What is your role with ISPE-CBA Chapter?
Chair of the Sustainability Committee
How did you get involved with ISPE? How long have you been a member?
I made a career change in 2015 from oil industry to pharma. I am a mechanical engineer and there was knowledge that I could utilize from my previous experience, but these two industries are so different in nature. AstraZeneca is a great place to work and supports employee development. So, my manager and mentor at that time introduced me to ISPE as a resource for learning, career development and networking. Since then, I have taken trainings, attended conferences, and have had many roles within the ISPE local chapter, nationally and globally. My current global role is in the Guidance Document Committee (GDC) where I act on behalf of the ISPE in the development of guidance documents, review and provide input on all documents submitted to the GDC and advise on the guidance document portfolio. I am also member of the local chapter board of directors and chair of the newly formed sustainability committee.
What led you to become the co-chair of the Sustainability Committee?
For the past 7 years I have worked in different roles in AstraZeneca within facilities and engineering departments from Sr. Facilities Engineer to Director of Facilities in Maryland and California. I took a new role in September 2022 as site energy program lead at the Frederick manufacturing center (FMC). My site is the largest biologics facility in AstraZeneca network and plays a significant role in achieving company’s ambition carbon zero program. Short after I started my new role in AstraZeneca, I found there is so much opportunity for collaboration to build a sustainable operation across the industry and ISPE. So, we created a new committee to help life science companies and ISPE members in DC/MD/VA region in sustainability area.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the ISPE Sustainability Committee in 2023?
Creating a network of subject matter experts in the chapter to collaborate, share knowledge, review case studies, resource sharing, learning about energy audits, available incentives and rebates, training, tours, building relationship with academia, and so more. We are the first and only ISPE local sustainability committee in the US. We just had our first meeting at the ISPE-CBA MAST event and received great feedback and support from attendees and ISPE members.
What is most exciting to you about these plans?
I am very excited to create a network of subject matter experts in DC/MD/VA area and collaborate together to build a sustainable operation within the industry. We can achieve more if we work together.
Outside of ISPE CBA and AstraZenica, what are your interests? Hobbies? How do you spend your free time?
I try to stay active outside of the work by going to the gym regularly and running outside whenever I can. I also like to travel and spend time with family and friends.
John Wasp
OpalCor, Managing Partner
After completing my degree in Urban Planning from Miami University, my professional journey began in Project Management for the oldest Mechanical Contracting Firm in Washington, D.C. This is when I first discovered the incredible organization of ISPE, which has been an integral part of my life in recent years.
For the past decade, I've dedicated myself to the world of Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Energy Consulting/Optimization, serving as a student, entrepreneur, and executive. I have always taken great pride in managing my client's real estate needs and creating value at every step.
After spending ten years advising tenants while working at two of the largest commercial real estate firms worldwide, I decided to shift my career toward my passion for sustainability in 2020. This led me to join Heffron Company as their Sustainability Leader, where I helped launch a new division specializing in energy efficiency solutions for highly specialized end-users. It was a significant decision that required careful consideration, but I knew it was the right path for me. During this time I was fortunate to connect with Lynne Cooper, a driving force behind my involvement with ISPE and the CBA Chapter. Thanks, Lynne, for the support! I'm grateful for the experiences and knowledge gained.
As part of the ISPE Community, I've had the pleasure of leading back-to-back Sustainability Panels for MAST 2022 and MAST 2023, serving on the board for the Golf Event in 2022, and helping Joni with Memento this year. Working with Stacks + Joules at this year's MAST Event was also an honor.
I'm thrilled to be part of the team launching the first-ever Sustainability Committee within the ISPE organization, aiming to help organizations within the Life Science sector promote Sustainability and Decarbonization at the Corporate and Site level. We are a team of highly motivated, aligned, and driven industry professionals who share a common goal of creating a collaborative and innovative community that leads the way towards a better future. We are passionate about our work and committed to pioneering new and improved ways of doing things. Our team's dedication and drive are what enable us to create a culture of innovation and foster meaningful relationships within the industry.
Our task force is dedicated to creating a robust network of professionals with diverse perspectives and expertise in the areas of efficiency and optimization. Our goal is to bridge the gaps and divides that exist within the industry by facilitating a community for knowledge exchange and providing access to resources that support companies in their sustainability efforts, regardless of where they are in their journey. As a liaison between academia and industry, we aim to promote ongoing community engagement and knowledge exchange to overcome existing barriers and provide resources to promote efficiency within the built environment. Our ultimate goal is to foster a culture of sustainability that drives innovation and promotes positive change throughout the industry.
At our core, we're passionate about developing and providing facility life cycle solutions that meet the needs and budgets of all groups. We recognize the importance of the Life Science sector, its contributions to the world, and its role in providing essential products to patients. This recognition is what drives us forward, and we're excited to make a positive impact in the industry.
When I'm not immersed in the world of CRE, Construction, and Energy, I cherish my time with my family - my wife, Kathryn, and our two children, Johnny and Lucy. We love spending time outdoors, exploring new adventures, and coaching our kids. As a hockey coach, I take pride in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in our children, teaching them to think outside the box and be innovative.
In addition to my family and coaching, I am also an endurance runner, currently training for the JFK 50-Miler and working towards a Boston Qualifier. Running allows me to clear my mind and push my physical and mental limits.
Outside of my personal pursuits, I'm honored to serve as the Founding Member of the non-profit organization called Honor-A-Hero. Giving back to the community in this way is incredibly fulfilling, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact through this fantastic organization, ISPE CBA!