Your Board Members
Kevin McIntyre, President
I grew up in Southern Alberta and graduated from SAIT with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I worked in industrial controls for a few years before finding my passion in Commercial HVAC. From attending ASHRAE dinner meetings to participating in social events, I have always valued the knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities that ASHRAE provides.
As I step into the role of President, I am excited to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to serve our members and advance the mission of ASHRAE. This year, the theme is "Empowering Our Workforce: Building a Sustainable Future." I firmly believe that by investing in our workforce and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, we can drive significant progress in our industry. My focus will be on providing resources, education, and opportunities that empower our members to lead the way in creating sustainable solutions for the future.
Matthew Theriault, President-Elect
Young professional born and raised in Calgary with proven leadership and technical skills, I studied at both SAIT and the UofC, I currently work at AME Group. This is my 10th year as a chair on the board and I look forward to applying my skillset to provide as much value as possible. Looking forward to seeing all the new and recurring faces of ASHRAE.
As President Elect for the upcoming 2024/25 year. Our goal is to continue to support the members of ASHRAE, a sense of community and professional development is important to us. We have a number of fun engaging events and activities this year, more details to come in the following months.
Mitch Adams, Vice-President
I first learned about ASHRAE as a newcomer to the HVAC industry in 2014. Through my career since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of different types of buildings and in many different roles within the consulting side of the industry, seeing first-hand the value that ASHRAE provides. Originally with Smith + Andersen and currently with Reinbold Engineering, I’ve also gained an appreciation for the diverse systems and design practices in the industry.
Coming into my fourth year on the BOG, I’m looking forward to the new challenges of my role as Vice President. I’m excited to apply my experience on the Board to help keep the South Alberta Chapter on track and line up some great presentation venues.
Brett Banadyga, Secretary/Treasurer
I was born and raised in Regina, SK, where I attended the University of Regina and received a degree in Industrial Systems Engineering. While at the U of R, I co-founded the ASHRAE Student Branch and served as president for the inaugural year.
In 2019 I moved to Calgary to join AME Group in my current role as a Building Performance Engineer.
This will be my third year on the BOG as the Secretary/Tre. I am looking forward to meeting more of the chapter members this year and am hoping we are able to grow our chapter with some new members.
Nicholas Mueller, CTTC Chair
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. I attended SAIT where I received my Mechanical Engineering Technologist Diploma. I worked in HVAC Manufacturing before branching off and joining the consulting side of the industry where I have found a passion for energy conscious design and collaboration with my peers.
This will be by 2nd year on the board with the CTTC branch and I am excited to provide interesting relevant talks for this year and working with the community!
Ian MacIntyre, CTTC Co-Chair
Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, I moved to Alberta after completing my university studies in 2012. After earning my MBA, I joined Victaulic in 2018, where I've actively participated in ASHRAE events and expanded my experience with commercial HVAC. Today, I work closely with engineers and property owners in the HVAC sector.
As a first-time board member, I’m excited to serve as the CTTC co-chair. My goal is to facilitate meaningful and relevant technical programs and events, oversee technology transfer, and promote awards programs and recognition.
Dana Heller, Historian
I have been an active member of SAC-ASHRAE since I started in the field 12 years ago, and being on the board has been especially rewarding. I am proud to be chosen as the History Chair this year and look forward to talking to many of you about your experiences with ASHRAE.
Nikhil Amin, YEA Chair
I was born and raised in Calgary (not all that common these days!). My journey with ASHRAE began in my final year as a Mechanical Engineering student at the U of C. It has been a great opportunity for my personal and professional life, and I am glad to be a part of the community. Currently I am the YEA Chair, and it has been a great experience getting many like-minded individuals together and help them grow. I am really looking forward to the coming year, it should be great fun!
Sarah Toogood, Diversity in ASHRAE Chair
I was born and raised in Edmonton and graduated from the University of Alberta in 2018, and moved to Calgary in summer of 2022. I have been working as a mechanical consultant in the HVAC and buildings industry for almost 7 years. My projects have spanned many sectors but have a common goal of increasing efficiency and creating sustainable outcomes for building systems. I have been involved in the Southern Alberta Chapter Board for three years now, starting my second year as the Diversity in ASHRAE Chair for the 2024/2025 year.
In this role, I look forward to challenging our industry to address systematic issues in diversity and inclusion so that we can create a future of equal opportunity and representation.
Josh Hogan, Research Promotion Chair
Having been born and raised in Calgary, I embarked on my ASHRAE journey in 2020, and it has been an educational and enriching experience ever since. With four years of valuable industry exposure, I am thrilled to embrace my first year as the chair of ASHRAE's Research & Promotion on the committee. I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with fresh faces and make new relationships within our ASHRAE community this year.
Andrew Piepgrass, Research Promotion Co-chair
Ian Peters, Membership Promotion Chair
I grew up in rural Saskatchewan and completed post-secondary at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. After graduating in 2014, I moved to Calgary for what was supposed to be one year of ‘workplace training’ at an engineering firm before I would return to the flatland. After that year I decided I liked mountains more than fields and decided to stay. I’ve worked on a variety of projects in mechanical consulting, though most have been institutional, educational, and healthcare facilities. I’ve been a member of ASHRAE for several years, but this is my first year on the board.
Edwin Liou, Student Activities
I was born in Taiwan, raised in Vancouver, and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2010 with a BaSC in Mechanical Engineering. During school, I had the opportunity to intern at various organizations ranging from particle physics research to making ATM’s. I began my career working for an engineering consulting company (Chorley + Bisset) in London. In 2013, I came to Calgary and worked at Spartan Controls with a focus on the power, chemical, pipeline, and upstream oil & gas industries. In 2023, I made a switch to Carrier and am currently an Account Manager on the commercial team. I’m very much looking forward to contributing to ASHRAE SAC as the student activities chair.
Amrit Mahendraraiah, Student Activities
I am a Project Coordinator at Modern Niagara and the Student Activities Co-Chair at ASHRAE. I graduated with a degree in Engineering from the University of Calgary, and I am passionate about raising student awareness in the HVAC industry. In my role, I actively engage with educational initiatives to inspire the next generation of professionals. I believe that nurturing curiosity and knowledge in students is essential for the future of HVAC, and I’m eager to make a lasting impact through mentorship and community involvement.
Raymond Nattress, Sustainable Communities Chair
Born in Ontario and studied at St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, before moving to Alberta in 2008.
Similar to others on the board, I have been an active member of SAC-ASHRAE since I started in the industry 13 years ago. As this year’s Sustainable Communities Chair, I look forward to working with local consultants, contractors, suppliers and ASHRAE members to support the upcoming SAC Sustainable Communities projects in 2024-2025
Erich Binder, Sustainable Communities Chair
I have been involved in numerous ASHRAE Sustainable Community Projects over my years in ASHRAE.
The first was in 2012 in support of Past Society President Tom Watsons presidential initiative to start the
Society ASHRAE Sustainable Community Committee and have been involved in everyone SAC project since.
Rick Westover, Government Affairs
I was born and raised in Edmonton and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U of A in 2012. I started working in the oil & gas sector, but in 2013 I moved to Calgary to dive into the world of HVAC&R with Aqua Air and I have not looked back. I started on the SAC ASHRAE BOG in 2017 and was Chapter President in 2022-23.
I’m excited to be back on the board this year to help with Government Affairs outreach and expand the ASHRAE community.
George Niksic, Goverment Affairs