NFPA would like to thank the volunteer committee that helped develop the Certified Emergency Power Systems Specialist - Health Care (CEPSS-HC) for facility managers certification. In the course of their work, committee members performed a job task analysis, determined the exam weighted criteria, and validated the exam content. The following individuals’ hard work and dedication made the development of this credential possible.
Robert Appleby, CHFM, CHSP, CLSS-HC, CEPSS-HC
Director of Engineering
Chippenham Hospital
Robert (Bob) Appleby is currently the Director of Engineering at Chippenham Hospital, a 466-bed Level II Trauma Center in Richmond, VA. He has been working in Healthcare Plant Operations for over 30 years and has spent time in various hospitals and health systems across the country, including oversight for 25 hospitals while working with Community Health Services. He is a certified expert in facility Environment of Care and Life Safety codes and has an extensive background in facility construction, fire suppression system maintenance, HVAC, and building automation. Bob also has decades of experience in contracting, medical office space management, grounds management and fiduciary oversight of multi-million dollar projects. Bob is a native of Pennsylvania. Bob is married with 3 children. He enjoys hockey and working on his BMW’s.
Edward M. Browne, CLSS-HC, CHFM, CHC, CEPSS-HC
Vice President Support Services
Cambridge Health Alliance
Edward M. Browne has been an active member of the healthcare and facility engineering profession since 1986. His career has encompassed numerous healthcare renovation and construction projects at facilities ranging from small, specialty hospitals to multi-campus healthcare institutions. "How we do our job has changed radically over the last 30+ years," said Browne. "Healthcare Engineers interface with and impact more internal departments than ever before. Ever-changing technologies have to be seamlessly integrated. Government, community members, hospital staff and patients rely on us as to interpret and implement regulations designed to make our healthcare facilities safer for all. Hospital administrators depend on us to not only meet current facility requirements but also plan future needs."
"Regardless of how the job changes, one thing remains the same: Healthcare Engineers make sure that the medical staff and patients have clinically excellent facilities and a clean, safe environment of care."
Steve Chiavelli, CLSS-HC, CEPSS-HC
Facilities Director
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
Steve has been the Facilities Manager at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary for the past ten years. In this role he oversees the maintenance department, biomed, and environmental services. During his tenure at Mass Eye & Ear, he has overseen three very successful Joint Commission surveys for Life Safety and Environmental care. He has also overseen many infrastructure projects requiring extensive knowledge of working within a hospital environment. Previous to the Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary, Steve was a private contractor working in the Healthcare sector for over fifteen years.
Devin J Hugie, SASHE, CHFM, CHC, CLSS-HC, CHSP-FSM, CHEP, CEPSS-HC
Director of Facilities Management
Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
Devin has over twenty years of experience in facilities operations and construction. He has served as the California Society of Healthcare Engineers (CSHE) Los Angeles Chapter Vice President, and the Orange County Chapter President. Devin is currently serving as CSHE Educational Committee Chapter Chairman, and CSHE Executive Board member as State Treasurer. He is also serving as the ASHE Region 9 Director, and Vice Chair of the Advocacy Committee.
Devin holds the following credentials: Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) with the Fire Safety Management endorsement (FSM), Certified Healthcare Emergency professional (CHEP), and he is recognized by the National Fire Protection Association as a Certified Life Safety Specialist-Healthcare Facility Manager (CLSS).
Devin also is a Senior Certified Healthcare Mechanic and he has numerous professional licenses such as Universal 608, Unlimited L.A Steam License, and is BOC Level I and II certified.
Valerie Laktash, CLSS-HC, CEPSS-HC
Facility Director
Placentia-Linda Hospital
Valerie started her career in healthcare 15 years ago. She is currently the Facility Director for Placentia-Linda Hospital in Placentia, California, which is part of the greater Tenet Healthcare organization. In this role, she oversees the engineering, EVS, biomedical and security departments. Valerie is the Environment of Care Chairman and Safety Officer for Placentia-Linda Hospital and she helps to ensure compliance in all areas as well as overseeing all construction projects on the campus. She also received her MBA in Healthcare Management in 2012.
Jason Lea, CPE, CHFM, CEM, CLSS-HC, CEPSS-HC
Director of Facilities
Sodexo On-Site Service Solutions
Wadley Regional Medical Center
Jason is currently the Director of Facilities at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. In 2004 he was hired as the University Engineer at The Mississippi University for Women. He transferred to several locations including OU Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin, and the Sharp System. Prior to 2004 Jason was working through a family heating and air business.
Jason is a firm believer that education and certification are important parts of any career. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2003 and he is currently enrolled at Texas A&M - Texarkana, working towards his MBA in Energy Leadership. Jason holds various certifications including Certified Plant Engineer, Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Demand-Side Manager, and most recently Certified Life Safety Specialist – Health Care Facility Manager. The ability to support your individual competencies against industry standards aids the impact within your organization. Jason currently resides in Nash, TX, with his wife and daughter.
Filippo Scafidi (Fil), CEPSS, CEPSS-HC
Director of Support Services
Euclid Hospital
Fil Scafidi has been employed at Euclid Hospital for the last 35 years. He manages several support services departments, along with maintenance and construction. Fil is a Master HVAC and plumbing technician by trade. He is a US Navy veteran that served for 22 years in the US Naval Construction Force. Fil is also an active member of the local NOSHE chapter and an active member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineers.
Rakesh Seth, CLSS-HC, CEPSS-HC
Corporate Director of Plant Operations
Prime Healthcare
Rakesh Seth is the Corporate Director of Plant Operations for Prime Healthcare, a national healthcare system headquartered in Ontario, California, comprising 42 hospitals in 14 states. In his role as corporate director, Rakesh collaborates to provide training and consultation for hospital facility managers within the system spread across the country for compliance with standards and codes of Accreditation & Regulatory agencies related to Life Safety, Physical Environment and Emergency Management for all Prime Healthcare facilities.
Rakesh has more than 11 years of progressive experience in Healthcare Facilities Management, seven years in the leadership role and more than 20 years of experience in Operations & Maintenance of Industrial, Marine and Power Plant Equipment.
Rakesh has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a post graduate diploma in Marine Engineering.
He is also recognized by the American Hospital Association as a Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM) and a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC).
Christopher J Shirar, CFAITMS
Chief Engineer
UCSF Medical Center Mission Bay
Chris Shirar has been involved in facilities management operations for more than 20 years. He has held several positions in his 20 years of service including both fire protection and construction roles. He has been involved in the opening of three different hospitals during his career. Most recently, he worked on the opening of an approximately one million sq. ft. medical center in San Francisco. Chris’ responsibilities include inventory and testing of the fire and life safety inspection, testing, and maintenance program, and other regulatory testing for the medical center (emergency power and medical gases). He also supervises 31 stationary engineers that support the maintenance program for UCSF Medical Center Mission Bay.