President’s Message
May 2025
Happy August, NEOK Chapter!
What better way to kick off the new ASHRAE year than with a blast of summer heat. A timely reminder of why our work matters so much!
Before we dive into what is ahead, I want to sincerely thank last year’s President, Austin Barton, and his incredible board. Their dedication led to a standout year filled with new events, record setting attendance, a throwback to the 50’s and plenty of Italian food! Their energy and commitment raised the bar, and we are planning on building on that momentum.
I am honored and humbled to serve as your new Chapter President. Leading a chapter with such deep roots, tradition, and influence in the HVAC&R industry is a privilege and I am so excited for what we’ll accomplish together.
Our board this year is passionate, talented and diverse. As author Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” That heart has been working overtime this summer, crafting a year-long program that advances ASHRAE’s mission of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields while also speaking directly to the needs of our members.
I am proud to share that nearly 50% of this year’s board are YEA members (35 and under), showing how seriously NEOK takes the future of our industry. In addition, over 25% of our board members this year are women. That is more than double the construction industry average of 10%, which speaks to our chapter’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
While we are a younger board, we value our roots. That is why we have committed to a theme of: Yesterday’s Wisdom = Tomorrow’s Wellness. We’re embracing the Society’s focus on Indoor Environmental Quality, but infusing it with NEOK values. This year, we will honor the lessons of past mentors, apply them to the present, and shape a healthier, more resilient built environment for future generations. Expect to see a program that blends technical knowledge, meaningful connections, and personal testimonies that are all grounded in tradition and forward-thinking design.
Speaking of tradition, mark your calendars! Our Annual Fall Golf Tournament returns on September 11 at Indian Springs Country Club. It is more than a fundraiser; it is a celebration of our chapter spirit. Come network, compete and participate the kickoff of what we expect to be a great year.
I am truly grateful for your support of our chapter, our volunteers and me personally. I look forward to meeting you, working with you and building something memorable together. If you are looking to get involved, take this as your sign! We have a Board meeting on August 14th, so if you are wanting to see what our plans are for the year, or even want to participate in the conversation, please reach out. We would be happy to have you!
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please let me know.
Sara Fazel - President, 2025-2026