co-chairs the Design Training Task Group. Jared is also on the FLC committee for NFSA.
Introduction to BIM