Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop - CampusEnergy2026
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The Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop was an immersive program designed for campus and district energy professionals who manage, operate, design, or plan the systems that keep colleges, universities, and communities running. Built around candid discussions, technical expertise, and operator-to-operator knowledge-sharing, this workshop brought together utilities directors, engineers, policymakers, and industry partners to tackle today’s most pressing distribution and operations challenges.
Through interactive panels, technical deep-dives, and future-focused discussions, participants explored safety best practices, material advancements, operational strategies, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and emerging low-carbon technologies. Whether you manage day-to-day operations or steer long-term planning, this workshop provided practical tools, actionable insights, and unmatched peer-to-peer learning for maintaining resilient, efficient, and future-ready systems.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Session 1: Zero Harm, Maximum Impact
A high-impact session covering cybersecurity risks and foundational distribution safety practices - from lockout/tagout to steam charging and burn prevention - highlighting tools and best practices for safe and reliable operation of distribution systems.
Session one of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution and Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations;
8:15 am – 8:35 am
Emergency Preparedness and Response Open Discussion – An open discussion between the workshop moderators and audience to discuss the recent weather events and their impacts on systems across the east coast.
8:35 am – 9:15 am
Stay Grounded: Energy Safety Essentials Panel – John Giamarino, ConEd; Chuck Kammin, University of Florida; Amy Stanton, Ever-Green Energy; Eric Toth, Cordia;
Keywords: Distribution; Cybersecurity; safety; emergency preparedness
Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future
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Jennifer Meisenhelder, PE, MBA (Moderator)
Associate Director of Construction
University of Florida
Jennifer Meisenhelder is the Associate Director of Construction at the University of Florida. She began her career in consulting where she focused on design and construction of large and complex municipal utility projects. At the University of Florida, Jennifer directed large infrastructure projects, utility planning and the operational aspects of steam and chilled water distribution, before moving to large capital construction. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, a MBA from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
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Cameron Ratliff (Moderator)
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.
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Christopher Potter (Moderator)
Executive Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations
Architect of the Capitol
Christopher Potter is the Executive Director of Utilities and Power Plant Operations at the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the management of the district energy system serving the buildings on and around Capitol Hill. Chris has been with the AOC since 2005. Prior to that, he worked at the General Services Administration district energy system also in Washington DC. Chris has a Master's degree in Public Administration from American University, a Masterâs degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
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John Giamarino, MBA
Chief Engineer Steam & Gas Department
Con Edison
John Giamarino, Chief Engineer, Central Operations, Steam & Gas Engineering at Con Edison.
John joined Con Edison in 1990 as a management intern. He has held positions of increasing responsibility such as maintenance supervisor, Power Generation Maintenance – Field Operations; engineer, Fossil Power Engineering, East River Station, and Steam Engineering; and senior engineer, Steam Engineering and Project Engineering. He was also project specialist, project manager, maintenance manager, and operations manager at East River Station.
John is an experienced, customer-centric leader who knows how to create positive relationships and a culture focused on operational excellence.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Master of Business Administration in finance from Fordham University. He is a graduate of Business Academy XVIII.
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Chuck Kammin
Director of Utilities
University of Florida
Chuck has worked at the University of Florida since 2017 as the Director of Utilities for Electrical and Water Distribution Services. Chuck allocates essential resources, as UF spends around $45 million on electricity consumption each year and operates close to 2 million gallons of water per day for the use of potable water throughout campus. Chuck started his career in the Navy where he worked on steam systems which sparked his interest in engineering. He holds bachelorâs and masterâs degrees in engineering from the University of Illinois.
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Amy Stanton
Ever- Green Energy
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Eric Toth
Director of Safety and Health
Cordia
Eric R. Toth is a Director of Safety and Health for Cordia. Mr. Toth, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), has over 25 years of proven experience in environment, health, and safety. His primary mission is to enhance the working environment's quality by eliminating or reducing health and safety hazards through positive, proactive mentoring measures that respect all employees. Currently, he is responsible for health/safety program development and implementation, hazard and risk identification, compliance, and management system practices for nine US-based Cordia District Energy assets. Mr. Toth is based in MPLS and is located at the Energy Center Minneapolis, an MNSTAR facility.
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Session 2: Pipes, Purges & Performance: Technical Strategies That Matter
This technical block explores advancements in pipe materials, system flushing and cleaning, and water treatment practices, giving attendees practical knowledge for improving system reliability and performance.
Session two of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
9:15 am – 9:35 am
From Steel to Smart Composites: Rethinking Pipe Materials in Campus Energy Systems – Saad Khan, Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation
As more district energy operators pivot toward low-temperature hot water systems (LTHWS) to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, the materials behind the system—the pipes—present a substantial opportunity. This session explores the full spectrum of piping materials available to modern thermal energy networks, including traditional metals, high-performance thermoplastics, and advanced composite systems.
Attendees will gain insight into how each material category performs under low-temperature, closed-loop conditions—evaluating factors such as thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, installation flexibility, system longevity, and lifecycle cost. The session will go beyond theory, highlighting real-world deployments of specialty thermoplastic systems in some of North America’s most ambitious district energy projects, including Enwave's Deep Lake Cooling & Lakeview Village redevelopment in Ontario, Canada.
With each material offering unique trade-offs, this presentation aims to equip campus energy professionals, engineers, and utility planners with a framework for selecting the right pipe for the right job. Whether you're retrofitting an aging system or designing for net-zero from the ground up, understanding material performance is key to ensuring the long-term resilience and success of your LTHWS infrastructure.
This presentation brings together technical evaluation, material science, and lessons learned from across the district energy landscape.
9:35 am – 10:10 am
To Flush or Not to Flush - Building Connections & Flushing Panel – David Hermes, University of Virginia; Matt McDaniel, PurgeRite; John Williamson, RMF
This panel explores best practices for flushing, cleaning, and commissioning thermal distribution systems and building connections. Panelists discuss when flushing is necessary, how to avoid common pitfalls, and strategies to protect long-term system performance.
Keywords: Flushing; Purge; Pipe materials
Saad Khan
National Business Development Manager
Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation
Saad Khan is the National Business Development Manager for EMCO Corporation's subsidiaries: Sandale, Engineered Pipe Group, and Westlund. With a foundation in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Saad specializes in piping solutions across North America. Saad leads a business unit that works exclusively on the specification and supply of advanced piping systems for large-scale industrial and municipal projects.
His expertise spans thermoplastics, carbon steel, exotic metal alloys, and pre-insulated piping systems, ensuring commercially valuable designs that optimize a client's KPIs. Saad's project portfolio includes industries such as, but not limited to: District Energy, Wind Farms, Mining, Oil & gas, geothermal, water & wastewater infrastructure.
Passionate about problem-solving and servant leadership, Saad is dedicated to building tomorrow's infrastructure with integrity, technical excellence, and a commitment to stakeholder success.
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David Hermes
Utilities Distribution Manager
University of Virginia
My name is David Hermes, the Utilities Distribution Manager at the University of Virginia. With over two decades of combined mechanical, project management, and trades experience, I oversee and maintain daily continuity of operations for the thermal distributions systems serving research facilities, medical center, and the academic footprint. I also manage a robust preventative maintenance program for all our distribution assets.
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Matt McDaniel
Purge Rite
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John Williamson
Principal
RMF Engineering
John Williamson, PE directs the utility distribution teams at RMF Engineering, Inc. For over 30 years he has specialized in the design of thermal and electric utility networks using direct bury, overhead, trench, trenchless, and tunnel methods
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Cameron Ratliff (Moderator)
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Front-line operators and utility leaders share practical insights on maintaining and optimizing thermal distribution systems under real-world constraints. Through candid discussion and interactive engagement, the session explores workforce challenges, efficiency strategies, and the skills shaping the next generation of district energy professionals.
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Presenters:
Sam Fortino
Mechanical Services Supervisor
Michigan State University
Sam Fortino, Mechanical Services Supervisor for Michigan State University. My team handles the distribution of our steam, water, sanitary and storm systems, we have 15 miles of steam tunnels and our responsability begins once the steam leave our power plant. We run 90lbs steam across campus and then knockdown to 10-12lbs at the buildings. I have worked for MSU for 12 years, this is my 4th conference
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David Hermes
Utilities Distribution Manager
University of Virginia
My name is David Hermes, the Utilities Distribution Manager at the University of Virginia. With over two decades of combined mechanical, project management, and trades experience, I oversee and maintain daily continuity of operations for the thermal distributions systems serving research facilities, medical center, and the academic footprint. I also manage a robust preventative maintenance program for all our distribution assets.
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Vincenzo Lupo
Engineering Technician Utility Distribution System
Architect of the Capitol
Vincenzo Lupo is a Mechanical Engineering Technician with the Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant. Mr. Lupo has over 26 years’ experience as a steamfitter, tunnel inspector and stationary engineer and has worked in the Capitol Power Plant utility distribution system for the past 15 years. He started his work with the AOC as a government contractor and is now an AOC employee and is responsible to oversee tunnel system operations and maintenance. Mr. Lupo hold licenses and certifications in HVAC, plumbing and backflow prevention and is a licensed DC 3rd Class Stationary Engineer. He also holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mass Communication from Towson University.
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John Giamarino, MBA
Chief Engineer Steam & Gas Department
Con Edison
John Giamarino, Chief Engineer, Central Operations, Steam & Gas Engineering at Con Edison.
John joined Con Edison in 1990 as a management intern. He has held positions of increasing responsibility such as maintenance supervisor, Power Generation Maintenance – Field Operations; engineer, Fossil Power Engineering, East River Station, and Steam Engineering; and senior engineer, Steam Engineering and Project Engineering. He was also project specialist, project manager, maintenance manager, and operations manager at East River Station.
John is an experienced, customer-centric leader who knows how to create positive relationships and a culture focused on operational excellence.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Master of Business Administration in finance from Fordham University. He is a graduate of Business Academy XVIII.
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Cameron Ratliff
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.
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Don Silvia, CEM , CBCP
Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations
Vicinity
A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in the district energy and electric generation industry over the past 25 years, Don Silvia serves as Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations at Vicinity Energy. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Don is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) through the Association of Energy Engineers. Additionally, he holds a First Class Stationary Engineer license from the State of Maine.
As Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations, Don manages Vicinity's district energy operations in both Cambridge and Boston, including the implementation of Vicinities electrification efforts in Boston and Cambridge.
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Patrick Walsh
CEO
EagleHawk
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Megan Lim
Marketing and Business Development
The GreyEdge Group
Megan is a recent MIT Sloan School of Management graduate who is exploring how educational systems, industry, governments, and communities-at-large can work together on energy challenges â and engage youth while doing so. During her time at MIT, she competed in Department of Energy competitions with geothermal solutions, worked with the MIT Office of Sustainability on student engagement, MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative on climate education (including a k-12 geothermal systems curriculum), and MIT D-Lab on supporting student projects for a TENs college introductory course modeled after the Certified GeoExchange Designer Course. She has contributed to a student-alumni proposal to decarbonize MITâs campus by 2035 through thermal energy networks. Megan recently started working with The GreyEdge Group â a consulting firm that specializes in district scale heat pump systems and includes many experts who have shaped the geothermal and TENs industry. Megan currently sits on the Cambridge Climate Committee, and is co-leading an initiative to build a community of students across the greater Boston area to contribute to campus and city climate goals. She is also interested in workforce development, specifically through creating more real-world opportunities for students.
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Matthew L'Heureux
Campus Energy Manager
University of New Hampshire
As Campus Energy Manager at the University of New Hampshire, Matt serves as the lead advocate for energy conservation, decarbonization, and strategic energy management across the Durham campus. He holds credentials as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), with a focus on integrating sustainability into capital planning and operations.
Matt graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2017 with dual a B.S. degree in Environmental & Resource Economics and Sustainability. He is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus in Analytics at UNH.
With a background spanning energy analysis, project management, utility incentive strategy, stakeholder engagement, and building system optimization, Matt brings a practical, data-driven approach to campus-wide energy initiatives. As a Co-Chair for IDEA’s Young Professionals Group (YPG), he is passionate about empowering the next generation of energy leaders through collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.
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Bohdan Fostakovskyy
Mechanical Engineer
Ramboll
My name is Bohdan Fostakovskyy and I have been working at Ramboll for just under 3 years as a mechanical engineer as part of their District Energy group ever since graduating from Hofstra University in 2023. I am currently an Engineer in Training, and I previously interned for a few other construction management and engineering design firms throughout college. I am eager to continue developing my career as I gain more technical experience in the district energy industry.
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Scarlet Seymour
Mechanical Engineering Associate
University of Virginia
Scarlet Seymour is a Mechanical Engineering Associate with the University of Virginia’s Energy and Engineering group. She has six years of experience working across higher‑education facilities and utility systems. CampusEnergy2026 will be her first IDEA event, and she looks forward to connecting with peers in the district energy community.
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John Streiff
Outside Sales Representative
Kerotest Manufacturing Corp
John Streiff is an Outside Representative for Kerotest Manufacturing, located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. John lives just outside of Pittsburgh with his wife, Jamie, and their three children. John's role at Kerotest is to undertand the role of Isolation Valves in DE and bridge the gap between the Natural Gas and Energy Sector requirements. Kerotest specializes is Nuclear Valves, Isolation Valves, Balancing Valves and many other products required for DHC and Data Centers.
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Jennifer Meisenhelder, PE, MBA (Moderator)
Associate Director of Construction
University of Florida
Jennifer Meisenhelder is the Associate Director of Construction at the University of Florida. She began her career in consulting where she focused on design and construction of large and complex municipal utility projects. At the University of Florida, Jennifer directed large infrastructure projects, utility planning and the operational aspects of steam and chilled water distribution, before moving to large capital construction. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, a MBA from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
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Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Session 4: Energy Horizons: From Fuels to Forward Vision
This session examines emerging low-carbon fuels and technologies - from geothermal to SMRs, RNG, hydrogen, and e-boilers - followed by a regional look at navigating evolving regulations, cooling restrictions, and long-term planning constraints.
Session four of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
1:15 pm – 1:50 pm
Fueling Tomorrow: Igniting the Next Energy Revolution – Rick Borkowicz, RMF Engineering; Andy Harkness, Lifecycle Renewables; Christina Joyce, Steady Energy; Rohan Sinha, Vicinity; Ben Webster, MIQ
1:50 pm – 2:30 pm
Threading the Needle: Weaving Vision Through Challenges – Saul Kinter, DC Water; Mary Quintana, Brock University; David Woodson, University of Washington; Joanna Yager, Con Edison;
Keywords: Thermal Distribution; Future Fuels
Rick Borkowicz, PE
President
RMF Engineering, Inc.
Rick has been with RMF for over 30 years and held several engineering and business leadership positions during his tenure. He is currently serving the role of president and is responsible for the executive management and technical leadership of the firm. As a practicing registered engineer, Rick continues to take a hands-on role with major RMF projects. He enjoys being in the field to maintain connectivity to the projects and individuals the company serves. Rick has a passion for District Energy System design, construction and operation. He continues to actively participate in the condition assessment and inspection of steam generating equipment and systems. Rick’s passion for engineering and district energy systems has afforded him the opportunity to lead and contribute to many of RMF’s most complex projects. He is well known for his exceptional client service and advocacy of innovation, sustainability, and quality initiatives. Rick’s active engagement with clients brings their best interest and the latest technologies to the forefront of all projects. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a Graduate of General Electric's (currently Ge Vernova) Edison Engineering Program. He also holds two patents for Dry Low NOx combustion technology.
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Andrew Harkness
Director of Operations
Lifecycle Renewables
Andrew Harkness is the Director of Operations at Lifecycle Renewables, Inc. headquartered near Boston, where he oversees multiple biofuel processing plants, leading all fuel production activities and capital projects. With over 20 years of experience in all operational areas of the biodiesel/biofuel business, he specializes in plant design and build, value engineering, process improvement, and capital project management. Prior to his current role, Andrew founded and led a biodiesel business which he later sold to Smartfuel America where he continued to lead operations, and earned his MBA from Endicott College.
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Christina Joyce
Founder & CEO
Eurotech Ventures
Christina Joyce is the founder and CEO of Eurotech Ventures, a New York-based zero-carbon project developer. Eurotech licenses European nuclear SMR, methane pyrolysis (turquoise hydrogen) and thermal energy storage technology and deploys projects across North American district energy, utility, industrial manufacturing and campus energy to deliver reliable, zero-carbon heat, steam and power. Eurotech is an authorized NYSERDA Heat Recovery Contractor and Manufacturer Growth Initiative grant recipient and a Clean Fight NY Energy Storage Deployment Accelerator cohort member. We lead business development, customer contracting, feasibility studies, EPC contracting & management, OEM procurement, project financing, project management, federal and state grants and tax incentives, and customs and logistics for some the world’s most admired companies. Ms. Joyce has a 30 year track record of developing and accelerating clean energy, healthcare, technology and media businesses with exits totaling $300 million and sales exceeding $1 billion ARR, leading complex projects and businesses to success across multiple industries.
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Rohan Sinha
Director, Energy Commodities
Vicinity Energy
Rohan Sinha is Director of Energy Commodities and Contracts at Vicinity Energy, where he oversees fuel procurement, hedging strategy, and renewable energy portfolios across multiple district energy systems in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. His work focuses on navigating volatile energy markets, managing commodity price risk, and integrating low-carbon solutions including electric boilers, renewable energy credits, and emerging clean-fuel technologies into large-scale thermal networks. Rohan brings experience across natural gas markets, power procurement, environmental products, and structured energy transactions, with a practical focus on aligning commercial strategy with operational reliability and decarbonization goals. He frequently collaborates with plant operations, finance, and regulatory stakeholders to translate complex market dynamics into actionable energy strategies. He holds a degree from Southern Methodist University and is based in the Greater Boston area.
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Ben Webster
MIQ
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Saul Kinter
Senior Adviser, Energy Management
DC Water
Saul Kinter is the Senior Adviser for Energy Management at DC Water. He holds a BSE degree from Princeton University, where his thesis described a new model for distributing surface water according to the Texas water rights system, and has published or spoken on a wide-ranging set of topics, including climate variability, ocean-atmosphere gas transfer, the value of water conservation, and wastewater thermal energy. At DC Water, he developed the Bloom biosolids marketing program, and is currently responsible for developing energy projects and purchasing energy.
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Mary Quintana, MSc, MES, CEM, CMVP, LEED Green Assoc
Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management
Brock University
Mary is the Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management at Brock University, a higher education institution in Ontario, Canada. In this role, Mary provides leadership to a team of nearly 150 people who maintain and operate over $1.6B in assets. Mary has helped embed sustainability across the whole portfolio, which includes: Capital projects, project management, utilities, maintenance, vehicles and compliance.
For over 15 years, Mary has worked in the university sector, holding roles of Director, Asset Management & Utilities and Director, Sustainability & Asset Management, Energy & Carbon Manager and Environmental Project Coordinator. Via these roles, Mary has developed and advanced environmental, sustainability and utilitiesâ goals. She has been an active participant in the fight against climate change, implementing numerous energy efficiency and carbon management projects that have saved over 10 million dollars while reducing organizationsâ carbon footprints.
Maryâs professional experience includes several years working on research and development, specializing on image processing and automation to assist medical personnel in the early detection of cancer. She also has experience in the consulting field, where she worked with small and medium enterprises in developing competitiveness strategies based on technology management and innovation.
Mary also believes in the power of collaboration; for over a decade she has been involved with OAPPA (Ontario Association of Physical Plant Administrators), a professional group of leaders in the facilities management sector. She has been particularly involved with the Energy sub-committee, of which she became the chair in 2024.
In terms of education, Mary holds a bachelorâs degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and a Masters degree (Technology management) from the Tecnologico de Monterrey. In addition, she holds a Masters of Environment and Sustainability from Western University and is both a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Measurement & Verification Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers.
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David Woodson, MBA, FMA, CEFP
Executive Director, Campus Energy, Utilities, and Operations
University of Washington
David Woodson is the Executive Director of Campus, Energy, Utilities, and Operations at the University of Washington where he is leading the effort to decarbonize the district heating system at the flagship Seattle campus. David previously had as similar role at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and now is enjoying the opportunity to apply the lessons learned from UBC at UW. David is a UW Alum (Aero and Astro ‘91) and has his MBA ‘06 from UBC. David is presently the Vice-Chair of the International District Energy Association (IDEA).
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Joanna Yager
General Manager
Con Edison
Joanna Yager is an accomplished leader in the energy industry with 18 years of technical experience. She began her journey at Con Edison as a mechanical controls engineer developing projects at the company’s steam and electric generating facilities. As a Senior System Operator responsible for operating the bulk transmission system, she thrived in dynamic environments and adapted well to new challenges. Her role as Section Manager in Gas Operations strengthened her decision-making skills by relying on data to navigate complex situations effectively. As a Project Manager in Transmission Project Development, she utilized her action-oriented leadership strength to drive results and ensure strong credibility with external stakeholders. Mentorship has become an integral component of her professional development, and she champions formal and informal employee development programs to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Joanna believes that empowering others is necessary for organizational growth and invests time in coaching, skill-building, and advancing a positive work environment. Outside of work, Joanna enjoys reading books, doing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her husband, son, and daughter at their home in Westchester County, NY.
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Christopher Potter (Moderator)
Executive Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations
Architect of the Capitol
Christopher Potter is the Executive Director of Utilities and Power Plant Operations at the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the management of the district energy system serving the buildings on and around Capitol Hill. Chris has been with the AOC since 2005. Prior to that, he worked at the General Services Administration district energy system also in Washington DC. Chris has a Master's degree in Public Administration from American University, a Masterâs degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Session 5: Tools of Tomorrow: Smart Sensors, Meters & Monitoring Technologies
A technology-focused discussion highlighting widgets and tools that can optimize system monitoring and improve performance.
Session five of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
2:55 pm – 3:20 pm
Too Hot to Handle – Insulated Manhole Covers – Evolution and Design – Devin Vasquez, Con Edison
This presentation explores the evolution of insulated manhole cover design and their role in improving safety, reducing heat loss, and protecting surrounding infrastructure.
3:20 pm – 3: 50 pm
Connecting Heat, Power, and Progress: The Tools Behind Smarter, High-Performing Systems –Josephine Aromando, Con Edison; Michele Bryant, Austin Energy; Charlie Marino, WSP; Don Silvia, Vicinity
This panel explores how integrated monitoring, metering, and control technologies connect thermal and electric systems. Panelists discuss practical applications of smart tools that improve visibility, resilience, and operational performance.
3:50 pm – 3:55 pm
Workshop Recap and Open Discussion
Keywords: Thermal Distribution
Devin Vasquez
Equipment Engineer
Con Edison
Devin Vasquez is currently the Equipment Engineer for Consolidated Edison Company of New York's Steam Distribution Engineering department. Prior to Con Edison, Devin worked at Siemens Energy where he spent 10+ years as a field service engineer working with steam turbines and other rotating equipment. Devin also spent 4 yrs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Plant, serving as the Plant Enginner, keeping the plants running to produce steam for Con Edison. Devin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology.
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Josephine Aromando, BE, MBA
Senior Engineer, Research & Development
Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.
Josephine Aromando, BE, MBA
Senior Engineer, R&D, Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.
Graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering degree as an Electrical Engineer and from Rutgers University with a Master’s in Business Administration, Josephine has worked at Con Edison since 1991 in various positions, starting her career in Gas Operations managing crews in Construction and Distribution, as well as overseeing designers and mappers in Engineering. Her curiosity and fascination with the sciences and evolving or disruptive technologies that can enhance the way business units oversee their operations daily appropriately landed her in R&D as a Senior Engineer. The privilege of working with multiple operations and engineering organizations, networking and collaborating with other utilities through research efforts with OTD, NYSEARCH, and EPRI has provided opportunities of learning how to utilize technologies in the fields of AI, analytics robotics, and augmented-virtual reality, for example to supplement work processes safer, more efficiently and productively. Some fun facts: Josephine and her husband Bill met at Stevens and are proud parents to five children, with two singletons and a set of triplets, all now in their 20’s. Coincidentally, every member in her family can at least play one instrument while her beagle, Bean, loves to howl along to the music with them.
$i++ ?>
Michelle Bryant
Austin Energy
$i++ ?>
Charlie Marino
Senior Vice President, Built Ecology
WSP
Charlie Marino has dedicated the past decade to the field of building performance optimization and decarbonization. As a SVP of the Built Ecology team at WSP, he focuses on strategy developement to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and oversees related major HVAC infrastructure upgrades for commercial, healthcare, life science, and multifamily building sectors.
To help refine implementation pathways that will enable New York City to realize its carbon emissions reduction goals, Charlie actively participates on advisory boards related to NYC Local Law 97 and industry stakeholder groups such as ASHRAE New York City, Building Energy Exchange, and the New York Energy Consumer Council to help foster communication between sustainability professionals and the consulting engineering community. Charlie has served as a past president of ASHRAE NYC and is currently a board member and VP of the New York Energy Consumers Council.
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Don Silvia, CEM , CBCP
Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations
Vicinity
A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in the district energy and electric generation industry over the past 25 years, Don Silvia serves as Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations at Vicinity Energy. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Don is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) through the Association of Energy Engineers. Additionally, he holds a First Class Stationary Engineer license from the State of Maine.
As Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations, Don manages Vicinity's district energy operations in both Cambridge and Boston, including the implementation of Vicinities electrification efforts in Boston and Cambridge.
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Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop Session 1: Zero Harm, Maximum Impact
A high-impact session covering cybersecurity risks and foundational distribution safety practices - from lockout/tagout to steam charging and burn prevention - highlighting tools and best practices for safe and reliable operation of distribution systems.
Session one of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution and Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations;
8:15 am – 8:35 am
Emergency Preparedness and Response Open Discussion – An open discussion between the workshop moderators and audience to discuss the recent weather events and their impacts on systems across the east coast.
8:35 am – 9:15 am
Stay Grounded: Energy Safety Essentials Panel – John Giamarino, ConEd; Chuck Kammin, University of Florida; Amy Stanton, Ever-Green Energy; Eric Toth, Cordia;
Keywords: Distribution; Cybersecurity; safety; emergency preparedness
$i++ ?>Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future
$i++ ?>Jennifer Meisenhelder, PE, MBA (Moderator)
Associate Director of Construction
University of Florida
Jennifer Meisenhelder is the Associate Director of Construction at the University of Florida. She began her career in consulting where she focused on design and construction of large and complex municipal utility projects. At the University of Florida, Jennifer directed large infrastructure projects, utility planning and the operational aspects of steam and chilled water distribution, before moving to large capital construction. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, a MBA from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
$i++ ?>Cameron Ratliff (Moderator)
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.$i++ ?>Christopher Potter (Moderator)
Executive Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations
Architect of the Capitol
Christopher Potter is the Executive Director of Utilities and Power Plant Operations at the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the management of the district energy system serving the buildings on and around Capitol Hill. Chris has been with the AOC since 2005. Prior to that, he worked at the General Services Administration district energy system also in Washington DC. Chris has a Master's degree in Public Administration from American University, a Masterâs degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
$i++ ?>John Giamarino, MBA
Chief Engineer Steam & Gas Department
Con Edison
John Giamarino, Chief Engineer, Central Operations, Steam & Gas Engineering at Con Edison.
John joined Con Edison in 1990 as a management intern. He has held positions of increasing responsibility such as maintenance supervisor, Power Generation Maintenance – Field Operations; engineer, Fossil Power Engineering, East River Station, and Steam Engineering; and senior engineer, Steam Engineering and Project Engineering. He was also project specialist, project manager, maintenance manager, and operations manager at East River Station.
John is an experienced, customer-centric leader who knows how to create positive relationships and a culture focused on operational excellence.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Master of Business Administration in finance from Fordham University. He is a graduate of Business Academy XVIII.$i++ ?>Chuck Kammin
Director of Utilities
University of Florida
Chuck has worked at the University of Florida since 2017 as the Director of Utilities for Electrical and Water Distribution Services. Chuck allocates essential resources, as UF spends around $45 million on electricity consumption each year and operates close to 2 million gallons of water per day for the use of potable water throughout campus. Chuck started his career in the Navy where he worked on steam systems which sparked his interest in engineering. He holds bachelorâs and masterâs degrees in engineering from the University of Illinois.
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Amy Stanton
Ever- Green Energy
$i++ ?>Eric Toth
Director of Safety and Health
Cordia
Eric R. Toth is a Director of Safety and Health for Cordia. Mr. Toth, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), has over 25 years of proven experience in environment, health, and safety. His primary mission is to enhance the working environment's quality by eliminating or reducing health and safety hazards through positive, proactive mentoring measures that respect all employees. Currently, he is responsible for health/safety program development and implementation, hazard and risk identification, compliance, and management system practices for nine US-based Cordia District Energy assets. Mr. Toth is based in MPLS and is located at the Energy Center Minneapolis, an MNSTAR facility.
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop Session 2: Pipes, Purges & Performance: Technical Strategies That Matter
This technical block explores advancements in pipe materials, system flushing and cleaning, and water treatment practices, giving attendees practical knowledge for improving system reliability and performance.
Session two of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
9:15 am – 9:35 am
From Steel to Smart Composites: Rethinking Pipe Materials in Campus Energy Systems – Saad Khan, Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation
As more district energy operators pivot toward low-temperature hot water systems (LTHWS) to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, the materials behind the system—the pipes—present a substantial opportunity. This session explores the full spectrum of piping materials available to modern thermal energy networks, including traditional metals, high-performance thermoplastics, and advanced composite systems.
Attendees will gain insight into how each material category performs under low-temperature, closed-loop conditions—evaluating factors such as thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, installation flexibility, system longevity, and lifecycle cost. The session will go beyond theory, highlighting real-world deployments of specialty thermoplastic systems in some of North America’s most ambitious district energy projects, including Enwave's Deep Lake Cooling & Lakeview Village redevelopment in Ontario, Canada.
With each material offering unique trade-offs, this presentation aims to equip campus energy professionals, engineers, and utility planners with a framework for selecting the right pipe for the right job. Whether you're retrofitting an aging system or designing for net-zero from the ground up, understanding material performance is key to ensuring the long-term resilience and success of your LTHWS infrastructure.
This presentation brings together technical evaluation, material science, and lessons learned from across the district energy landscape.9:35 am – 10:10 am
To Flush or Not to Flush - Building Connections & Flushing Panel – David Hermes, University of Virginia; Matt McDaniel, PurgeRite; John Williamson, RMF
This panel explores best practices for flushing, cleaning, and commissioning thermal distribution systems and building connections. Panelists discuss when flushing is necessary, how to avoid common pitfalls, and strategies to protect long-term system performance.
Keywords: Flushing; Purge; Pipe materials
$i++ ?>Saad Khan
National Business Development Manager
Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation
Saad Khan is the National Business Development Manager for EMCO Corporation's subsidiaries: Sandale, Engineered Pipe Group, and Westlund. With a foundation in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Saad specializes in piping solutions across North America. Saad leads a business unit that works exclusively on the specification and supply of advanced piping systems for large-scale industrial and municipal projects.
His expertise spans thermoplastics, carbon steel, exotic metal alloys, and pre-insulated piping systems, ensuring commercially valuable designs that optimize a client's KPIs. Saad's project portfolio includes industries such as, but not limited to: District Energy, Wind Farms, Mining, Oil & gas, geothermal, water & wastewater infrastructure.
Passionate about problem-solving and servant leadership, Saad is dedicated to building tomorrow's infrastructure with integrity, technical excellence, and a commitment to stakeholder success.
$i++ ?>David Hermes
Utilities Distribution Manager
University of Virginia
My name is David Hermes, the Utilities Distribution Manager at the University of Virginia. With over two decades of combined mechanical, project management, and trades experience, I oversee and maintain daily continuity of operations for the thermal distributions systems serving research facilities, medical center, and the academic footprint. I also manage a robust preventative maintenance program for all our distribution assets.
$i++ ?>
Matt McDaniel
Purge Rite
$i++ ?>John Williamson
Principal
RMF Engineering
John Williamson, PE directs the utility distribution teams at RMF Engineering, Inc. For over 30 years he has specialized in the design of thermal and electric utility networks using direct bury, overhead, trench, trenchless, and tunnel methods
$i++ ?>Cameron Ratliff (Moderator)
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA. -
Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop
Front-line operators and utility leaders share practical insights on maintaining and optimizing thermal distribution systems under real-world constraints. Through candid discussion and interactive engagement, the session explores workforce challenges, efficiency strategies, and the skills shaping the next generation of district energy professionals.
Case Study:Â Â
Keywords:Â Â
Presenters:
$i++ ?>Sam Fortino
Mechanical Services Supervisor
Michigan State University
Sam Fortino, Mechanical Services Supervisor for Michigan State University. My team handles the distribution of our steam, water, sanitary and storm systems, we have 15 miles of steam tunnels and our responsability begins once the steam leave our power plant. We run 90lbs steam across campus and then knockdown to 10-12lbs at the buildings. I have worked for MSU for 12 years, this is my 4th conference
$i++ ?>David Hermes
Utilities Distribution Manager
University of Virginia
My name is David Hermes, the Utilities Distribution Manager at the University of Virginia. With over two decades of combined mechanical, project management, and trades experience, I oversee and maintain daily continuity of operations for the thermal distributions systems serving research facilities, medical center, and the academic footprint. I also manage a robust preventative maintenance program for all our distribution assets.
$i++ ?>Vincenzo Lupo
Engineering Technician Utility Distribution System
Architect of the Capitol
Vincenzo Lupo is a Mechanical Engineering Technician with the Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant. Mr. Lupo has over 26 years’ experience as a steamfitter, tunnel inspector and stationary engineer and has worked in the Capitol Power Plant utility distribution system for the past 15 years. He started his work with the AOC as a government contractor and is now an AOC employee and is responsible to oversee tunnel system operations and maintenance. Mr. Lupo hold licenses and certifications in HVAC, plumbing and backflow prevention and is a licensed DC 3rd Class Stationary Engineer. He also holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mass Communication from Towson University.
$i++ ?>John Giamarino, MBA
Chief Engineer Steam & Gas Department
Con Edison
John Giamarino, Chief Engineer, Central Operations, Steam & Gas Engineering at Con Edison.
John joined Con Edison in 1990 as a management intern. He has held positions of increasing responsibility such as maintenance supervisor, Power Generation Maintenance – Field Operations; engineer, Fossil Power Engineering, East River Station, and Steam Engineering; and senior engineer, Steam Engineering and Project Engineering. He was also project specialist, project manager, maintenance manager, and operations manager at East River Station.
John is an experienced, customer-centric leader who knows how to create positive relationships and a culture focused on operational excellence.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Master of Business Administration in finance from Fordham University. He is a graduate of Business Academy XVIII.$i++ ?>Cameron Ratliff
Associate Director of Utilities
University of Virginia
Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.$i++ ?>Don Silvia, CEM , CBCP
Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations
Vicinity
A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in the district energy and electric generation industry over the past 25 years, Don Silvia serves as Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations at Vicinity Energy. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Don is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) through the Association of Energy Engineers. Additionally, he holds a First Class Stationary Engineer license from the State of Maine.
As Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations, Don manages Vicinity's district energy operations in both Cambridge and Boston, including the implementation of Vicinities electrification efforts in Boston and Cambridge.$i++ ?>Patrick Walsh
CEO
EagleHawk
$i++ ?>Megan Lim
Marketing and Business Development
The GreyEdge Group
Megan is a recent MIT Sloan School of Management graduate who is exploring how educational systems, industry, governments, and communities-at-large can work together on energy challenges â and engage youth while doing so. During her time at MIT, she competed in Department of Energy competitions with geothermal solutions, worked with the MIT Office of Sustainability on student engagement, MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative on climate education (including a k-12 geothermal systems curriculum), and MIT D-Lab on supporting student projects for a TENs college introductory course modeled after the Certified GeoExchange Designer Course. She has contributed to a student-alumni proposal to decarbonize MITâs campus by 2035 through thermal energy networks. Megan recently started working with The GreyEdge Group â a consulting firm that specializes in district scale heat pump systems and includes many experts who have shaped the geothermal and TENs industry. Megan currently sits on the Cambridge Climate Committee, and is co-leading an initiative to build a community of students across the greater Boston area to contribute to campus and city climate goals. She is also interested in workforce development, specifically through creating more real-world opportunities for students.
$i++ ?>Matthew L'Heureux
Campus Energy Manager
University of New Hampshire
As Campus Energy Manager at the University of New Hampshire, Matt serves as the lead advocate for energy conservation, decarbonization, and strategic energy management across the Durham campus. He holds credentials as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), with a focus on integrating sustainability into capital planning and operations.
Matt graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2017 with dual a B.S. degree in Environmental & Resource Economics and Sustainability. He is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus in Analytics at UNH.
With a background spanning energy analysis, project management, utility incentive strategy, stakeholder engagement, and building system optimization, Matt brings a practical, data-driven approach to campus-wide energy initiatives. As a Co-Chair for IDEA’s Young Professionals Group (YPG), he is passionate about empowering the next generation of energy leaders through collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.
$i++ ?>Bohdan Fostakovskyy
Mechanical Engineer
Ramboll
My name is Bohdan Fostakovskyy and I have been working at Ramboll for just under 3 years as a mechanical engineer as part of their District Energy group ever since graduating from Hofstra University in 2023. I am currently an Engineer in Training, and I previously interned for a few other construction management and engineering design firms throughout college. I am eager to continue developing my career as I gain more technical experience in the district energy industry.
$i++ ?>Scarlet Seymour
Mechanical Engineering Associate
University of Virginia
Scarlet Seymour is a Mechanical Engineering Associate with the University of Virginia’s Energy and Engineering group. She has six years of experience working across higher‑education facilities and utility systems. CampusEnergy2026 will be her first IDEA event, and she looks forward to connecting with peers in the district energy community.$i++ ?>John Streiff
Outside Sales Representative
Kerotest Manufacturing Corp
John Streiff is an Outside Representative for Kerotest Manufacturing, located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. John lives just outside of Pittsburgh with his wife, Jamie, and their three children. John's role at Kerotest is to undertand the role of Isolation Valves in DE and bridge the gap between the Natural Gas and Energy Sector requirements. Kerotest specializes is Nuclear Valves, Isolation Valves, Balancing Valves and many other products required for DHC and Data Centers.
$i++ ?>Jennifer Meisenhelder, PE, MBA (Moderator)
Associate Director of Construction
University of Florida
Jennifer Meisenhelder is the Associate Director of Construction at the University of Florida. She began her career in consulting where she focused on design and construction of large and complex municipal utility projects. At the University of Florida, Jennifer directed large infrastructure projects, utility planning and the operational aspects of steam and chilled water distribution, before moving to large capital construction. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, a MBA from the University of Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
$i++ ?>Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop Session 4: Energy Horizons: From Fuels to Forward Vision
This session examines emerging low-carbon fuels and technologies - from geothermal to SMRs, RNG, hydrogen, and e-boilers - followed by a regional look at navigating evolving regulations, cooling restrictions, and long-term planning constraints.
Session four of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
1:15 pm – 1:50 pm
Fueling Tomorrow: Igniting the Next Energy Revolution – Rick Borkowicz, RMF Engineering; Andy Harkness, Lifecycle Renewables; Christina Joyce, Steady Energy; Rohan Sinha, Vicinity; Ben Webster, MIQ
1:50 pm – 2:30 pm
Threading the Needle: Weaving Vision Through Challenges – Saul Kinter, DC Water; Mary Quintana, Brock University; David Woodson, University of Washington; Joanna Yager, Con Edison;
Keywords: Thermal Distribution; Future Fuels
$i++ ?>Rick Borkowicz, PE
President
RMF Engineering, Inc.
Rick has been with RMF for over 30 years and held several engineering and business leadership positions during his tenure. He is currently serving the role of president and is responsible for the executive management and technical leadership of the firm. As a practicing registered engineer, Rick continues to take a hands-on role with major RMF projects. He enjoys being in the field to maintain connectivity to the projects and individuals the company serves. Rick has a passion for District Energy System design, construction and operation. He continues to actively participate in the condition assessment and inspection of steam generating equipment and systems. Rick’s passion for engineering and district energy systems has afforded him the opportunity to lead and contribute to many of RMF’s most complex projects. He is well known for his exceptional client service and advocacy of innovation, sustainability, and quality initiatives. Rick’s active engagement with clients brings their best interest and the latest technologies to the forefront of all projects. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a Graduate of General Electric's (currently Ge Vernova) Edison Engineering Program. He also holds two patents for Dry Low NOx combustion technology.
$i++ ?>Andrew Harkness
Director of Operations
Lifecycle Renewables
Andrew Harkness is the Director of Operations at Lifecycle Renewables, Inc. headquartered near Boston, where he oversees multiple biofuel processing plants, leading all fuel production activities and capital projects. With over 20 years of experience in all operational areas of the biodiesel/biofuel business, he specializes in plant design and build, value engineering, process improvement, and capital project management. Prior to his current role, Andrew founded and led a biodiesel business which he later sold to Smartfuel America where he continued to lead operations, and earned his MBA from Endicott College.
$i++ ?>Christina Joyce
Founder & CEO
Eurotech Ventures
Christina Joyce is the founder and CEO of Eurotech Ventures, a New York-based zero-carbon project developer. Eurotech licenses European nuclear SMR, methane pyrolysis (turquoise hydrogen) and thermal energy storage technology and deploys projects across North American district energy, utility, industrial manufacturing and campus energy to deliver reliable, zero-carbon heat, steam and power. Eurotech is an authorized NYSERDA Heat Recovery Contractor and Manufacturer Growth Initiative grant recipient and a Clean Fight NY Energy Storage Deployment Accelerator cohort member. We lead business development, customer contracting, feasibility studies, EPC contracting & management, OEM procurement, project financing, project management, federal and state grants and tax incentives, and customs and logistics for some the world’s most admired companies. Ms. Joyce has a 30 year track record of developing and accelerating clean energy, healthcare, technology and media businesses with exits totaling $300 million and sales exceeding $1 billion ARR, leading complex projects and businesses to success across multiple industries.
$i++ ?>Rohan Sinha
Director, Energy Commodities
Vicinity Energy
Rohan Sinha is Director of Energy Commodities and Contracts at Vicinity Energy, where he oversees fuel procurement, hedging strategy, and renewable energy portfolios across multiple district energy systems in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. His work focuses on navigating volatile energy markets, managing commodity price risk, and integrating low-carbon solutions including electric boilers, renewable energy credits, and emerging clean-fuel technologies into large-scale thermal networks. Rohan brings experience across natural gas markets, power procurement, environmental products, and structured energy transactions, with a practical focus on aligning commercial strategy with operational reliability and decarbonization goals. He frequently collaborates with plant operations, finance, and regulatory stakeholders to translate complex market dynamics into actionable energy strategies. He holds a degree from Southern Methodist University and is based in the Greater Boston area.
$i++ ?>
Ben Webster
MIQ
$i++ ?>Saul Kinter
Senior Adviser, Energy Management
DC Water
Saul Kinter is the Senior Adviser for Energy Management at DC Water. He holds a BSE degree from Princeton University, where his thesis described a new model for distributing surface water according to the Texas water rights system, and has published or spoken on a wide-ranging set of topics, including climate variability, ocean-atmosphere gas transfer, the value of water conservation, and wastewater thermal energy. At DC Water, he developed the Bloom biosolids marketing program, and is currently responsible for developing energy projects and purchasing energy.
$i++ ?>Mary Quintana, MSc, MES, CEM, CMVP, LEED Green Assoc
Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management
Brock University
Mary is the Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management at Brock University, a higher education institution in Ontario, Canada. In this role, Mary provides leadership to a team of nearly 150 people who maintain and operate over $1.6B in assets. Mary has helped embed sustainability across the whole portfolio, which includes: Capital projects, project management, utilities, maintenance, vehicles and compliance.
For over 15 years, Mary has worked in the university sector, holding roles of Director, Asset Management & Utilities and Director, Sustainability & Asset Management, Energy & Carbon Manager and Environmental Project Coordinator. Via these roles, Mary has developed and advanced environmental, sustainability and utilitiesâ goals. She has been an active participant in the fight against climate change, implementing numerous energy efficiency and carbon management projects that have saved over 10 million dollars while reducing organizationsâ carbon footprints.
Maryâs professional experience includes several years working on research and development, specializing on image processing and automation to assist medical personnel in the early detection of cancer. She also has experience in the consulting field, where she worked with small and medium enterprises in developing competitiveness strategies based on technology management and innovation.
Mary also believes in the power of collaboration; for over a decade she has been involved with OAPPA (Ontario Association of Physical Plant Administrators), a professional group of leaders in the facilities management sector. She has been particularly involved with the Energy sub-committee, of which she became the chair in 2024.
In terms of education, Mary holds a bachelorâs degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and a Masters degree (Technology management) from the Tecnologico de Monterrey. In addition, she holds a Masters of Environment and Sustainability from Western University and is both a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Measurement & Verification Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers.$i++ ?>David Woodson, MBA, FMA, CEFP
Executive Director, Campus Energy, Utilities, and Operations
University of Washington
David Woodson is the Executive Director of Campus, Energy, Utilities, and Operations at the University of Washington where he is leading the effort to decarbonize the district heating system at the flagship Seattle campus. David previously had as similar role at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and now is enjoying the opportunity to apply the lessons learned from UBC at UW. David is a UW Alum (Aero and Astro ‘91) and has his MBA ‘06 from UBC. David is presently the Vice-Chair of the International District Energy Association (IDEA).
$i++ ?>Joanna Yager
General Manager
Con Edison
Joanna Yager is an accomplished leader in the energy industry with 18 years of technical experience. She began her journey at Con Edison as a mechanical controls engineer developing projects at the company’s steam and electric generating facilities. As a Senior System Operator responsible for operating the bulk transmission system, she thrived in dynamic environments and adapted well to new challenges. Her role as Section Manager in Gas Operations strengthened her decision-making skills by relying on data to navigate complex situations effectively. As a Project Manager in Transmission Project Development, she utilized her action-oriented leadership strength to drive results and ensure strong credibility with external stakeholders. Mentorship has become an integral component of her professional development, and she champions formal and informal employee development programs to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Joanna believes that empowering others is necessary for organizational growth and invests time in coaching, skill-building, and advancing a positive work environment. Outside of work, Joanna enjoys reading books, doing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her husband, son, and daughter at their home in Westchester County, NY.
$i++ ?>Christopher Potter (Moderator)
Executive Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations
Architect of the Capitol
Christopher Potter is the Executive Director of Utilities and Power Plant Operations at the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the management of the district energy system serving the buildings on and around Capitol Hill. Chris has been with the AOC since 2005. Prior to that, he worked at the General Services Administration district energy system also in Washington DC. Chris has a Master's degree in Public Administration from American University, a Masterâs degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
CampusEnergy2026 Track: Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop Session 5: Tools of Tomorrow: Smart Sensors, Meters & Monitoring Technologies
A technology-focused discussion highlighting widgets and tools that can optimize system monitoring and improve performance.
Session five of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:
2:55 pm – 3:20 pm
Too Hot to Handle – Insulated Manhole Covers – Evolution and Design – Devin Vasquez, Con Edison
This presentation explores the evolution of insulated manhole cover design and their role in improving safety, reducing heat loss, and protecting surrounding infrastructure.
3:20 pm – 3: 50 pm
Connecting Heat, Power, and Progress: The Tools Behind Smarter, High-Performing Systems –Josephine Aromando, Con Edison; Michele Bryant, Austin Energy; Charlie Marino, WSP; Don Silvia, Vicinity
This panel explores how integrated monitoring, metering, and control technologies connect thermal and electric systems. Panelists discuss practical applications of smart tools that improve visibility, resilience, and operational performance.
3:50 pm – 3:55 pm
Workshop Recap and Open Discussion
Keywords: Thermal Distribution
$i++ ?>Devin Vasquez
Equipment Engineer
Con Edison
Devin Vasquez is currently the Equipment Engineer for Consolidated Edison Company of New York's Steam Distribution Engineering department. Prior to Con Edison, Devin worked at Siemens Energy where he spent 10+ years as a field service engineer working with steam turbines and other rotating equipment. Devin also spent 4 yrs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Plant, serving as the Plant Enginner, keeping the plants running to produce steam for Con Edison. Devin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology.
$i++ ?>Josephine Aromando, BE, MBA
Senior Engineer, Research & Development
Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.
Josephine Aromando, BE, MBA
Senior Engineer, R&D, Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.Graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering degree as an Electrical Engineer and from Rutgers University with a Master’s in Business Administration, Josephine has worked at Con Edison since 1991 in various positions, starting her career in Gas Operations managing crews in Construction and Distribution, as well as overseeing designers and mappers in Engineering. Her curiosity and fascination with the sciences and evolving or disruptive technologies that can enhance the way business units oversee their operations daily appropriately landed her in R&D as a Senior Engineer. The privilege of working with multiple operations and engineering organizations, networking and collaborating with other utilities through research efforts with OTD, NYSEARCH, and EPRI has provided opportunities of learning how to utilize technologies in the fields of AI, analytics robotics, and augmented-virtual reality, for example to supplement work processes safer, more efficiently and productively. Some fun facts: Josephine and her husband Bill met at Stevens and are proud parents to five children, with two singletons and a set of triplets, all now in their 20’s. Coincidentally, every member in her family can at least play one instrument while her beagle, Bean, loves to howl along to the music with them.
$i++ ?>Michelle Bryant
Austin Energy
$i++ ?>Charlie Marino
Senior Vice President, Built Ecology
WSP
Charlie Marino has dedicated the past decade to the field of building performance optimization and decarbonization. As a SVP of the Built Ecology team at WSP, he focuses on strategy developement to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and oversees related major HVAC infrastructure upgrades for commercial, healthcare, life science, and multifamily building sectors.
To help refine implementation pathways that will enable New York City to realize its carbon emissions reduction goals, Charlie actively participates on advisory boards related to NYC Local Law 97 and industry stakeholder groups such as ASHRAE New York City, Building Energy Exchange, and the New York Energy Consumer Council to help foster communication between sustainability professionals and the consulting engineering community. Charlie has served as a past president of ASHRAE NYC and is currently a board member and VP of the New York Energy Consumers Council.
$i++ ?>Don Silvia, CEM , CBCP
Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations
Vicinity
A seasoned engineering professional with extensive experience in the district energy and electric generation industry over the past 25 years, Don Silvia serves as Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations at Vicinity Energy. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Don is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) through the Association of Energy Engineers. Additionally, he holds a First Class Stationary Engineer license from the State of Maine.
As Regional Vice President of Northeast Operations, Don manages Vicinity's district energy operations in both Cambridge and Boston, including the implementation of Vicinities electrification efforts in Boston and Cambridge.$i++ ?>Frank Cuomo, PE, MBA, PMP (Moderator)
Director - Commodity Operations
Con Edison
Frank A. Cuomo is the Director of Commodity Operations at Con Edison, where he oversees a substantial annual portfolio of approximately $500 million. He began his engineering career in the consulting industry before joining Con Edison in 2011. Over the years, he has held various positions within Con Edison Steam Operations, including project manager and general manager. Frank is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer, a graduate of Manhattan College School of Engineering, and holds an MBA from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Frank's expertise lies in customer energy use and system design. He has collaborated with numerous customers, stakeholders, and industry partners to explore paths towards a Clean Energy Future. Notably, he led the Future of Renewable Steam Team (FIRST), a company initiative focused on decarbonization efforts.
As a subject matter expert in Steam Operations and customer building systems, Frank is known for his ability to cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate complex business topics effectively. He has also served as Incident Commander during large-scale emergency events.
In his current role, Frank ensures the seamless procurement and scheduling of energy commodities, maintaining 24/7 operations to meet customer energy demands. His strategies in gas planning and regulatory proceedings reflect his competencies in networking, customer energy systems, and overall energy distribution, essential for steering the company towards a sustainable future