Onsite Evaluation Team
The onsite evaluation team generally consists of two assessors assigned to evaluate the program(s) seeking accreditation.
One assessor brings years of experience as an instructor in the specific discipline for which accreditation is being sought. Their background as an instructor equips them with a deep
understanding of the subject matter, curriculum, instructional methods, and industry standards within the discipline.
The other assessor has significant experience as a school administrator. Their background in educational administration provides valuable insight into the administrative aspects of the program,
including governance, policies, resources, and overall program management.
The onsite assessors are seasoned professionals who possess the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to conduct a thorough evaluation of every aspect of the program(s) under consideration
for accreditation. Their combined expertise enables them to comprehensively assess the program's adherence to accreditation standards, curriculum effectiveness, instructional quality, administrative
practices, and overall program quality.
Steven Allen, M.Ed. LEED AP
Mr. Allen has over forty years of experience in the HVACR industry.
Education
Steve has a master's degree in education with a Certificate in Instructional Technology.
Work Experience
He has worked as a HVACR Service Technician (New York, New Jersey), HVACR Instructor (New Jersey), HVACR Curriculum Writer (Washington DC, South Carolina, Michigan), School Administrator (New Jersey), State Director of HVACR Apprenticeship (New Jersey), Executive Director of the Green Mechanical Council, and various roles with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices.
During his years with the United Association, Steve served as: Director of Instructional Technology, Assistant Director of Training, Senior Consultant HVACR Education and Recruitment / Perkins Education Act Partnerships, and the Director of the Sustainable Technologies Department. In these roles he worked with manufacturers, contractors, associations, and career technical schools to develop partnerships that lead to employment.
He is the developer of the STAR Testing and Certification program and was the Refrigeration Expert and Competitor Judge representing the United States at the World Skills Competition.
Abigail Carter, Ed.D.
Dr. Carter has over thirty years of experience in career and technical education.
Education
She received formal training from the United States Army Reserve. She has a Bachelor's in Information Systems from Auburn University Montgomery, a Master's in Business
Administration from Brenau University, and a Specialist in Education and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.
Work Experience
Dr. Carter has worked in career and technical education as an instructor, Dean, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. As an educational leader, Abigail has embraced several
accreditation processes. She served on national accreditation teams such as SACSCOC and COE. She worked with several programs to ensure programmatic accreditations, such as ASE
Education Foundation master level in Automotive Technology, NCCER-National Center for Construction Education and Research for carpentry programs, ACBSP-Accreditation Council for
Business Schools and Programs in Accounting and Business Management, and HVAC Excellence for Heating and Air Condition programs.
James Crisp, Ph.D.
Dr. Crisp has been involved in career and technical education at the secondary, post-secondary and state level for over 30 years.
Education
He received his B.S. and Masters’ degree in Trade and Industrial Education at Georgia Southern University and his Ph.D. in Vocational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Work Experience
His teaching experience at the secondary level includes classroom instructor for Construction Trades, Industrial Arts, and Industrial Technology. In addition, Dr. Crisp has
administrative experience as an Instructional Coordinator at Heart of Georgia Technical College, Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Griffin Technical College and
State Coordinator for Educational Programs while employed by the Technical College System of Georgia.
Warren Lupson
Mr. Lupson has been involved in the HVACR industry for over fifty years.
Education
He received his formal training in HVACR, from the New York Institute of Technology.
Work Experience
Mr. Lupson’s diverse background includes experience as a technician, contractor, instructor and has held key leadership roles with forward-thinking industry organizations
including the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), North American Technical Excellence (NATE), and
the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). To keep abreast of industry advancements, Lupson remains actively engaged with the
Association of Air Conditioning Professionals, SkillsUSA, and other standards organizations.
Jay Mullis, M.Ed.
Mr. Mullis has served in multiple capacities in career and technical education for more than 30 years.
Education
He received his Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia, his B.S. In Human Services from Mercer University and AAS in Personnel Administration from the
Community College of the Air Force.
Work Experience
Mr. Mullis has served as a National Accreditation evaluation team member for The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC ) and Counsel on Occupation Education (COE).
He has worked with multiple aviation programs assisting with initial program accreditation. Mr. Mullis is an active member of the SKILLSUSA National Education Team (NET) and serves
as a judge for the Aviation Maintenance contest at the National Leadership and Skills Conference.
He began his career teaching aviation related courses, and has served as an Instructor, Safety Coordinator, Facilities Director, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, and
Dean of Student Affairs. He retired from the US Air Force Reserve in 2012 after serving for 33 years.
Eugene Silberstein, M.S., B.E.A.P., CMHE
Mr. Silberstein has over 35 years of experience in the HVACR industry.
Education
He holds a Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Science from the State University of New York, and dual Bachelor degrees. He is a Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE),
and Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP).
Work Experience
Mr. Silberstein has worked in education at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, having served as an instructor, professor, program coordinator and department chair.
He worked as a field technician, system designer, administrator, consultant and is the author/co-author of several text books.
Dennis G. Soukup, CSME
Mr. Soukup has been involved in the HVACR industry and career and technical education for over forty years.
Education
He received his formal training first in the United States Air Force, then at College of Southern Nevada he received his degree in HVACR technologies.
Work Experience
Mr. Soukup proudly served in the United States Air Force, having served in Vietnam, and finishing his career at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has worked as a contractor,
teacher, program director, and department chair for applied technologies.
Thomas Tebbe, M.Ed., CMHE
Mr. Tebbe has been involved in the HVACR industry for over forty years.
Education
He received his formal training in HVACR, from the United States Air Force and the Jefferson Technical School. He earned his B.S. in Trade and Industrial Education,
and master’s degree in educational administration and Supervision from University of Holy Cross and is a Certified Master HVACR Educator.
Work Experience
Over the last forty years, Tom has been a: Field technician, Owner of a refrigeration service company, HVACR instructor at a technical college, technical college department head,
Curriculum writer, Assistant director of a technical college, Campus director and regional director - Louisiana Technical College System. Thomas has also taught for Major equipment
distributors, The Louisiana Heat Pump Association, Louisiana State University New Orleans, Utility companies, and Delgado College.
Thomas has been awarded the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) apprenticeship man of the year award, inducted into the National Honors Society (Alpha Chi), Received the
Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education award, served on the Louisiana Heat Pump Association board of Directors and Served as Mayor of Ida Louisiana.
Louis Vendrell, M.S. CMHE
Mr. Vendrell has been involved in the HVACR industry and career and technical education for over 20 years.
Education
He has AAS in HVACR Service Management from Lincoln Technical Institute, B.S. and Masters’ Degree from Liberty University, and is a Certified Master HVACR Educator.
Work Experience
Mr. Vendrell has accumulated extensive experience over a twenty-year career in technical education. Throughout his career, he has assumed various roles including HVACR contractor,
Instructor, Director of Education, National Director of Education, and Assistant Vice President for product development at Skilled Trades. In addition, Mr. Vendrell fulfills the role
of a program evaluator for ACCET accreditations. Currently, he holds the position of Associate Vice President of Skilled Trades at the Universal Technical Institute.