President
Ziad Haddad, CEMI, CBCPI, CWEPI, CAPI, PCFI, 50001CPI
Ziad is highly energetic and intelligent.His extensive experience and leadership within the energy and sustainability sectors make him a compelling candidate for the role of President of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). With over 25 years in the energy industry, Ziad has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing sustainable practices. He co-founded OPUS Energy, a sustainable engineering and energy services company, and currently serves as the Senior Director of Physical Plant at the Lebanese American University, where he oversees design, commissioning, operations, maintenance and environmental sustainability initiatives on the Byblos campus. Ziad’s involvement with AEE is notable; he co-established the Lebanese Chapter in 2017 and has served as its president, leading the chapter through challenging times and achieving significant milestones. His contributions include developing AEE’s “Lead Your Life and Energy Career” training program and contributing to certifications such as the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) and establishing an AEE internship program in energy and sustainability that continues to prepare for the work force over 100 young professionals yearly. His expertise is recognized internationally, having consulted for major institutions such as the World Bank, the European Union, and Aramco. He has also contributed to numerous sustainability and energy efficiency projects under various green building certification schemes, including LEED, BREEAM, and EDGE. Ziad’s dedication to professional development and education in energy efficiency, combined with his strategic leadership and global perspective, align well with the responsibilities of the President role at AEE.
President-Elect
Hicham Lahmidi, CMVPI, CBCPI, CEMI, CEAI, 50001CPI
Dr. Hicham Lahmidi is an accomplished engineering executive and researcher with extensive expertise in energy management, sustainability, and technical leadership. Since November 2023, he has been serving as Chief Technical Officer at HandZ Solutions in Paris, where he leads engineering initiatives and provides specialized training in energy management, commissioning, measurement and verification (M&V), and the design of renewable energy projects—including solar, hydrogen, and biogas solutions. Previously, Dr. Lahmidi was Chief Operating Officer at engineering firm, Elithis Solutions, where he successfully managed a €9 million profit center spanning seven agencies in France and one in Asia, overseeing 80 professionals. His leadership covered industrial projects, HVAC design, electrical systems, cost estimation, and environmental certification.
An active leader in professional organizations, Dr. Lahmidi is serving as President of the French Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and, for the past three years, as Vice President for Western Europe, where he advances energy efficiency, sustainability initiatives, and professional development across the region. Earlier in his career, he held key roles, including Head of Energy and Fire Engineering at LNE (National Laboratory for Testing) in Paris, where he managed a €6 million business unit. Technical & Development Manager at Bureau Veritas Solutions, driving engineering services and ESG strategies. Researcher and Project Manager at CSTB (Scientific and Technical Center for Building), where he led European research projects and developed advanced decision-support tools. Dr. Lahmidi played a pivotal role in transposing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Europe and contributed to French building regulations for new and existing constructions. He helped develop the Effinergie low-energy label and institutionalize commissioning as a quality-assurance process in France and across Europe. His technical innovations include: A multi-criteria decision-making software for building refurbishment using genetic algorithms. A biomass gasification prototype for biofuel production. Two solar thermal storage prototypes utilizing thermochemical transformers. His research has been published in leading journals such as Fuel Processing Technology, Applied Energy, and Solar Energy.
Dr. Lahmidi holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from the University of Perpignan and a Master’s in Mechanics and Energetics from ENSEM Nancy. He holds multiple professional certifications from the Association of Energy Engineers, including Energy Management (CEM), Measurement and Verification (CMVP), Building Commissioning (CBCP), and Energy Auditing (CEA). Fluent in French, English, and Arabic, Dr. Lahmidi combines technical excellence, research acumen, and international experience to advance innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
Secretary
Kristin Gustafson, C.E.M. and R.E.P.
Kristin Gustafson, C.E.M. and R.E.P., is a Principal at Eide Bailly and a Licensed Professional Engineer in all 50 states, with more than 20 years of experience spanning energy efficiency, building performance, and incentive-driven decarbonization. She leads the firm’s Sustainability and Energy Incentives practice, delivering technically defensible federal energy tax incentives, including 179D Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deductions, 45L Residential Energy Credits, and Investment Tax Credits for renewable energy. Kristin’s career includes consulting roles across the U.S. and internationally, advising commercial, institutional, industrial, and public-sector clients on energy efficiency, sustainability incentives, and decarbonization strategies. A recognized leader and mentor, she has a strong track record of building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, exceeding revenue targets, advancing the firm's thought leadership, and actively contributing to professional organizations, including the Association of Energy Engineers, at both the regional and national levels. She has served as local President of the AEE Pacific Northwest chapter and as Regional Vice President for the Western US since 2024.
RVP Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S.
Kelley Whalen, E.E.P.
Kelley Whalen, E.E.P., has served as Energy Manager at ADTRAN for more than 18 years. ADTRAN is a 1-million-square-foot campus with a myriad of uses, including office space, distribution centers, and manufacturing. Kelley developed an energy management strategy from scratch to reduce operating expenses, promote sustainability, continuously improve energy efficiency, and leverage the end of the useful life cycle and technology obsolescence. Some of these projects included a water-side economizer operation for chilled-water plants, a daylight-harvesting analysis, demand-controlled ventilation, retro-commissioning, and an LED lighting retrofit. During his tenure at ADTRAN, Kelley implemented over 100 ECMs and reduced the EUI by 44%, from 134 to 75, for a 1-million-sq-ft facility. Additionally, Kelley is the Vice President of the AEE Huntsville Chapter, serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Valley Industries, and on the Board of Governors of ASHRAE North Alabama. He is the recipient of the AEE Region II Energy Manager of the Year and the ASHRAE 2019 Region VII Regional Technology Award for the Commercial Building.
RVP Western U.S.
Heather Benner, C.E.M.
Heather Benner, C.E.M., is an energy engineering leader with over 25 years of experience advancing energy efficiency, sustainability, and professional development across Northern California. In her professional role, she leads a Northern California–based team of energy construction professionals who deliver effective demand-reduction and renewable programs for education, government, commercial, and industrial clients. Her work supports measurable financial, environmental, and community outcomes through high-quality energy conservation projects. Heather’s engagement with the Association of Energy Engineers began as a member of the Northern California Chapter (Nor Cal AEE) and was further solidified in 2017 when she earned her Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credential. In 2020, she joined the Nor Cal AEE Board of Directors and, in 2022, assumed the role of Chapter President.
Under her leadership, the Nor Cal AEE Chapter doubled its membership, sponsored and fostered a student chapter for three consecutive years, and earned six AEE National Chapter Awards over the past six years. She is passionate about mentoring engineers and project professionals, creating pathways for leadership growth, and ensuring members feel supported, valued, and connected. She believes that investing in people is critical to advancing the energy engineering profession and sustaining AEE’s long-term impact.
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