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!
Dale Cibene – (Associate Partner) Boston
With over 20 years of experience in mechanical design and critical facility project management, Dale brings a deep understanding of how thoughtful engineering can align with client goals to drive impactful results. A graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Dale is a licensed professional engineer and a member of ASHRAE and 7x24 Exchange New England Chapter.
Peter DeMercurio – (Associate Partner) New York
Boomerang in the house! Welcome back Peter. A seasoned mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience, his expertise spans various market sectors, including aviation, healthcare, commercial and higher education. Peter is a professional engineer and member of ASHRAE.
Robert Morris – (Dallas)
Sam Bergus – (Chicago)
Scott Hult – (Jacksonville)
Carlo Monton – (Los Angeles)
Johnny Wong – (San Francisco)
Kevin Lemke – (Chicago)
Anuradha Goyal – (Chicago)
Peter Chicoine – (Chicago)
Jeremy White – (Dallas)
Promotions
We're proud to announce our 2025 promotions! Congratulations to our talented team—your hard work and dedication continue to move Syska Hennessy forward. Here’s to your next chapter!
2025 Corp Title Promotions
ASSOCIATE PARTNER
Melonee Jenkins Franklin Sanchez John Samson Kenny Trowers
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Reanaldo Donald Keith O’Hearn Kyle McBride Harshana Weerasinghe
ASSOCIATE
Diane Oleski Stephanie Hernandez Lauren Wiener Nona Singh Eric Aguilera Kevin Simpson Adin Kachisi Victor Lee Carlo Rivera
2025 Functional Title Promotions
Administrative Coordinator III Tiesha Luna
Associate Managing Director I Anthony Gonzalez
Commissioning Agent III Anthony Portella
Commissioning Agent IV Ward Wixon
Designer II Ryan Williams
Engineer II Aaron Lozano Matthew McCarthy Madeline Infante Madison Corder Silvano Murljacic Antonio Zgombic
Engineer III Cameron Neely Dylan Ishikawa Parth Upadhyay Joshua Gligor Erik Salazar
Engineer IV Connor Helsdingen Shameh Rahman
BIM Technician III Dana Zagorski-Rybak
ICT Senior Designer Maksymilian Mateja Rachna Purohit
Information Technology Operations Engineer I Ulric St-Amand
Invoicing Specialist II Brian Koppel Martyna Rymarowicz
Managing Director I Clint Moreno Niki Fox
Project Accounting Manager Wayne Swanston Albert Keltner
Project Coordinator I Catherine Tinsley
Project Coordinator II James Grzejka
Senior Administrator I Sandy Gordon
Senior Administrator II Jeanette Leung
Senior Engineer Matthew Cassidy
Supervising Designer I Rommel Gonzales Tyler Ezell
Supervising Designer II Dariusz Dys
Supervising Engineer I Franklin Sanchez Paiboon Tanapipatkulchai Melonee Jenkins Scott Klasner Yosief Philipos
Sustainability Specialist III John Enoch
Technical Manager I Quindi Guiseppe Raji Khouri
VT Senior Consultant Paul Lee
Practice Area Director I Michael Terrigno
Awards
Supernal is Flying High
Supernal R&D Facility in Freemont, CA was recognized with a 2025 Merit Award! Syska Hennessy collaborated with the team to provide MEP engineering and technology services for the office and R&D facility. Huge congratulations to everyone involved!
Supernal was also honored with a Merit Award at the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards by ACEC California. What a night!
What a night!
We were honored to attend the annual ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards Gala at the Hilton in NYC — and even more thrilled to bring home the Diamond Award in the Building/Technology Systems for our work on the Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center at 45 Rivington Street. Receiving this recognition among so many inspiring projects across the industry is a true testament to the dedication, innovation, and talent of our incredible team. We're beyond proud of the impact this work is making. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!
Syska Hennessy honored to be named ENR West’s 2025 Design Firm of the Year!
This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our teams across the region, who continue to deliver innovative engineering solutions that support our clients’ long-term goals in mission-critical, life sciences, aviation, higher education, and other specialized sectors. Thank you to Engineering News-Record for the feature and to our clients and partners for trusting us to bring their vision to life.
Read the full profile in ENR West’s June 2025 issue here.
Speaking Engagements
James Coe
Quindi Guiseppe
Alex Engelman
Robert Ioanna
Michelle Baratta
Robert Fagnant
Michael Ortega
Michael Ortega
Data Center Nation (DCN) Riyadh 2025
Syska Hennessy attended the Data Center Nation (DCN) Riyadh 2025. James Coe, Senior Principal, and Salah Habli, Projects Director, both participated in separate panel discussions.
Cooling the AI Era – James Coe
Unlocking the Future of Data Center Cooling for AI & HPC Applications - Salah Habli
Accelerate the Energy Transition at CampusEnergy2025
Quindi Guiseppe, Associate Partner, presented “Three Different Airports, Three Different Heating Decarbonization Strategies” at CampusEnergy2025 in Boston on February 4th. The session explored Syska's innovative strategies to tackle unique decarbonization goals at airport central plants, including Dallas Fort Worth, San Diego, and San Antonio International Airports.
ASPE-EMC February 2025 Chapter Meeting
Frank Sanchez, Senior Associate, and Libby Ashworth, Business Development Manager – Water Safety Group of Garratt-Callahan, had an insightful technical discussion titled “Water Management and Waterborne Bacterial Control” on February 11th.
AMFP Greater New York
Alex Engelman, Principal, joined panel discussion, “Navigating Design-Build in Healthcare” on February 26, 2025. This session featured perspectives from owners, contractors, designers, and subcontractors—key players in the healthcare sector—who dove deep into the benefits, challenges, and best practices of the Design-Build approach.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer
A reliable power supply is critical for data centers, but what happens when the grid fails? Jason Brinkley, Associate Partner, participated in "Critical Power: Generators and Generator Systems in Data Centers" on Thursday, February 27th. The webinar explored the design and implementation of generators for backup, standby, and emergency power. Attendees learned about key NFPA standards, critical design considerations, and real-world case studies that highlight challenges and solutions.
Young Professionals and Industry Enthusiasts – 7x24 NY Chapter
Robert Ioanna, Chief Technical Officer, participated in a Young Professionals Panel Event on February 27th. It was a fantastic chance for attendees to connect with data center leaders, gain industry insights, and expand their professional network.
Inspiring Future Engineers!
Team members from our Hamilton, NJ office visited the Lawrence High School STEM Club to share their engineering journeys and discuss collaboration, problem-solving, and the impact of engineering. Seeing the students' enthusiasm was a great reminder of the power of mentorship in shaping the future!
STEM Panel at Curie Metro HS
Jennifer Kuether, Associate Partner, joined a STEM Panel hosted by the Enterprising Women Foundation on March 7 at Curie Metropolitan High School. This event was a day full of mentorship, empowerment, and valuable learning experiences. We're proud to see Jennifer contribute to such an impactful initiative, helping to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.
Moving on Up, Women on the Rise – A chat about Vertical Transportation!
Michelle Baratta, Associate Principal at Syska Hennessy, joined Otis Elevator Co.’s Women’s History Month discussion on March 13. This event was a key part of Otis’ Women’s History Month celebration, dedicated to honoring achievements, fostering mentorship, and amplifying the voices of women in the vertical transportation industry.
DCD>Connect | MENA 2025!
Salah Habli, Projects Director, participated in a thought-provoking panel, "Breaking the Ice: Do 'Universal' Cooling Strategies Fall Short in the Middle East?", where he and other industry experts explored whether global cooling approaches truly meet the needs of this region.
7x24 Exchange University April Event
Dominique Slezak took part in the panel discussion “Power Surge: Charging Ahead Your Data Center Career.” It was a great opportunity for students and professionals to engage and grow by connecting and sharing insights.
Navigating the Future of Hybrid Cooling
Todd Czworniak, Associate Partner, participated in the session "Navigating the Future of Hybrid Cooling" from Munters Cooling Innovation Day 2025 — packed with insights on how hybrid systems are driving sustainable, efficient data center design.
🎥 Watch here: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/broadcasts/munters-cooling-innovation-day/2025/navigating-the-future-of-hybrid-cooling/
Hybrid cooling is clearly a key piece of the future.
Southern California Life Sciences Conference
Robert Fagnant, Associate Principal, participated on a panel discussion titled “Fostering Innovation Through Partnerships” which focused on Collaboration, Optimizing Industry Relationships, P3s & Building Ecosystems.
Creating A Smart Path to Decarbonization – Without Breaking the Budget!
HPS experts Justin DiPaolo, Associate Partner, and Kris Baker, Associate Partner, led an engaging session on actionable data-informed solutions that work from campus to corporate infrastructure at the 2025 Facilities & Campus Energy Summit on May 6th.
VSHE 15th Annual Conference
Michael Ortega, Associate Partner, David Wright, Associate Vice President, and Paul La Crosse, Associate Partner, presented “Leveraging BIM and Digital Twins for Enhanced Maintenance in Healthcare Facilities.” This session discussed how BIM and digital twins revolutionize healthcare facility maintenance, enhancing efficiency, asset performance, and patient care outcomes.
HESNI 2025 Annual Conference
Oun Zaidi, Associate, presented a session titled “Energy Sustainability in HC: An Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPSM) Solution” where he explored how hospitals can leverage real-time power monitoring and harmonic filtering to boost energy efficiency, reduce disruptions, and ensure uninterrupted care.
BuiltWorlds 2025
Robert Ioanna, Chief Technical Officer, spoke at the BuiltWorlds 2025 NYC Buildings Conference on May 22nd. He joined a panel discussion: “Smart Tools, Smarter Designs: How AI is Revolutionizing the AEC Industry” where attendees learned:
- How AI is transforming design, construction & operations
- Smarter workflows for enhanced efficiency
- Driving sustainability across the project lifecycle
- Real-world applications of AI in architecture, engineering & construction
- What’s next for smart building design
Salah Habli
Frank Sanchez
Jason Brinkley
Jennifer Kuether
Todd Czworniak
Justin DiPaolo
Oun Zaidi
Publications
Are you applying demand factors correctly in your electrical designs? Miscalculations can lead to oversized infrastructure, unnecessary costs, and inefficiencies. In EC&M Magazine, Jennifer Kuether, Associate Partner, breaks down how the NEC's demand factors help ensure accurate load calculations and smarter system sizing. Don’t let outdated assumptions cost you!
Firmwide News
Celebrating a Well-Deserved Achievement
Keith Fitzpatrick, Senior Principal, earned the designation of certified Design-Build Professional® from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). The certification is the nation’s only measurable standard of an individual’s knowledge of the Design-Build Done Right® principles vital to successful project delivery. Congratulations Keith!
Client Appreciation Events
The New York, Chicago, and Boston offices each hosted their Client Appreciation Events—amazing nights full of great conversations, meaningful connections, and shared celebration. We’re grateful for your continued partnership and support.
San Diego STEM
The San Diego office had the pleasure of hosting STEM students from The Winston School as they prepare for college and beyond. Our team shared their career journeys, insights into engineering, and a look at some of the exciting happenings at Syska. It was a fantastic day of connection, learning, and inspiration.
NYBC Leadership Awards Luncheon Honors Cyrus Izzo
Cyrus Izzo, President & CEO, was honored at the New York Building Congress 104th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon. The event recognized Cyrus as a Guest of Honor for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the built environment. We’re proud to celebrate Cyrus’s positive impact on Syska Hennessy Group, the industry, and his continued commitment to shaping a sustainable, innovative future for New York City and beyond.
Hard Truths and Smart Tech with Robert Ioanna
Robert Ioanna, Chief Technical Officer, joined Owen Drury to share hard-earned insights from years of evaluating MEP tech solutions and hundreds of startup pitches on the Bricks & Bytes podcast. From construction document pain points to the importance of full-functioning workflows, he outlines exactly what it takes for innovation to actually land in the built world.
Employee Health & Wellness
Syska Hennessy hosted a Health & Wellness event in NYC where attendees had the opportunity to connect with local healthcare practitioners, speak with Aetna and Delta Dental representatives, sample healthy snacks, enjoy free chair massages, and enter an exciting raffle.
Spreading Sunshine Through Service
Syska Hennessy’s summer interns came together this year for a powerful volunteering experience with Project Sunshine.Through teamwork and purpose, they assembled 500 + Kits for Play — each one thoughtfully designed to support pediatric patients with creative, therapeutic play. These kits offer children moments of comfort, imagination, and emotional relief during their hospital stays.We’re incredibly proud of our interns for their enthusiasm and dedication, and deeply appreciative of Project Sunshine for the inspiring impact they continue to make.
© 2018 Evan Joseph Images
Lights, Camera, Skyline: The Empire State Building on the Big Screen
Few landmarks in the world command attention quite like the Empire State Building. Towering 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, it’s an icon of American ambition, ingenuity, and imagination.
Over the decades, the Empire State Building has earned its place in cinematic history, appearing in over 250 films and television shows. It’s instantly recognizable and has helped directors and screenwriters set the stage for everything from romantic reunions to alien invasions.
One of the most famous portrayals came in 1933 with King Kong, where the giant ape’s tragic climb up the building etched the structure—and the creature—into popular culture.
The building played a pivotal role in Sleepless in Seattle (1993) with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan meeting atop the Empire State Building's observatory in the final scene—a cinematic moment that continues to draw real-life couples to the site every day.
The building has also had its share of action-packed roles. In Independence Day (1996), it was at the epicenter of an alien attack, while Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2010) reimagined it as the modern-day Mount Olympus. Even in animation, it’s appeared in films like The Secret Life of Pets and Bee Movie.
What makes the Empire State Building such a compelling on-screen presence is not just its grandeur but its constant reinvention—something Syska Hennessy Group had the privilege to support. In a recent renovation initiative, our team helped engineer a new visitor experience for the building’s observatory, modernizing the infrastructure while preserving the essence of its legacy. We redesigned key systems—HVAC, IT/telecommunications, lighting, fire protection, and more—to create a sustainable, intuitive environment capable of handling millions of annual visitors.
The renovation not only brought physical upgrades, it also helped secure the Empire State Building’s future as a global destination, both in person and on screen. The immersive new experience—featuring LED-lit exhibits, multimedia storytelling, and state-of-the-art systems—ensures that whether you’re a tourist seeing the skyline for the first time or a filmmaker capturing a dramatic New York moment, the building is ready for its close-up.
Check out the project case study from a past issue! From construction document pain points to the importance of full-functioning workflows, he outlines exactly what it takes for innovation to actually land in the built world.