Arkansas Association for Healthcare Engineering

2026 Conference Speakers & Sessions

October 1–2, 2026

Mercy Hospital  |  2710 S. Rife Medical Lane  |  Rogers, AR 72758

Educational Sessions

Educational Session 1

Designing for Maintenance: How Early Decisions Impact Facility Operations for Decades

Speaker Biographies

Josh Danish, AIA, NCARB
Josh leads HFG’s Northwest Arkansas office from Rogers and serves as Managing Director, providing executive oversight and accountable for quality, schedule, and successful delivery. He has anchored healthcare design in Northwest Arkansas for the past decade. His healthcare portfolio spans the gamut of healthcare design, from small renovations to complex new structures.

Michael Turner, AIA, NCARB, DBIA
Michael leads HFG’s OKC office and is a dedicated healthcare design professional. As the firms Director of Quality Assurance, Michael is advanced in his understanding of the necessary codes and regulations associated with any healthcare design project.

Bob Dotson
As HFG’s Oklahoma-based Director Business Development Director, Bob prioritizes building relationships with healthcare clients and shepherding their projects from first concept all the way to completion.

Session Abstract

Every design decision made during the planning of a healthcare facility carries consequences that can last decades. From material selections and mechanical system placement to accessibility requirements and finish durability, this session explores how architects and engineers can design with long-term facility operations in mind. Attendees will explore the relationship between regulatory-driven design decisions and long-term operational reality.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify key design decisions that have the greatest long-term impact on facility maintenance, operational efficiency, and lifecycle costs.
2. Analyze project examples to distinguish design strategies that enhance accessibility, maintainability, and operational resilience.
3. Apply practical design principles that support long-term facility operations while balancing patient care, staff workflow, and project budget considerations.

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Educational Session 2

Beyond Legionellosis Minimizing Patient Risk with ANSI/ASHRAE Std. 514

Speaker Biography

Joe Woodson Business Development Manager

[email protected] 629-207-9648

Joe joined Phigenics at the beginning of 2026 as a Business Development Manager, supporting healthcare and commercial organizations across Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In his role, Joe focuses on developing new partnerships and helping organizations mitigate risk, improve defensibility, and achieve regulatory compliance through comprehensive water management programs.

Prior to joining Phigenics, Joe built a strong foundation in data governance and healthcare technology, partnering with healthcare organizations to create trusted, AI-ready data environments from both structured and unstructured sources. His work enabled improved productivity, accelerated innovation, and reduced organizational risk. Joe also brings experience in customer lifecycle management, helping organizations optimize customer data, streamline sales processes, automate marketing efforts, and enhance overall customer engagement.

Earlier in his career, Joe spent over a decade delivering healthcare technology solutions, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), Hospital Information Systems (HIS), and Emergency Department Information Systems (EDIS). Through this work, he developed deep expertise in aligning clinical, financial, and operational workflows to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

At Phigenics, Joe collaborates with a team of experts to consult on and enhance water management programs for a diverse set of clients. Phigenics is an independent provider of ANSI/ASHRAE 188-aligned and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-aligned water management programs and is celebrating over two decades of industry leadership.

Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, Tennessee Technological University M.S. in Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University M.S. in Business, Cumberland University

Affiliations: Member of the Arkansas Association for Healthcare Engineering (AAHE) Member of the Kentucky Society of Healthcare Engineers (KSHE) Member of the Tennessee Healthcare Engineering Association (THEA) Member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Member of the Nashville Rescue Mission

Session Abstract

Our Goal is to simplify what Standard 514 means, why it matters, and what practical questions healthcare organizations should begin asking as they evaluate the future of their water management programs.

Learning Objectives

1. Review why Standard 514 was created
2. Assess clinically significant hazards beyond Legionella
3. Distinguish 514 from ASHRAE 188

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Educational Session 3

Grounding Compliance in the Healthcare Electrical Systems

Speaker Biography

Tom has forty years of experience in Electrical Systems design, installation, start-up, project management, technical consultation, and systems commissioning. Tom’s level of experience allows him to act as an “Owner’s Representative” on commissioning, compliance and detailed control projects. He worked as an application engineer and project manager for ten years with Johnson Controls; fifteen years as an independent Electrical Contractor, doing complex commercial and industrial projects for customers in the Federal and State arena.

Tom is currently a Special Projects Manager for Brown Engineers. He is NEBB Certified Professional, a LEEDTM Accredited Professional, and a Licensed Master Electrician.

Tom is currently a board member of Arkansas NEBB, serving as Training and Marketing Committee Chair.

Session Abstract

Our session is a detailed discussion of the "grounding requirements" indicated by NEC Code Article 250, "Grounding and Bonding", plus the design suggestions of the FGI. Session will detail the requirements, discussing the methods used for compliance and the testing required.

Additionally the session will provide an advanced discussion of Ground Fault Coordination in Electrical Systems.

Learning Objectives

1. Design Phase, what are the requirements?
2. The importance of Electrical Systems Commissioning and Contract Compliance.
3. Importance of an Independent Coordination Study relating to ground fault detection.

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Educational Session 4

Use a Scalpel Instead of a Hammer to Right Size Need Before Building

Speaker Biography

Healthcare leaders trust in Eric’s ability to navigate complex infrastructure challenges to help them make sound investment decisions that align with long-term operational objectives due to his 29+ years of mechanical engineering and leadership experience across hundreds of projects. Eric is recognized for combining technical rigor with a collaborative approach that puts the owner's goals first with his ability to build consensus among stakeholders, evaluate competing perspectives, and develop practical solutions which has made him a valued resource for healthcare organizations facing critical infrastructure, energy, and facility performance challenges. As ENFRA's Vice President of Engineering, Eric leads a national team focused on central plant design, campus energy analysis, commissioning, and infrastructure modernization initiatives while helping integrate mechanical systems, operational requirements, and architectural building design into cohesive facility solution for clients.

Session Abstract

When Piedmont Augusta set out to build a new central utility plant, early collaboration between the health system, ENFRA, and Meadows & Ohly changed the trajectory of the project. This session explores how a bold decision to perform retro-commissioning before design helped right-size infrastructure needs, optimize energy performance and avoid unnecessary capital costs. Panelists will share how this integrated process led to a 26% reduction in plant size, smarter design decisions and better outcomes. If you're planning a plant upgrade, this session offers a roadmap for smarter strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe how retro-commissioning prior to capital investment can uncover hidden inefficiencies and improve infrastructure sizing.
2. Explain the benefits of serving as a prime consultant on complex utility projects and how it can improve team integration.
3. Identify key stakeholder engagement strategies that lead to better infrastructure design, space optimization and operational resiliency.

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Educational Session 5

Protect the Care Environment: Roofing, Building Envelope, and HVAC Restoration Without Disrupting Operations: Best practices for executing restoration projects while maintaining uninterrupted healthcare operations.

Speaker Biography

Matt Wegenka, MBA
Matt Wegenka has over 30 years' experience with Tremco Construction Products Group and is a member of the Tremco Hall of Fame. He received his MBA from Missouri State University. He is a Corporate Account Manager for several National Accounts. He has specified over 25 million sq ft of roofing and managed over $200 million dollars in total roofing contracts. He works with building owners, architects, facility managers, and contractors in Southwest Missouri, Eastern Kansas, and Arkansas to solve roofing problems, develop customized specifications for projects, and oversee project management.

Session Abstract

For healthcare facility managers, the building envelope and mechanical systems are deeply interconnected components of the care environment. A failing roof allows water infiltration that degrades indoor air quality. A neglected air handling unit recirculates contaminants, drives energy costs, and risks system failure at the worst possible time. Addressing one without the other leaves patients, staff, and budgets unnecessarily exposed.

This presentation takes a whole-building view of restoration, covering roofing, building envelope, and HVAC renewal as a coordinated strategy. Attendees will learn how diagnostic technologies identify which systems qualify for restoration versus replacement — enabling smarter capital decisions across the entire facility.

The session will examine how advanced coating and fluid-applied systems can extend roof life at a fraction of replacement cost, while aging air handling units can be cleaned, refinished, and restored in just a few days, outside normal business hours, with cost avoidance of up to 70% compared to full equipment replacement. Throughout, the focus remains on the demands of occupied healthcare environments: infection control, regulatory compliance, and keeping clinical operations running without interruption.

Learning Objectives

1. How to use roof and HVAC condition assessments to identify restoration candidates and build a defensible capital spending strategy.
2. Understand and compare total cost of ownership between restoration and replacement for both roofing systems and air handling units, including energy savings and cost avoidance potential.
3. Identify the key steps of roofing and AHU restoration and explain how each contributes to improved performance, indoor air quality, and equipment longevity.

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Educational Session 6

MYTHS about the Fire Codes and Life Safety

Speaker Biography

I have been at the State Fire Marshals Office for almost three years. I spent 33 1/2 years in healthcare doing Code Compliance. Past President of AR Association for Healthcare Engineers, Past President, and Board Member of the Lonoke County Safe-Haven Board, President of Grand Prairie CASA. Former Chair and Board Member of the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board.

I am a licensed pastor and have a church in England, AR; I provide counseling, and I am a chaplain for the Arkansas State Police. I teach Bible Study Classes and operate a non-profit “2nd Time Around Store”, and I like to relax with my three dogs and three cats and lots of chickens.

Session Abstract

Interpretation is key. May times people will not refer to the codes and tend to describe things as what they think they should be ...not always correct.

Learning Objectives

1. What Codes do we deal with in healthcare?
2. How do you know if the application process is correct?
3. Who can assist you with the correct interpretations?

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