SFPE welcomes new President and Board Members for 2024

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced the election of Bob Libby, PE, FSFPE [left], as its 2024 President, and Amanda Kimball, PE, FSFPE, [right] as President-Elect.

 This marks a significant leadership change for the world’s leading professional society in fire protection and fire safety engineering.

Experienced professionals to lead SFPE into the future

Bob Libby, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the field, will bring his extensive expertise to the role of President.

 Libby, currently the Senior Vice President and Principal of Fire Protection Engineering at Coffman Engineers, has a deep background in fire protection systems for commercial buildings.

 He is an alumnus of the University of Maryland with a degree in Fire Protection Engineering and has been actively involved in SFPE, including serving on the SFPE Board of Directors since 2018.

Amanda Kimball, elected as President-Elect, is the Executive Director of the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Protection Research Foundation.

 With 20 years of membership in SFPE, Kimball has contributed significantly to research in various fire safety fields.

 She holds degrees in Civil Engineering and Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Newly elected and re-elected Board Members

The SFPE has also announced the election of Shamim Rashid-Sumar, PE, FSFPE, as Secretary-Treasurer, along with the re-election of John Denhardt, PE, ET, FSFPE, CWBSP, and Albert Simeoni, PhD, PMSFPE.

 Jeffrey Tubbs, PE, FSFPE, joins as a new member of the SFPE Board of Directors.

 These individuals will commence their terms starting January 1, 2024.

Leadership to steer strategic objectives

Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, Interim Chief Executive Officer of SFPE, expressed confidence in the newly elected leadership, emphasizing their capacity to drive the Society’s strategic objectives towards innovation and sustainability in the fire protection and fire safety engineering profession.

Continued service by existing Board Members

The Society acknowledges the continued contributions of Christopher Butts, PE, AET, SET, CFPS, ARM, PMSFPE; John Frank, PE, FSFPE; Jimmy Jönsson, PE, FSFPE; Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE; Shaun Kelly, PEng, CEng, MIEI, PMSFPE; Fang Li, PE, FSFPE; Elizabeth Pennacchio, PE, PMSFPE; and Michael Wojcik, PE, PMSFPE.

 Their ongoing service on the Board is invaluable to the Society’s mission and objectives.

IFSJ Comment

The recent leadership changes at the Society of Fire Protection Engineers mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of fire safety and protection engineering.

 The election of Bob Libby as President and Amanda Kimball as President-Elect, alongside other experienced professionals, signals a commitment to advancing the field with a blend of practical experience and research-led insight.

 Their leadership is set to steer the SFPE towards addressing contemporary challenges in fire safety and promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

 This strategic direction not only aligns with the current needs of the fire protection community but also resonates with the broader goals of ensuring safety and resilience in our built environment.

 As the field of fire protection engineering continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, the guidance and expertise of these seasoned professionals will be crucial in shaping a safer, more sustainable future.