Syska Snippets
Did you miss some of our press releases or emails? Not to worry. In every issue of Connections we provide a news summary.
Here is the latest:
New Hires
Welcome to the team. We are excited that you are here!
The Chicago office has appointed three new associate partners.
Jennifer Kuether - A licensed electrical engineer in 28 states, Jennifer Kuether has nearly 25 years of experience. Previously, she worked as a practice builder at Kimley-Horn, where she developed client relationships and managed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering projects across a wide range of market sectors. She serves on the Illinois State Board of Professional Engineers and is involved in several professional organizations, including the International Facility Management Association.
Bill Kuzan - Bill Kuzan has more than 43 years of experience in HVAC systems engineering in such sectors as pharma, hospitality, higher education, telecommunication, residential, commercial, aviation, and sports. Most recently, he served as an engineer executive at FE Moran, a commercial HVAC company in Northbrook. Earlier, he spent 28 years at Grumman/Butkus Associates in Evanston. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
Drew Kuzan - Drew Kuzan is a mechanical engineer with more than 16 years of experience. His project portfolio includes infrastructure improvements, building renovations, and new construction in the higher education, commercial, and healthcare sectors. Previously, he served as a project manager at Grumman/Butkus Associates. He is a member of ASHRAE.
Paul La Crosse - Paul La Crosse joined our Washington, DC office as an associate partner and mechanical engineer. He has over 23 years of experience in HVAC system design and project management. Paul is a professional engineer and LEED accredited professional. He is also an active member of ASHRAE and Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP).
Michael Gervasi - Michael Gervasi, a professional engineer with over 25 years of leadership in engineering design and project management experience, joined our New York office as an associate vice president and practice area director. He has spearheaded multi-million-dollar, high-profile construction programs across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and commercial spaces. His reputation for excellence, combined with his leadership in team coordination and design optimization, makes him a valuable asset as we continue to drive impactful projects.
Promotions
Syska Hennessy is excited to announce our promotions for 2024. The professionals and their new titles are:
James Carrigan (Principal). A onetime firefighter and paramedic who has built a career of more than 40 years engineering fire and life safety systems, James Carrigan leads Syska’s fire/life safety practice. He also serves on New York Fire Codes Committee of the American Council of Engineering Companies’ New York chapter.
Alex Engelman, PE, CEM, LEED AP (Principal). Alex Engelman, who began his career at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has nearly two decades of experience in the design and engineering of electrical systems for a wide range of clients, but he is best known for his work on large-scale infrastructure projects for government agencies. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Sami El Khoury, PE (Associate Principal). Sami El Khoury, who oversees operations at Syska’s San Francisco and Sacramento offices, has more than 17 years of experience in managing, designing, executing, testing, and commissioning for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects. His portfolio includes LEED-certified buildings, R&D facilities, high-rises, banks, offices, hotels, schools, shopping malls, factories, and central plants.
Robert Fagnant, Associate AIA, LEED AP (Associate Principal). With more than 40 years of experience, Robert Fagnant is a project manager and award-winning lighting designer. He has earned recognition from such organizations as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. His clients have included Marriott, Hyatt, UC San Diego, and Cedars-Sinai. He also works with some of the biggest science and technology clients in the region, and often speaks about design for this industry at AEC and real estate events.
Angelo Vecchio, RCDD, CTS (Associate Principal). Angelo Vecchio has more than two decades of experience in engineering technology, with a focus on communications systems. His portfolio encompasses office buildings, healthcare, education, recreation, and data centers. He is a member of the Building Industry Consulting Service International.
Congratulations to all!
Awards
2024 EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars Announced
The annual EC&M list of All Stars celebrates the achievements of young electrical professionals who exemplify exceptional innovation, efficiency, and creativity in their work. We are proud to announce that our very own Ryan Helsdingen, associate, has earned a spot on this year’s list. This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Ryan's dedication and expertise.
Congratulations Robert Fagnant!
Robert Fagnant, Associate Principal, has been recognized as one of the 2024 Leaders of Influence in Life Sciences by the San Diego Business Journal. This prestigious accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to the life sciences field, showcasing innovation, leadership, and dedication. His passion and commitment are truly inspiring. We are proud to have you on the team!
Syska Hennessy Recognized as a Top Global Data Centre Consultant!
We are excited to announce that Syska Hennessy has been named one of the top 10 data centre consultants worldwide according to Data Centre Magazine!
This recognition highlights our dedication to excellence in the ever-evolving field of digital infrastructure design and management. We are proud to be listed alongside other industry experts and leaders.
2024 Vision Award Winners Announced!
Syska Hennessy held its 6th annual Vision Awards, a celebration of the outstanding talent and innovation within our team. Categories included: Professional “Rising Star”, Ownership Culture, Project Management, Technical Excellence, Community, and Project of the Year. Thank you to all our external judges and our participants. Congratulations to all winners and nominees!
ENR NY Award of Merit Goes to…
ENR New York announces this year’s Best Project winners. Hatch Life Science won Award of Merit in the Higher Education/Research category. Syska Hennessy collaborated with Longfellow Real Estate Partners to provide MEP, commissioning, and architectural lighting design services for the retrofit of the existing industrial space.
PWC 2024 20 Under 40 Winners Announced!
Danielle Bedetti, Senior Associate, has been name one of PWC’s 2024 20 Under 40 Outstanding Woman in Construction. This prestigious honor reflects her exceptional contributions and bright future ahead! Congratulations Danielle!
MDA Wins Two MARCOM Awards
The MarCom Awards is a global competition that honors exceptional accomplishments in marketing and communication, celebrating creativity, dedication, and innovation across various industries. Syska Hennessy’s Marketing Development Agency (MDA) earned a Platinum Award in the publications category for the Summer 2024 Connections issue and a Gold Award in the video/audio category for its Smart Buildings video.
2025 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards Announced
The 2025 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards have honored two Syska Hennessy projects in Category B: Building/Technology Systems:
Diamond Award: Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center at 45 Rivington Street
Silver Award: mHUB
Congratulations to the entire project team on this remarkable achievement!
Photo Credit: Gensler / Alex Engelman of Syska Hennessy Group
Egyptian Theater Wins Two Awards
The LA Business Journal Council (LABC) 54th Annual LA Architectural Awards – Grand Prize. This award celebrates “designs that preserve and advance the city’s legacy as a creative capital and foster vibrant, inclusive community life.”
LA Conservancy, Chair Award. This award recognizes this project as a remarkable model for how creative partnerships can help save the historic use and heritage of an iconic landmark.
Syska Hennessy worked with Gensler and Studio 440 to complete this historical theater renovation.
Photo Credit: Mike Hume
2024 - New York Construction, Design and Real Estate Award
Syska Hennessy won the Pioneering Industry Leadership Award from Anchin, Block & Anchin, LLP. This award honors firms leading transformative change, leveraging innovation and altruism to navigate economic uncertainties and shape the industry's future. We are deeply honored by this acknowledgment.
Speaking Engagements
Todd Czworniak
Cyrus Izzo
Richard Nowak
Leigh Ann Vogel
Robert Fagnant
Jen Crawford
On July 18th, Todd Czworniak, Associate Partner, shared his expertise alongside other industry leaders on a panel discussion titled “Power Surge: Charging Ahead Your Data Center Career.” Moderating the session was Ryan Helsdingen, Associate, ensuring an engaging conversation. The discussion covered topics like how to propel your career forward, navigate industry shifts, and gain insights into the future of data centers.
A Conversation with Cyrus Izzo on The Anti-Architect
Cyrus Izzo, President and CEO, joined Christian Giordano for an insightful conversation. They dove into their unique firm roles, leadership philosophies, lessoned learning, daily challenges, future of the profession, and much more.
Click the link below to listen to the full discussion.
DICE - Midwest
Matthew Kaleta, Associate Partner, took the stage on September 19th for a panel discussion titled “How Are Developers Bringing Projects Online with Total Cost of Ownership and Speed to Market In Mind?”
2024 ArchiTech Summit
Richard Nowak, Associate Principal, and Kenny Trowers, Senior Associate, participated in a panel discussion on September 26th titled “Tailoring Your Smart Building Strategy: Insights From The Real World.”
FPC Seminar + Expo 2024!
Michael Ortega, Associate Partner, Brandon Henson, Senior Associate, and Leigh Ann Vogel, Associate Partner, presented “Leveraging BIM and Digital Twins for Enhanced Maintenance in Healthcare Facilities.” This session took place on September 30th. They covered how BIM and digital twins revolutionize healthcare facility maintenance, enhancing efficiency, asset performance, and patient care outcomes.
I2SL Annual Conference
Robert Fagnant, Associate Partner, and Quindi Guiseppe, Associate Partner, presented “Energy Trading: Tools and Strategies to Decarbonize the Research Campus.” They discussed the process of replacing aging steam boiler and chilled water utility systems and the benefits of a new state-of-the-art low-temperature hot water system, solar-thermal system, and electrified process loads.
Powerful XI
Jen Crawford, Associate Partner, shared her insights at the upcoming panel, "Demystifying Business Development” at Powerful XI hosted by AIA Los Angeles. Jen, alongside five other industry leaders, dove into the art and strategy behind building meaningful relationships, networking with purpose, and why a solid BD approach is essential for success.
46th Airport Consultants Council (ACC) Annual Conference
Sergiu Pelau, Principal, was a speaker on the panel “AI in Aviation” on October 23rd. The use of AI tools will impact industry practice, services, liabilities and risks. This session explored how the industry is preparing to address these challenges and what opportunities exist to enhance our services and approach to be more effective and address and identify unknown liabilities.
ULI
Office-to-anything (including residential) conversions are in fact helping to fill real estate vacancies and add vibrancy to urban neighborhoods. Yet, these are very challenging and expensive undertakings. If you’re a developer, or an architect or contractor about to take on this level of risk, it’s imperative to understand the full value of your property prior to conversion.
Last month at the Urban Land Institute’s Fall Meeting in Las Vegas, Robert Ioanna, Chief Technical Officer, participated on the panel discussion “Office Conversions and Building Systems: Value Add or Money Pit?” In case you missed it, click here.
Ryan Helsdingen
Matthew Kaleta
Kenny Trowers
Michael Ortega
Quindi Guiseppe
Sergiu Pelau
Publications
If you're in the HVAC industry or involved in commercial building design, you won't want to miss the Consulting-Specifying Engineer (CSE) article on RTU design best practices written by Associate Partner Tony Gonzalez. Discover how to navigate the complexities of specifying rooftop units, including energy efficiency, filtration, humidification, and the integration of emerging technologies.
Learn about the four main categories of RTUs and get insights into making informed decisions for your projects. Click below to read the full article.
Firmwide News
Val Loh, Senior Principal in our NYC office, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at the esteemed Salvadori Center! With a passion for STEM education and dedication to fostering innovative learning environments, Val is a perfect fit for the role.
Syska Hennessy is honored to sponsor LeaderFlow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the pipeline to leadership primarily for professionals of color in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Together we’re committed to empowering a community of diverse, passionate, and innovative future leaders.
To learn more about the LeaderFlow Development Program, click here.
Sustainability Leaders Talk Green
Whether you’re an investor, a developer, or simply passionate about the future of our planet, sustainability is about more than just cutting costs.
In Episode One of our series, Justin Di Palo and Kris Baker —Associate Partners and national leaders in sustainability—dive into what it truly means to integrate green practices into design. They explore the latest innovations, discuss real-world sustainable projects, and share actionable strategies for creating greener, smarter buildings.
Tune in now to see how sustainability is shaping the future of design, and why it matters more than ever! Click here to watch!
Breast Intentions Game Night
SENSE (Syska Employee Network of Support and Education) hosted an engaging game night organized by the New York office that raised a total of $2,000, which included a match from Syska. Thank you to everyone that was involved in the fundraiser.
To learn more about the foundation, click here.
2024-25 LeaderFlow Development Program Cohorts Announced
LeaderFlow announced its newest cohorts for the 2024-25 LeaderFlow Development Program in New York and Chicago! Blake Lin, Associate Partner, was named a New York cohort. This program enhances leadership skills through shared learning, mentorship, and practical applications.
Movember Fundraiser Success
Congratulations to the Hamilton office for their incredible support of Movember! Together, they raised a total of $1,634, which included a matching contribution from Syska. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone who participated. Thank you for stepping up, growing those moustaches, and showing your support!