AIRAH has unveiled its new board, including the appointment of a new president, during its annual general meeting on May 31. Mikaila Ganado, M.AIRAH, has succeeded Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH, as president. Jackson, who served as president since 2021, along with Ura Sarfejoo, M.AIRAH, has stepped down from the board. The newly elected directors are Chris Bong, M.AIRAH, and Alan Fok, M.AIRAH.
Mikaila Ganado brings 15 years of experience as a consultant in the HVAC&R industry, where she has worked on several iconic buildings in Sydney, focusing on efficiency and net zero retrofits. She is a part owner and partner at GWA Consultants Australia and has been on the AIRAH board since 2020. Ganado also holds the position of associate director of the Women of AIRAH Special Technical Group and is a member of AIRAH’s NSW division committee.
Alan Fok, who started his career in sales and marketing at Daikin, has extensive experience in HVAC&R design and sustainability. He has moved from consulting on mechanical systems for buildings to focusing on commercializing sustainability projects to attract investors. During his tenure, Fok aims to improve talent retention and brand awareness within the industry.
Chris Bong, with a career in HVAC&R mechanical engineering since 1995, has experience in comfort cooling, district cooling, and ice storage systems. Bong has worked with companies such as Trane, Advantage Air, Dalkia, Veolia, and Froster Engineering. Recently, he has transitioned to the education sector as an HVAC&R TAFE lecturer. Bong aims to enhance education, technological innovation, industry networking, and increase AIRAH's presence in Western Australia during his board tenure.
The new board members officially began their term at the conclusion of the AGM. The AIRAH board directors are:
Mikaila Ganado, M.AIRAH (President)
Bryon Price, F.AIRAH
Chris Stamatis, M.AIRAH
Dr Michael Riese, M.AIRAH
Chris Bong, M.AIRAH
Alan Fok, M.AIRAH
