Please welcome Julie Lucas and Steven Bennett, from UT-Health to ASHRAE with me this month.  They will be speaking about the importance of ease of maintenance in buildings and why we need to keep that in the forefront as we design buildings.  They will be looking at the issue from an Owner's Perspective being on the side of being a team member during design of new projects as well as being part of the Facilities team that maintains the buildings.  Their bios follow:

Julie Lucas is the Interim Vice President for Facilities Operations and Auxiliary Enterprises at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center.  Julie worked in private industry as a consultant before joining the UTHealth Houston team.  Over her 23-year tenure with UTHealth Houston, Julie has served in many roles.  She first worked in the Environmental Health and Safety Program as the Fire, Life Safety, and Emergency Preparedness Manager, and then within the Project Management team as a Sr. Project Manager, the Director of Projects, Associate Vice President, and now Interim Vice President.  Her current responsibilities include overseeing the University master plan, space reporting, campus construction,  internal trade departments, maintenance, leasing, utilities and controls, mail services, demurrage, vending, food service, parking, book store, shuttle services, and housing.  Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from The University of Houston - Clear Lake. 

Steven Bennett, CEFP is Executive Director, Maintenance, Operations, Real Estate, and Contract Services at UTHealth Houston, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. Steven has been with UTHealth for over 15 years working in the Facilities, Planning, and Engineering Department. During his time, Steven has also held the roles of Sr. Controls Technician and Sr. Construction Project Manager. Steven has earned a Bachelor of Science in Control and Instrumentation Engineering Technology from The University of Houston – Downtown.