SFPE elects new President, President-Elect and Board for 2026
Iain Hoey
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SFPE leadership appointments for 2026
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has named Shamim Rashid-Sumar as its 2026 President and Shaun Kelly as its President-Elect.
SFPE announced the appointments on 20 January 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Rashid-Sumar is Senior Vice President, Fire Codes and Standards at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.
Her role includes working with National Model Building Codes and International Standards Organizations and providing technical support on codes, standards, regulations and legislation at national, state and local level.
The release lists committee roles for Rashid-Sumar across bodies including the ICC, ASTM, ACI and NFPA.
Board elections and continuing directors
Jimmy Jönsson has been elected Secretary-Treasurer.
Virginia Charter, John Frank, Craig Vesely and Karl Wallasch have been elected to the SFPE Board of Directors.
Each will begin their term on 1 January 2026.
Chris Jelenewicz, Chief Executive Officer of SFPE, said: “SFPE’s strength lies in the dedication and vision of its volunteer leaders, and we are proud to welcome our newly elected Board of Directors.
“These accomplished professionals bring diverse perspectives and deep technical expertise that reflect the global fire protection engineering community.
“Their leadership will be instrumental as SFPE continues to advance innovation, support the profession, and expand our impact in improving fire safety worldwide.”
The release said John Denhardt, Mark Hopkings, Elizabeth (Carcone) Pennacchio, Jeffrey Tubbs and Michael Wojcik will continue their service on the Society’s Board of Directors.
SFPE said it will solicit nominations for 2027 leadership roles in the coming months.