NewsDecember 01, 2023

Airo Honored as an Association of Energy Engineers Fellow

Written By: Ian Silvester

Robert Airo, Director of Plant Operations at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, became one of eight recognized as a 2023 Association of Energy Engineers Fellow. Airo became the first AEE Fellow in Arkansas.

According to the Association’s website, “AEE is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving our members and other industry professionals who are working to improve energy efficiency to save energy, reduce GHGs (Green-House Gasses), make buildings perform better, and help reach global goals for net-zero.”

The distinction was announced at the October AEE World Energy Conference in Orlando, Florida. Those who have been named AEE Fellow are members who have made significant contributions in the fields of energy management, energy efficiency, sustainability, or alternative energy.

Airo said the recognition shows that “UAFS is concerned about energy.” Around the UAFS campus, students, faculty, staff, and visitors can find several sustainability efforts, like recycling programs, water bottle refill stations, and automatic light sensors. These initiatives are part of a long-term plan for energy savings and green energy generation.

More than 28,000 professionals from 105 countries trust the AEE to promote the interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development.

“It is truly an honor, and I’m proud to be recognized by peers and colleagues in the energy industry and by AEE,” Airo said. “It is recognition that puts me in a small group of energy professionals throughout the world.”

To be considered an AEE Fellow, recipients are required to have ten consecutive years as an AEE member, previous AEE recognitions such as Hall of Fame, International Award Winner, or Legend in Energy, contributions to energy through books authored, patents granted, awards received, or individual accomplishments, and contributions to AEE.

The 2023 AEE Fellow class includes Airo, Ali Hoss, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer for Triovest; Hossam Kassab, Energy Program Manager for the Pentagon; Antonio Miranda, Head of LNG Bunkering at Naturgy; Dr. Dusan Petras, professor at Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava-Slovakia; Carl Salas, Co-Founder of Salas O’Brien Engineers; Kelley Whalen, Energy Manager at ADTRAN; and Samer Zawaydeh, an internationally recognized independent engineer.

Airo gave credit to UAFS Vice-Chancellor of Finance and Administration Carey Tucker, former UAMS Engineering and Operations Director Marlon Joiner, AEE Executive Director Bill Kent, C.E.M. Instructor Eric Woodroof, and AEE Founder Al Thumann for all their support and guidance.

• Tags:
• Sustainability
• Plant Operations
• Staff Awards