Miki Simonds, CFR Engineering, Marketing and Business Development Manager
Tell us about your role with ISPE CBA (e.g. MAST Committee Chair, Board Member)
My role is Treasurer on the Board, so I monitor and report on the chapter’s finances to make sure we can have all the amazing events our chapter hosts! I’d also like to shout out our amazing sponsors who make all of this possible!
How did you get involved with ISPE? How long have you been a member?
A few years ago, our President, Lynne Cooper, who my firm was working with on S+T projects, reached out about ISPE. She invited me to join the MAST Committee and then soon after I joined EL/WIP and have been involved ever since!
What led you to become the chair of (your committee) or to join the Board?
I was nominated to be on the board after my involvement with the MAST and EL/WIP Committees. I thought it was a great opportunity for professional growth and to contribute to the Biotech/Pharma industry!
Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the ISPE (group, e.g., MAST 2025) in 2024 and into 2025?
One of the goals I’m passionate about is growing and diversifying our membership. One of the ways we’re hoping to do that is by hosting events in other areas of the DMV, like DC and VA to get interest from our fellow Biotech/Pharma Industry Professionals located there.
What is most exciting to you about these plans?
I always love seeing new faces at events networking and talking about the latest industry topics. I think an organization is only as strong as its members so continuing to grow and diversify will bring new to the chapter!
Outside of ISPE CBA and (company you work for), what are your interests? Hobbies? How do you spend your free time?
I love traveling the world with people I love, playing tennis and hiking. On a Friday night, you can either find me at home relaxing with my husband and cats, at a comedy show or a concert (Taylor Swift or emo bands preferably). My newest hobby I am reintroducing in my life, is playing the piano, after taking a 15 year hiatus, so wish me luck, because I’m sure it will be both frustrating and rewarding!
Raven M Hawkins, LSY Architects and Planners, Business Development Director
Tell us about your role as ISPE CBA Chapter Manager
As the ISPE CBA Chapter Manager, I lead initiatives to enhance our chapter's impact in the Life Sciences industry by ensuring high-quality programs and events. I will work to streamline and simplify the membership process, provide valuable resources, and offer personalized support. Effective communication keeps our community informed and engaged. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in both the resources offered as well as community members. I’m excited to be able to support our amazing chapter president, board, and committee chairs. As a champion of the organization, I will celebrate and build upon the amazing achievements the organization has already accomplished. My goal is to create a vibrant, innovative, and supportive environment at ISPE CBA members while driving our mission forward together.
What led you to become the Chapter Manager of the CBA Chapter?
My journey to becoming the Chapter Manager of the ISPE CBA Chapter was driven by my passion the AEC Industry within the Life Sciences and a commitment to community building. Inspired by ISPE's mission and our chapter's achievements, I wanted to lead initiatives that drive positive change and innovation. My experience in project management and member engagement prepared me well for this role. Working with our dedicated board and committee chairs, I aim to create a supportive environment where members feel valued and inspired to excel. I am excited to champion our chapter and ensure we continue making significant contributions to the industry.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the ISPE CBA during your tenure as Chapter Manager?
As Chapter Manager, my primary goals are to elevate the ISPE CBA and make membership as easy and rewarding as possible. To elevate the chapter, we will set clear strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing our visibility and impact. This includes delivering high-quality programs, workshops, and events designed to address current industry challenges and anticipate future trends. Additionally, we will introduce recognition programs to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our members, inspiring others within our community.
What is most exciting to you about these plans?
Making membership easy by streamlining the registration process with an intuitive online platform, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience. We will provide easy access to a wealth of resources, including industry reports and educational materials, allowing members to readily find and utilize the tools they need. Personalized support will be a priority, with a dedicated team available to assist with any inquiries. To keep members informed and engaged, we will utilize a variety of communication channels, such as newsletters, social media, and a dynamic members-only portal. Lastly, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where all voices are heard and valued. By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a vibrant, innovative, and supportive community at ISPE CBA. Together, we will achieve our shared goals and elevate our chapter to new heights.
Outside of ISPE CBA and LSY Architects, what are your interests? Hobbies? How do you spend your free time?
Outside of ISPE CBA and LSY Architects, I enjoy creating charcuterie boards and grazing tables, traveling, volunteering, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities keep me engaged and balanced, allowing me to explore new cultures, give back to the community, and cherish meaningful moments with loved ones.
Any message you wish to give to members?
My mission is to move the needle and make a significant impact in our field and for our chapter. With your active participation, we can achieve great things and set new standards for the ISPE Organization. I am committed to learning and growing alongside our incredible members, drawing inspiration from your expertise and insights. Your feedback and engagement are vital as we continue to grow and enhance our chapter. Let’s collaborate to create a supportive, inclusive, and thriving environment for all members. I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to our shared achievements.
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!