Topic: Healthy Buildings: Designed for Life by ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, Presented by Ken Fulk

Bill McQuade P.E., CDP, ASHRAE’s President for the 2025 – 26 term, has spent more than 32 years working in the HVAC&R industry in various roles. He is Global Vice President for Government Affairs and Sustainability at Baltimore Aircoil Company. 

I have always had a love for the outdoors—I would say a real avid outdoor enthusiast. As a boy, I spent long summer days with my friends exploring the woods near our homes building tree forts and primitive shelters using scrap lumber, logs and tree branches. We had all kinds of adventures. I guess you could say that my interaction with the built environment started very early, though I must admit my structures would not have passed code. They were from the “perilous” movement in architecture, and I fell out of a few trees. At least my early structures were net zero energy. Clearly, I was ahead of my time.

When I became a father, it was important to me that my sons, Alex and Colin, experienced the outdoors and the values of Scouting. As their troop leader from Tiger Scouts through their Eagle rank, we spent countless hours in the woods—camping in canvas tents, creating unforgettable adventures together.

Scouting is an outdoor activity, and as the scouts get older and more capable, they are taught various survival skills so that they can protect themselves and assist others in times of danger. One of the first skills taught in the wilderness survival merit badge is constructing an emergency shelter.

Shelter is one of the most fundamental human needs—essential for survival, safety and well-being. Throughout history, humans have sought shelter to protect themselves from the elements, including extreme weather, predators and environmental hazards. In its simplest form, shelter provides physical protection, ensuring that individuals are shielded from rain, cold, heat and wind. However, its significance extends beyond physical safety. It plays a vital role in providing emotional and psychological security, which fosters a sense of stability and comfort.

About the speaker, Ken Fulk:

Ken Fulk is the current Principal at RWB Consulting Engineers and has been in this role since August 2019. Prior to this, Ken was with ASHRAE for 11 years, where they were a Technology Council member and also chaired the Special Projects Subcommittee for 3 years. Ken has also been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for 4 years, serving as District Committee Chair from 2008 to 2011. Ken has an extensive background in city government, having served on the City Council for the City of Allen for 9 years, including 4 years as Mayor Pro-Tem. Ken has also served on multiple building committees and capital improvement committees during their time with the City of Allen.

Ken Fulk has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Central Michigan University.

Ken Fulk works with Mike Adcock - Principal, Nathan Hart - Principal, and Byron Knight - Principal. Ken Fulk reports to Robert Biggs, CEO.