Gregori Tayco is an experienced engineer specializing in retro-commissioning and building automation systems. His experience with building automation systems ranges from specifications, designs, and programming, to estimation, project management, and system commissioning. His retro-commissioning experience builds upon this skill set emphasizing his abilities with control system optimization and energy efficient system operation. His other skillsets include project management for mechanical, electrical, and HVAC equipment installations, as well as technical equipment startups including, but not limited to ventilation equipment, boilers, chillers, VFDs, and gas detection systems. Client sectors served include Class A and B commercial, residential, higher education, K-12, healthcare, and others. Gregori is also an active member of ASHRAE, serving his local chapter ASHRAE NY in various roles as a Board of Governor—acting as chairs for YEA (Young Engineers in ASHRAE), Refrigeration, and Programs—and currently serving as an Officer for the NY Chapter as Treasurer. He’s also involved in ASHRAE at the society level working in the Technical Committee for Control Theory and Application (TC1.4) which is responsible for developing ASHRAE’s guidelines and standards regarding control theory.

Lukasz has been an active volunteer with the ASHRAE NYC Chapter since 2018, contributing significantly to its growth and development. Over the years, he has taken on various leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Governors as Governor, Chapter Secretary, Director of Education, and YEA Chair. In these positions, he has overseen several key committees, including Programs, Industry Partnerships, Building Decarbonization, Special Events, and Student Activities. Lukasz takes pride in organizing and hosting numerous events for professionals at all career stages within the local community. Most recently, on behalf of the ASHRAE NYC Chapter, he supported the DOB Webinar Series focused on New York City building energy and compliance laws. After graduating from leading universities in Warsaw, he started his career at a U.S. corporation in Poland, specializing in large, innovative refrigeration systems - particularly those utilizing cascade CO2 heat recovery and heat pump solutions in supermarkets. He later broadened his expertise internationally, moving to Germany and working with diverse HVAC companies across various markets, including Australia, the UK, and Israel. Through these roles, he gained extensive technical knowledge as well as valuable sales and business development experience. He eventually moved to New York City, where he has been focusing on energy-efficient technologies that support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable solutions, and advance decarbonization and electrification initiatives.

Umamah Najeeb is a skilled Professional Engineer specializing in HVAC system design, energy management, and sustainable building solutions. With a strong track record of leading capital construction and renovation projects across diverse building sectors; her work focuses on operational excellence, system optimization, and measurable energy efficiency improvements. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The City College of New York and maintains certifications as a Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and Project Management Professional (PMP). An active member of ASHRAE NYC Chapter since2016, Umamah has held leadership roles on the Historical, YEA, and Programs Committees (2023–2024), served on the Gala Committee (2024–2025), and continues to contribute to Research Promotion efforts. Beyond her engineering work, she is a passionate advocate for community service and diversity in engineering.

Melissa began her career as an account manager for commercial heat pump and ventilation systems in June 2021 after graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering. Melissa works closely with consulting engineers and other industry professionals in specifying highly efficient and innovative heat pump solutions that meet their sustainability and performance goals. She has also been an active member of the ASHRAE NYC chapter since 2021. During her time with ASHRAE Melissa has acted as the Special Events Committee Chair and has served on the Industry Partnerships Committee to help strengthen and maintain the chapter’s cross-organizational relationships.