The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) congratulates and welcomes three newly elected members of the board of directors for the 2021 term. With a focus on diversifying the board, these individuals have expertise in energy-efficiency building codes as well as research credentials from a national lab.

Board members help guide the strategic direction of NFRC as the nonprofit organization that rates the energy performance of windows, doors, and skylights.

Members voted for the board slate from Nov. 2-23, 2020 from among three categories of professionals: Fenestration industry, labs, and general interest. This year, members voted to approve two general interest candidates and the current board of directors selected an at-large member. Each board member serves a three-year term. The approved board members are:

• Maggie Kelley, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
• Mahabir Bhandari, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Neil Burning, International Code Council

“We look forward to the new energy, talent, and experience these newly elected board members will bring to NFRC,” said Deb Callahan, NFRC CEO. “Collectively, they have extensive knowledge of building energy codes as well as trends and innovations in the fenestration industry. This expertise only further enhances the skillset of our already strong board. We thank all our board members –new and returning – for their dedication to NFRC’s mission and vision of fostering energy-efficient buildings through our fair, accurate, and credible ratings of windows, doors, and skylights”

“We have a diverse group of fenestration industry leaders as well as professionals from likeminded organizations who will bring fresh ideas to NFRC,” said Anthony Cinnamon, NFRC board vice-chairman and chairman of the Governance Committee. “I’m excited to welcome these three new board members into the fold and I know together we’ll make great strides toward build a sustainable future for the organization.”

New board member bios:

Maggie Kelley, Built Environment Project Manager, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)

Maggie’s work at SEEA focuses on energy-efficient building codes, code compliance innovation, trends in the built environment, and advanced building technologies.  She has been involved with NFRC for just over a year, since presenting at NFRC’s inaugural sustainability session in Charlotte, NC. Her area of expertise is with code compliance and mandates, strategic planning, emerging technologies, and education and training. She is looking forward to working with staff and members on advocacy, partnerships, and community outreach.

Mahabir Bhandari, Building Equipment Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Mahabir has been involved with NFRC for more than 15 years, including past service on the NFRC Board of Directors. With his work at ORNL, his areas of expertise include emerging technologies, education and training, and research.  He is looking forward to using his connections through a national laboratory to promote the value of NFRC ratings to the commercial building sector. With his experience and expertise, Mahabir is looking forward to developing collaborative relationships, partnerships, and community outreach.

Neil Burning, Vice President Technical Resources, Government Relations, International Code Council (ICC)

Neil assists in the development of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), which set minimum fenestration ratings for U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and more.  He has been involved with NFRC for more than 20 years and is looking forward to becoming more involved in the fenestration industry and working with the Board on advocacy, collaborations, partnerships, and community outreach.

For current list of the board of directors, please visit https://www.nfrccommunity.org/page/BOD.