Hiring a program director and electing new leadership were highlights of the InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance Fall Meeting held in New Orleans. InsideIQ is an international alliance of independent building automation contractors.

“We are pleased to announce that Paul Berg is joining InsideIQ as program director and our first full-time employee. Paul will support the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to advance programs and operations while providing greater service and value to our member firms,” said Leroy Walden, vice president of Atlanta-based McKenney’s Inc., and newly elected president of InsideIQ. “Additional goals for the coming year include growing InsideIQ’s influence in the markets that we serve and deepening our connections with primary system providers while leveraging those relationships to benefit our customers.”

Based in Eagan, MN, Berg has industry knowledge as well as experience in a nonprofit environment supporting a volunteer board. Previously, he was director of marketing and public relations for the Mechanical Contractors Association of Minnesota. In addition, he has served as the executive director for a labor/management committee as well as coordinating educational programs for 13 industry trade associations. Berg also has experience as a television director and a commercial writer/producer.

According to Walden, who previously served as vice president of InsideIQ, new board appointments include Jerry Jannicelli, association secretary; Dean Welch, Education Committee chairman; and Bob Socks, Operations Committee chairman. Jannicelli is president of Technical Building Services, Inc. in Ballston Spa, NY; Welch is vice president of Climate Systems Inc. based in Sioux Falls, SD; and Socks is vice president of Control Systems Inc. located in Hagerstown, MD.

Returning board officers include Scott Derby, vice president of SmartEdge in Tonawanda, NY, who serves as vice president and chair of the Ways and Means Committee; treasurer Kent James who is vice president of Control Technologies in Lubbock, TX; and Paul Strohm, president and COO of Kansas City-based C & C Group, who is InsideIQ’s past president.

Continuing their service on the InsideIQ board are Charlie Sabean, vice president of Modern Systems Management Ltd in Surrey, British Columbia, who serves as the Business Development Committee chairman; Chuck Kopocis, vice president of Control Services Inc. in Omaha, NE, who leads the marketing committee; and Shad Buhlig, president of Automatic Controls Engineering in Hayward, CA, who is the Technical Committee chair.

“As a volunteer organization, InsideIQ board members are first and foremost leaders of independent, local building automation companies dedicated to providing excellent solutions and service for their customers,” said Walden. “They volunteer to serve InsideIQ because of the value membership and participation provides. Through collaboration, members share ideas and best practices so that InsideIQ members can provide best-in-breed products and solutions to their customers.”

In addition to hiring Berg and electing new officers, other highlights of the InsideIQ Fall Meeting included a project case study showcase. This provided an opportunity for members to discuss projects, learn about the capabilities of other member firms, and open a dialogue around strategies to implement successful building automation projects. InsideIQ leaders also enhanced and renewed partnerships with primary system providers during the meeting.

“Over the years we have built a solid reputation with both Schneider Electric and Tridium,” said Walden, “so that they view InsideIQ as an important member of their sales channels representing high-level integration companies.”