President's Report

VINCENT SANCHEZ, P.E.

Every year, our industry continues to change. Codes evolve, technology advances, buildings become more complex, and new challenges push us to re-think how we design and operate the built environment.

But progress also depends on something much more fundamental: People.

It depends on engineers who understand the fundamentals, professionals willing to share what they have learned, and the next generation being given opportunities to develop the judgment needed to make sound engineering decisions.

That’s the idea behind our theme for the 2026-2027 ASHRAE New Jersey Chapter year:

Fundamentals Forward: Learn. Share. Lead.

Throughout the year, our technical programs will focus on practical HVAC&R fundamentals, code application, system performance, retrofit challenges, and the real decisions engineers encounter in practice. Our goal is not just to deliver presentations, but to create programs members can apply in their work and conversations that continue after the meeting ends.

Learn.

One of the most rewarding parts of our industry is that there is always something new to learn. Whether you are a student entering HVAC&R, an engineer early in your career, or someone who has spent decades in the industry, there is always another system, application, code requirement, or perspective worth understanding.

Share.

Our industry has an incredible amount of experience and knowledge, but that knowledge only has value if we pass it forward.

Some of the most valuable lessons in engineering do not come from a presentation. They come from conversations with people who have seen their designs come to life, solved unexpected problems, made mistakes, adjusted their approach, and carried those lessons into the next project.

I have my own share of mistakes throughout my career. What matters is what we learn from them, how we improve, and whether we are willing to share those lessons with others.

To our experienced members, share what you know. Your perspective is one of the most valuable resources our chapter can offer.

To our students, YEA members, and those newer to the industry, ask questions. Attend a meeting. Join us for a social event. Volunteer for a committee. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from the people around you.

Lead.

Leadership within ASHRAE does not have to begin with a title. It can start by attending a meeting, introducing someone new to ASHRAE NJ, helping with an event, serving on a committee, or bringing a new idea to the chapter.

This year, we will continue working to welcome new members, re-engage existing members, strengthen YEA and member promotion efforts, and create events that provide value beyond the technical presentation itself.

Society President Sarah Maston's theme, Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience, challenges us to strengthen the buildings around us. At the chapter level, we also have an opportunity to strengthen the people responsible for designing, operating, and improving them which will ultimately contribute to Society’s Theme.

I also want to recognize our Board of Governors, committee chairs, volunteers, past presidents, and previous Society year leadership. Our chapter moves forward because members are willing to contribute their time, knowledge, and energy.

Lastly, we want your feedback. Tell us what is working, what is not, what topics you want to see, and where we can better serve our members going forward.

Our goal is to build a chapter where members want to participate and leave each month feeling their time was well spent.

I look forward to learning, sharing, and leading alongside all of you throughout the year.

Vincent Sanchez, P.E.
President
ASHRAE New Jersey Chapter 2026-2027