The Upcoming Release of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): Overview and Impact on the Industry

James Joseph (JJ) is the Manager of Field Training at Nicor Gas serving under the Southern Company Gas organization, where he is responsible for the administration, design, development and delivery of training for all Field Operations Stakeholders for Nicor Gas.

JJ has been in the natural gas industry for 19 years starting his career in Field Operations at Peoples Gas in the city of Chicago. After working hands-on in the field for 8 years, JJ became a Sr. Trainer for Peoples Gas where he was responsible for training operator qualifications for all Field Operations employees. He then promoted to Supervisor, Field Operations and led a team of 15 collective bargaining agreement employees before changing companies and becoming a Nicor employee. Since starting at Nicor, JJ has held roles of increasing responsibility and is now the Manager of Field Training for all of Nicor Gas.

JJ holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Liberty University and is also HVAC certified.

JJ is an active member of Southern Gas Association and serves as Chair for the Codes & Standards Committee, as well as the Multi-Generation Committee. He is also second Vice Chair for the Leadership Section. JJ is also an active member of AGA, MEA as well as AMPP for the Chicagoland Chapter.

JJ resides in Genoa, IL with his wife of 23 years and their 4 children and they enjoy vacationing at their summer home at Woodhaven Lakes.

Andrea L. Papageorge is the manager of Codes and Standards for Southern Company Gas. Her responsibilities include end-use codes and standards that affect the direct use of natural gas, such as NFPA 54 and the International Fuel Gas Code. She serves on multiple national technical committees, including NFPA 54, the IFGC, technical subcommittees for the CSA Group, and the American Gas Association BECS Committee.

Andrea has been in the field of Codes and Standards since 1994.  She began her career at Southern Company Gas in 2005 (then AGL Resources) as the specialist in codes and standards and was promoted to manager in 2009.  Her career includes local and state government service, a member-driven nonprofit association, and a publicly owned company, and gives her a unique perspective and insight on codes and standards.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern University, an MBA from Brenau University, and a JD from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Thomas Schultz has over 35 years of experience in the energy (utility) / engineering industry.

Thomas currently serves as Spire Lead Facilities Engineer in the Facilities Department at Spire, providing engineering design / technical support for Spire Facilities Administration Team and Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction Team.  He also serves as the Spire Facilities primary contact for collaboration with our Spire Environmental Commitment Team.

Thomas previously served as Technical Service Analyst at Spire, providing technical support for the Spire Missouri Business Development Representatives, as they together share guidance on the benefits of natural gas building systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.   He also organized specialized educational workshops for the Architect / Engineering Community to improve communications and improve coordination and collaboration.

Thomas earned a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Technology (Thermal Design Emphasis) from Washington University, St. Louis School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Martha White serves as the Sustainability Solutions Manager for Southern Company Gas.  As Sustainability Solutions Manager, Martha leads the Renewable Natural Gas programs team responsible for utility RNG voluntary programs and utility RNG interconnection opportunities for the Southern Company Gas utilities.  Martha also leads efforts to grow the Energy Efficiency programs at Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas.  Martha also analyzes and provides guidance on the implications of federal, state and local energy codes and policies which impact end-users and works to develop policy and regulatory strategies to advance gas and decarbonized fuels sustainability efforts.

Prior to that role, she served as the Energy Efficiency Policy Manager at Nicor Gas (a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas).  Martha started her Nicor Gas career in accounting and later served as Gas Supply Manager responsible for procuring and hedging natural gas supplies.  Prior to Nicor Gas, Martha worked at Motorola and Sara Lee in accounting and finance roles.

Martha earned a Master’s Degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Illinois State University and Certified Public Accountant certification.  Martha is married with two children and a small dog who prefers a lot of attention.