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New NFRC staff add depth to the programs team bench

Sept. 15, 2016 – In 2015, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) experienced some significant changes in staffing and leadership. As a result, and under the direction of Deborah Callahan, CEO, a concerted effort has been undertaken to make sure that NFRC is staffed as it should be while preparing a focused and well-planned course to the future.

Leading the charge for NFRC Programs is Tom Barnett, Senior Director of Programs, who joined staff in March. With a B.S. in Engineering Management from West Point, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and practical engineering and product development experience from organizations such as Georgia Pacific, Masco, and Newell Window/Kirsch, Tom brings a very strong background in the technical needs of an organization that will profoundly benefit NFRC.

“The prolific inventor, innovator, and disruptor Thomas A. Edison is often credited with saying ‘Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work’,” quoted Barnett. “Good product development starts with voice of the customer (VOC) to identify opportunity. Great product development takes VOC and follows it up with rigorous execution and follow thru that is wearing overalls. VOC and rigorous execution are essential to address technical and market risks.”

Barnett has set clear goals for the immediate future of programs. In addition to maintaining the current needs of NFRC, Barnett is looking for additional opportunities as well. “The opportunities for NFRC are outlined within its mission statement: ‘NFRC develops and administers energy-related rating and certification programs that serve the public by providing fair, accurate, and credible information on fenestration performance’,” he explained. “The Programs group role within NFRC lies in the development and administration of NFRC’s programs.  Whether it’s a simple change or a major revision, members of the Programs team work with the many stakeholders and the NFRC membership to execute great product development.  As we look to build on the past, attack the present, and prepare for the future, the Programs group has added two professionals to the NFRC staff: Steve Urich and Stewart Nicholas.”

Urich joined the NFRC staff on August 15, 2016, in the role of Senior Manager, Programs, and his responsibilities will include the commercial fenestration program, training, inspections, and committee work. Urich comes to us from Keystone Certifications and has approximately 20 years in the fenestration industry.  He has served on several committees for NFRC in the past and is very familiar with the NFRC mission.  Urich has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer.

Nicholas joined the NFRC staff in June 2016 in the role of Manager, NFRC Software Applications.  One of his primary responsibilities is to oversee the development of requirements for new or improved NFRC software. In addition, he will lead the applications support team as they assist with documenting functionality, extracting needs for new and/or improved solutions, and supporting end users with issues resolution and training. Nicholas is a seasoned fenestration product certification professional with over seven years of experience in NFRC-licensed inspection agency role and comes to us from AMS, Inc., bringing hands-on experience with several of the NFRC applications including Window, Therm, Optics, and the NFRC Certified Product Directory (CPD). Nicholas is a 10 year veteran of the US Army in the Signal Corp branch.    

Individually and collectively, Barnett, Urich, and Nicholas bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills that will be put to immediate use at NFRC. All three of these new staff members will be at the Fall Membership Meeting in Denver, CO, October 3-5, 2016.

For more information
www.nfrc.org