Ms. Alvarez is a seasoned environmental executive bringing broad practical experience in civil and environmental planning, engineering and management for municipal, state, tribal, and federal governments, including environmental site characterization and restoration, drainage and floodplain management,m air quality monitoring, facility planning, site-civil and regulatory compliance. She has considerable experience in multi-jurisdictional consensus building, capital planning, project finance, and, public involvement, outreach and engagement.

Umesh Atre is a sustainability professional with 20 years of experience working in India, the United States, and Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai, India, and a Master of Science in Architecture (sustainability focus) from Texas A&M University, College Station. Umesh is a LEED AP, WELL AP, and a Fitwel Ambassador, has authored research papers, presented on topics related to sustainable design at local and national conferences, and served as a judge for the Austin Green Awards. He is active with the Austin AIA COTE (committee on the environment), has worked on over 100 green building certification projects, and his primary interests include building energy modeling, daylighting, net zero, passive solar, embodied carbon analysis, and energy codes. Prior to joining Parkhill, he held the position of Director of Sustainability at Studio8 Architects. He is based in Austin, TX.

Chris exemplifies the career path of a skilled leader who excels and integrates every aspect of the SMPS’s six domains of professional services practice. He started his career after graduating from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Construction Management. He started out as a carpenter for a construction company before moving on to operations. He finally landed in Strategic Planning realm, in which he has brought his expertise for the past 25 years. A few examples of Chris’s leadership for three construction companies in San Antonio have resulted in acquiring more than $2 billion in construction projects. These success stories include advancing the strategic planning, market repositioning, brand image, revenue, and geographic growth for many companies. No matter the size of the company, Chris has a proven track record of financial growth and success. Skanska, an international firm, is the largest of companies that Chris has worked for. In his time there, the company was awarded a $75 Million renovation for a healthcare expansion at Airforce Village One. He held the title of Vice President during his time there. After, Chris moved on to Joeris Construction, a medium size firm. Working with Joeris’s leadership team, Chris was instrumental in developing the plan to grow Joeris from a $ 150 million to over $ 500 million company. His primary focus while there, was K-12 education and Higher Education projects. Chris was also an instrumental factor in bringing the company more Private work. Most recently, Chris was the Strategic Development Officer at Metropolitan Contracting Company, a small construction company based in San Antonio, TX. However, after Chris implemented a rebranding campaign, it took the smaller tier firm to a mid-sized general contractor. Chris has also has his hand in the world of professional development. He has been part of multiple professional organizations, including Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Real Estate Council of San Antonio (RECSA), and Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). With SMPS, Chris was honored with the opportunity to be a speaker at multiple professional developments for those in the industry. His presentation was entitled “Millions to Billions” in which he advised others on how their companies can significantly improve their wealth. Taking all of these experiences and the knowledge he has gained from them, Chris has opened his own firm, CM Consulting. His hope is to bring even more companies financial success through his strategic planning and business development skills.

Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a native Houstonian, a happy family man, a lifelong learner & a martial artist teacher with almost 30 years of experience. His doctorate studies focused on college choice and student success. Tom’s company Lead Connect Grow LLC focuses on helping organizations build cultures of curiosity and resiliency. His clients often leave his sessions feeling empowered, engaged, educated, and changed. In his spare time, Tom enjoys playing the guitar, grilling, studying AI and writing.

The Heat is On! Understanding San Antonio's Urban Heat Island and What We Can Do About It The heat is on! Major urban areas are experiencing rising temperatures, exacerbated by human activities, forming a "heat bubble" known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI). This phenomenon leads to higher temperatures, impacting human health, power consumption, air and water quality, and more. This session will cover: Original research on San Antonio's UHI over the past seven decades. Novel methodologies for creating climate data tailored to urban environments to accurately reflect UHI effects. Positive initiatives implemented to mitigate heat and improve water quality. Heat reduction strategies employed by the City of San Antonio. About Michelle: Michelle Garza brings over a decade of experience in environmental science and sustainable energy, combined with her background in business management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Michelle has been an integral part of the Sustainable Infrastructure/Planning Unit at the San Antonio River Authority for over eight years. In her role, she focuses on educating the community about nature-based stormwater solutions to enhance water quality and the urban environment. As the development coordinator for SARA, she collaborates with developers within mandatory coordination areas, such as the River Improvement Overlay District and Westside Creeks Water Quality Overlay, to ensure their projects incorporate LID/green infrastructure, thereby protecting the community's investment in the health and recreation of local creeks and rivers. Additionally, Michelle has conducted research and presented on nature-based infrastructure as a mitigation strategy to reduce urban heat islands, contributing to improved water quality and quality of life in San Antonio and beyond.

Presentation Title: The Case for Compounding Sustainable Investments Presentation Abstract: In 2015, Credit Human made a major commitment to sustainability by outfitting most of our San Antonio locations with solar power. This was the first step in an ongoing environmental program that now includes our new headquarters in San Antonio – a 200,000 square foot mid-rise building that is regarded by many as the “greenest” commercial building in the United States. The performance and cost savings of these and other systems the credit union has implemented are substantial. Credit Human is reinvesting 100% of those savings back into other environmental initiatives in the markets it serves. We will share our approach for establishing a compounding cycle of reinvestment in sustainability programs, and why it’s right for our bottom line and the communities we serve. BIO: Steve Hennigan is the President and CEO of Credit Human, a Federal Credit Union, where he is responsible for providing leadership and vision for a cooperatively-owned financial institution serving more than 200,000 households across the United States. In this role, Steve is focused on transforming the organization’s values to enable it to fulfill its mission of helping people create and maintain financial slack. Mr. Hennigan joined Credit Human in September 1993 and since that time has served in a variety of roles across the organization. This included starting a new indirect lending division that built Credit Human into a national lender, as well as transforming Credit Human’s $2.0 billion, mature retail banking business in Texas. Steve served most recently as Chief Operating Officer before assuming his current role of President and CEO in 2012. Mr. Hennigan is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has a BBA in Finance and Accounting from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He has served as a Board Trustee of CPS Energy and on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. Steve is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He and his wife Tracy have two daughters, Megan and Callie.

"A Proactive Approach to North Central Texas Growth and Development: Integration of Transportation and Stormwater Infrastructure (TSI)" This initiative utilizes proactive planning to address increasingly flooded roadways, neighborhoods, and critical infrastructure in the rapidly-developing areas of North Central Texas contending with intense rainfall and escalating stormwater impacts. The study integrates stormwater, transportation, and environmental planning in a unique effort to reduce risk in a region growing by 150,000 people per year. Focusing on these ‘exurban’ areas, the study seeks to provide enhanced technical models and emergency management solutions to guide more informed development decisions. This will be accompanied by a planning menu for sustainable transportation design and stormwater detention that blend traditional stormwater features with nature-based solutions. Tools that quantify the financial benefits of adopting these higher building standards will also be integrated into the study. The multi-year study is funded with more than $10 million from state and federal agencies. Learning Objectives: 1) Understand the relationship between stormwater runoff and impervious surfaces as areas develop, quantifying impacts using visual or modeled means. 2) Identify critical areas within your community that may benefit from proactive transportation planning using both technical analysis and stakeholder engagement. 3) Define nature-based solutions and recognize opportunities to integrate them along with traditional stormwater infrastructure to create viable stormwater management solutions that meet community goals. 4) Recognize the benefits (both tangible and intangible) of proactive integrated transportation and stormwater management for developing communities and be able to confer the benefits of these improved standards to decision-makers to inform functional solutions that communities are willing to adopt. BIO: Aaron Hoff has spent 20 years working with water in the state of Texas, specializing in source water protection, watershed stewardship, and watershed education. Currently acting as the Watershed Program Manager for the Tarrant Regional Water District, he and his team work with landowners in the District’s watersheds to protect the water supply reservoirs providing much of the water that sustains residents of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. A native of north Texas, his childhood adventures fostered a healthy appreciation for the natural world. He has been involved with water and sediment quality studies throughout Texas and Louisiana. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M, where his studies focused on water quality and natural resource management, and he is currently seeking his PhD from UT– Arlington, researching microbial impacts in Texas streams.

Melody Jackson is the GAF Building Science Manager for the Southwest U.S. Melody has 11 years of experience in the AEC industry and spent 7 years working in construction law. She has over five years of experience as an independent specifications writer. Melody has spent the last four years working in the commercial roofing industry. She holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Houston. Melody is actively involved in various professional organizations such as AIA, IIBEC, NWIR, and CSI. She has served on the CSI Houston Board of Directors for over six years, served two terms as Treasurer, and is currently President-Elect. She is a founding member of the National Women in Roofing Houston Chapter.

Mr. Lackey is the Owner of LCCx and is a mechanical engineer focused on enhanced building commissioning, with Building Design, Construction, and Project Delivery expertise. He has been in this industry for over 30 years and is an expert at new technology, codes, flexibility planning and design trends in the industry. As a Director at the SA River Authority, he has seen first hand the new development dynamics of the San Pedro Creek restoration through Urban San Antonio. Mike is a founding National Board Member of the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) and has enthusiastically brought his expertise to many Forums.

Kevin Lanza is an Assistant Professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. His research explores the relations between the environment, health, and well-being through a social equity lens, with a focus on extreme heat and physical activity of children and other populations disproportionately impacted by heat. He currently serves on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Board of Scientific Counselors and Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee.

"Commissioning High-Performance, Low-Carbon Buildings" Buildings are more complex and less forgiving than ever before. Project challenges from adverse weather conditions during assembly to material substitutions, inexperienced trades with reduced quality control, and constrained timelines make construction a complex process. How can you verify that the finished structure and its systems meet project requirements? Join commissioning (Cx) expert Ande Lehr from SSR's Houston office for an AIA-accredited presentation exploring whole building commissioning. Learn what design professionals, contractors, project managers, and facility managers should keep in mind as they plan, construct, and maintain high-performance structures. ABOUT ANDRE: Ande Lehr is a Principal at SSR, specializing in the whole building commissioning group. With over 28 years of experience as a senior project manager and consultant, Ande has provided professional services for large, complex projects involving the commissioning of MEP systems, building enclosures, as well as continuous commissioning and performance tracking for existing facilities. His extensive project experience spans industrial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Ande has been involved in all aspects of program and project management, ensuring high standards and efficient, low-carbon impact buildings.

Presentation Title: "Cooking the Books, Cooking the Planet" Mature, readily available designs, technologies, and policies already exist that could solve all efficiency, health, safety, and equity, issues in our built environment ecosystem. Why then are they not being consistently deployed? The answer is simple. Money, or more precisely the way we account for value through our legacy lowest-first-cost minimum-code mentality. Our myopic focus on first-cost drives our highest expectation toward the lowest minimum requirement. Decision-makers are not held professionally, ethically, morally, or legally accountable for the burden created when higher standards of care solutions are not deployed. This legacy paradigm is rapidly shifting as access to capital, insurance, tenant businesses advantages more sustainable and resilient assets. We will examine the business case advantages that generationally responsible decisions create via tools that substantiate the full financial, human, and natural capital asset value improvement opportunities. BIO: David MacLean BSEE, SASB-FSA, RESET AP, ASHRAE BCxP, LEED AP, WELL AP McMac CX (www.McMacCX.com) - Founder / President. Leads McMac CX social enterprise initiatives facilitating accelerated adoption of proven sustainable best practice designs, technologies, and policies in the built environment ecosystem by making material the monetized benefit of creating safer, healthier, more efficient, and more prosperous places for everyone to live, learn, work, and play. ESG IMPACTS (www.ESG-IMPACTS.com) – Managing Partner / Chief Impact Assurance Officer. ESG IMPACTS is a purpose-driven company providing certified ESG and Impact audits, analysis, and scoring of real estate for owners, investors, users, and lenders. ESG IMPACTS is the first to develop an AI-based, automated rating and reporting system that can be standardized for use in academia as well as the mortgage lending and securities industries. Texas Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC TX) (www.USGBCTexas.org) - Founding Board Member. Current Chair of the USGBC Texas Best Practices Committee. Committed to improving lives by advocating locally and statewide for better building and community code adoption, business case substantiation, and performance outcome transparency. McMac CX Planet People Profit Impact (P3I) Platform (https://www.mcmaccx.com/p3i-platform) – Creator. Platform allows Built Environmental Ecosystem stakeholders to understand the natural (Planet), human (People), and financial (Profit) asset capital creation possible through deployment of proven sustainable best practices. Texas Sustainable Business Network (TXSBN) (www.TXSBNetwork.org) – Co-Founder. Bringing Texas businesses together to advance solutions that push back against the lowest-first-cost minimum-code mentality by creating substantiated business-case methodologies for consistently deploying proven sustainable best practices. Air Champions Social Change Scientists (ACSCS) (https://www.mcmaccx.com/grassroots) - Founder. Launched on Earth Day 2020 to empower all Built Environment stakeholders through international collaborations and deployment of maturing technologies and policies to create transparent outdoor and indoor air quality awareness.

"Great Springs Project: A Vision for Texas' Future" The Great Springs Project (GSP) aims to conserve 50,000 acres of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. These green spaces will be connected by a 100-mile network of spring-to-spring trails, linking Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. GSP, a regional nonprofit, collaborates with local organizations, city and county governments, and project partners to enhance trail and conservation efforts across Travis, Hays, Comal, and Bexar Counties. This presentation will explore GSP’s mission implementation, coordination with local entities, and the collaborative efforts driving the creation of this extensive trail network, addressing transportation, drainage, and park space challenges. Join Garry at this year's Lone Star Sustainability Forum to learn about this legacy project and its impact on Texas. ABOUT GARRY Garry Merritt, CEO of Great Springs Project, combines business development, real estate law, government service, and conservation of Texas’ natural resources. A former Real County Judge and Attorney, Garry's expertise includes real estate transactions, finance, water rights, business development, and contract negotiations. He is Board Certified in Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law, a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and holds degrees from Rice University and UT School of Law. Previously, he served as General Counsel and Legislative Director of the Texas Association of Counties and chaired the Hill Country Alliance and other regional councils.

"New Mexico State University: An Energy Transition Master Plan Case Study" New Mexico State University (NMSU) is a public land-grant institution with an enrollment of approximately 22,000 students. The campus operates distributed thermal and electrical utility systems and generates a portion of its own power with a natural gas turbine. In response to a state mandate and an internal goal of greenhouse gas emission reductions (45% by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, respectively), NMSU facilities leadership initiated the development of an energy master plan. This case study explores how the team incorporated academic and research staff as stakeholders, aligned the plan with the overall campus master plan, developed a phased approach to reduce utility system carbon usage, and examined alternative revenue streams to fund recommended initiatives. ABOUT MARK: Mark Mikulin has been employed at EEA Consulting Engineers since 2006 and is the firm’s Principal for State, Local, and Educational projects, with diverse facility types ranging from offices and classroom buildings, clean rooms and research laboratories, and central plants and distributed thermal energy systems. He also has extensive experience in commissioning and retro-commissioning of building systems, and in energy conservation analysis of institutional facilities. Mr. Mikulin has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University – College Station (2005), is a licensed professional engineer in the States of Texas and New Mexico.

Sandra has a B.A. in Communication and Public Relations (UTSA, 2006), an M.A. in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development (Hawaii Pacific University, 2010), and an M.Arch (UTSA, 2015). In 2016, she was selected as the Committee on the Environment (COTE) Scholar with AIA National in Washington, D.C. In 2017, she was the lead researcher and primary author of “The Habits of High-Performance Firms”. In 2018, Sandra was awarded the AIA San Antonio's Rising Star Award and was appointed to the NCARB Experience and Advisory Committee. She also represented the AIA San Antonio on the Building’s Technical Working Group to develop The City of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). In 2019, she was awarded the Texas Society of Architects Associate Member of the Year Award and The University of Texas at San Antonio’s – College of Architecture, Construction, and Planning’s - Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2020, she led a research team on “Intersections: Climate Change, Racial Justice & the Pandemic” for AIA National. Sandra is the Design Performance Manager at Overland Partners and is a PhD Candidate in Land Use Planning Management and Design (LPMD) at Texas Tech University. Sandra is currently Co-Chair of the Committee on the Environment (COTE) San Antonio and serves on the Board of Directors - USGBC Texas and USGBC South Texas - AIA San Antonio Chair.

LEADING PRESENTATION, with Chris Carruth Title: "It's Elemental! Sustainable Development and Retention Reimagined" Description: It has become increasingly obvious that engaged employees are needed to anchor sustainable management in organizations. In this joint presentation, we will discuss developing a sustainable organization by incorporating the key elements for leadership growth and targeted hiring and retention. BIO: Ardith is the President of ARA, Inc., founded in 2002 to serve AEC industry clients nationwide with their strategic team building needs. Prior to starting ARA, Inc., Ardith worked for national construction, engineering and architectural firms as an HR Professional, Trainer and Recruiter. Ardith works with AEC professionals, organizations, and industry associations locally and nationwide on workforce development, recruiting and retention. She has been a part of I-LinCP since its earliest days and currently serves as the National Board Chair. Ardith lives in San Antonio with her husband and dog. It is not uncommon to literally “run” into her on San Antonio’s Greenway Trails or in the newest coffee shop.

As the Director, Sustainability and Energy Management, Mr. Rahman brings his expertise as a certified energy manager and certified building commissioning professional, with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Peter Sakai's journey is deeply rooted in his family's history and dedication to justice. His grandparents immigrated from Japan to the United States, with his maternal grandparents settling in South Texas and his father's family in California's Imperial Valley. During World War II, his father, Pete, experienced the injustices of Japanese Internment Camps, an ordeal that profoundly influenced Peter's commitment to defending the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Peter graduated from the University of Texas in 1976 and the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. He began his career as an Appellate Assistant D.A. in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and soon opened his own successful law practice. In 1995, he was appointed Associate Judge of the Children's Court, where he introduced innovative programs that significantly increased foster child adoptions and supported struggling families. Encouraged by peers and community leaders, Peter ran for the 225th State District Court, winning decisively. As a judge, he has implemented cost-saving protocols and pioneering programs like the Family Drug Court, Early Childhood Court, and the College Bound Docket, all of which have gained national recognition for their impact. Peter's success is bolstered by his family's support. His wife, Raquel “Rachel” Sakai, a dedicated public servant and educator, has also been honored for her community contributions. Together, they have two children, George and Elizabeth, and two grandchildren, Jackson and Grayson. Join us at the Lone Star Sustainability Forum to hear Judge Sakai discuss his transformative leadership and the innovative solutions he has developed to enhance justice and community well-being.

As the Associate Vice Chancellor, Fiscal Initiatives at San Jacinto College, Mr. Smith has a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Public Speaking, Curriculum Development, Project Management, and Student Development. Strong operations professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) focused in Marketing and Finance from Syracuse University.

Ryan is a sustainability professional with over two decades of leadership in the green building industry. At USGBC, he leads a regional team to grow sustainability, health, resilience, and equity in buildings and communities through LEED. He has engaged thousands of people at the intersection of equity, sustainability, and resilience. At the Green Building Alliance he worked on diverse sustainability projects, consulted on building projects in partnership with the Pittsburgh Community Loan fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and helped establish the NAIOP Sustainable Development award. Ryan served several nonprofit organizations, including Interfaith Power & Light, Conference for Catholic Facility Managers, American Institute of Constructors, Urban Land Institute, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Ryan taught in the Master of Landscape Architecture program at Chatham University, holds an M.S. in Sustainable Systems , a B.S. in Science and Technology Studies, and maintains the LEED Accredited Professional BD+C credential. Presentation: “Driving building performance through the lens of LEED v5” Join this intimate discussion with a local practitioner and USGBC staff about the next iteration of the LEED green building certification system. LEED v5 aims to drive the built environment toward a low-carbon future that is equitable and resilient and promotes the wise, safe utilization of all resources. This dialogue-based session will take attendees on a guided tour of the new structure of the rating system. It will feature an in-depth understanding of the integrated approach to addressing the key issues of scale, decarbonization, health and wellbeing, resilience, equity, biodiversity, and other goals that are driving the development. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer insights as they learn more about USGBC’s work to create an end-to-end ecosystem for green building. This version of LEED results from deep and meaningful conversations with the LEED community and is fueled by an urgency to address the most pressing global concerns. It represents the outcome of deep stakeholder involvement that balances the goals of LEED while balancing the needs driving business decisions across the built environment. Join us, as we dig into this system and how it will support decision makers and sustainability professionals take building performance to the next level.

"Translating LEED Success Into Campus Standards" Join Matt Stevens and Jim Walker from UT Austin in the "Utilities and Infrastructure" session as they present an exciting overview of recent and current capital projects at UT, including LEED Platinum certifications. They will explore the evolution and integration of LEED and green building principles into campus sustainability standards for capital projects and major renovations, including utilities and infrastructure elements. About Matt: Matt Stevens has dedicated 25 years to sustainability planning and consulting, beginning with energy and water-efficient strategies for residential homebuilders. His firm certified the most ENERGY STAR and green building program-rated homes in the Austin and San Antonio areas. Over the past 12 years, Matt has worked as a sustainability advisor at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on energy and water use avoidance and capital infrastructure development. He spearheaded the university's Sustainable Requirement Design Criteria and holds credentials as a LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Energy Manager, and Project Management Professional. Learning Objectives: Understand the latest advancements in sustainable campus projects at the UT System. Learn about the process and benefits of achieving LEED Platinum certification. Explore the integration of LEED and green building principles into capital projects and major renovations. Gain insights into the development and implementation of the Sustainable Requirement Design Criteria at the University of Texas.

"Translating LEED Success Into Campus Standards" Join Matt Stevens and Jim Walker from UT Austin in the "Utilities and Infrastructure" session as they present an exciting overview of recent and current capital projects at UT, including LEED Platinum certifications. They will explore the evolution and integration of LEED and green building principles into campus sustainability standards for capital projects and major renovations, including utilities and infrastructure elements. About Jim: Jim Walker was appointed Director of Sustainability for the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. He collaborates with the President's Sustainability Steering Committee on the UT Austin Sustainability Master Plan and serves as a primary liaison for LEED and SITES on new capital projects. Jim works with academic units on curriculum development, facilities improvements, and 'living lab' experiences for students. He holds a Master's in Community and Regional Planning from UT Austin and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Jim also served on the state board of the Texas chapter of the USGBC. Learning Objectives: Understand the latest advancements in sustainable campus projects at the UT System. Learn about the process and benefits of achieving LEED Platinum certification. Explore the integration of LEED and green building principles into capital projects and major renovations. Gain insights into the development and implementation of the Sustainable Requirement Design Criteria at the University of Texas. Don’t miss this insightful session at the 2024 Lone Star Sustainability Forum! BIO: Jim was appointed the Director of Sustainability for the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. He works closely with the President's Sustainability Steering Committee on the UT Austin Sustainability Master Plan and is one of the university’s primary liaisons related to LEED and SITES on new capital projects. He works directly with all academic units on curriculum development, facilities improvements and the pursuit of ‘living lab’ experiences for students. Jim has a Masters in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He formerly served on the state board of the Texas chapter of the USGBC.

With a Masters in Environmental and Resource Studies from Texas State University, Suzanne Williams has dedicated her career to utilities and operations, with a focus on resource conservation. She is currently leading Texas Water Company in in their commitment to water conservation. Suzanne loves to run, hike, and is passionate about serving. In addition to her involvement and leadership in many community organizations, she is also on the National Board for the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects.

Darrell Whatley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a Vice President with Kirksey Architecture and serves as a project manager on the Collegiate team. He has 27 years of experience focusing on higher education buildings that have ranged from 1,000 bed student housing, dining halls, classroom buildings to workforce training facilities. He recently has completed the design and construction of two mass timber collegiate projects. The first is the nation’s largest collegiate instructional building for San Jacinto Community College at 122,000 square feet. The second is a 5 story, 166 bed New Hanszen College for Rice University at 56,000 square feet. He has developed new detailed design approaches with the use of mass timber in these facilities with a thoughtful approach to sustainability. Recently he has presented and actively promoted mass timber at the San Jacinto College’s Gulf Coast Mass Timber Conference, Woodworks Texas Wood Design Symposium, ULI Tulsa Conference, Gulf Coast Green Conference, TxA Conference, AIA Austin Design Excellence, CoreNet, Texas Energy Summit, Portland BEC, and A4LE Regional Conference.

Jessica Young (she/her) is a senior planner at Asakura Robsinon who is a passionate advocate for planning solutions that center communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and historic disinvestment. She strives to improve the lived experience of community members in the face of climate change by developing implementable strategies for adapting to climate change. She recently co-authored the American Planning Association’s Planner’s Perspectives on Climate report and survey and has published research on municipal barriers to climate action planning. Kyle Anderson (he/him/they) is an associate planner at Asakura Robinson who is driven to explore the intersection of community capacity, ecological restoration, and green design to pursue more substantively sustainable modes of life. They are driven to better understand the relationship between communities and their environment, and to further equip cities and community organizations with the tools, strategies, and support necessary to foster resilient, adaptable communities capable of maintaining a high quality of life in the face of a rapidly changing climate. In project work they help bring technical expertise about sustainable building and design alongside a depth of experience working alongside community leaders to foster greater collective impact.