NFPA Conference & Expo 2025

Speakers

Brian Rodgers

Brian Rodgers is a principal engineer with over 35 years of expertise in HVAC and Commercial Refrigeration, specializing in safety standards development. He has served in notable leadership roles, including as a voting member of various American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) committees and a convenor of IEC working groups. Recognized as a Distinguished Member of the William Henry Merrill Society, Brian received the 1906 Award for his contributions to international safety standards. In March 2024, he was called to collaborate with the White House Climate Policy Office and the Department of Energy on developing requirements for ultra-low-global warming potential refrigerants.

Chris Jensen

With a passion for the National Electrical Code and International Building Code, Chris Jensen brings decades of experience to his role as regulatory services manager. He is focused on advancing public safety through thought leadership, building and electrical code development activities and strategic engagement with code authorities. Before coming to UL Solutions, Chris worked as a master electrician and chief building official for 27 years. He began his career as an electrician before taking a role as a combination building inspector, plans examiner and Building Official for North Logan City, Utah. He is a graduate of the electrical apprenticeship program of Bridgerland Applied Technical College, and also served as an instructor in that program for more than 18 years. Chris credits his education and career experience with providing him with the background he needs to engage with key stakeholders such as code officials and electricians in his daily job.

Jason Hopkins

Jason Hopkins is an accomplished electrical engineer with extensive expertise in renewable energy and microgrids, currently serving as a principal engineer at UL Solutions. He holds Professional Engineer licenses in Washington and California and is a state-certified continuing education instructor. His role includes developing industry standards and training in Hazard-Based Safety Engineering. As a former business development manager in Wind Energy, he established an outdoor test site in Canyon, TX, enhancing testing capabilities for global manufacturers. Additionally, he led initiatives in Energy, Power and Controls, focusing on growth, process improvement and strategic relationships. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University, concentrating on industrial power systems, and he is committed to advancing innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector.

Amanda Newsom

Amanda Newsom is the principal engineer for Personal Protective Equipment at UL Solutions.  She has worked in the engineering team throughout her entire career; testing and certifying personal protective equipment for first responders, industrial workers and medical workers.  She represents UL Solutions on a number of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ASTM International, and International Standards Organization (ISO) technical committees where she provides input throughout the standard development process.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University and is recognized as a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at UL Solutions.

Kerry Bell

Kerry Bell is a Corporate Fellow and principal engineer for fire sprinkler and pump equipment at UL Solutions.  Since 1976, he has been involved in the company’s testing and certification activities related to a variety of fire suppression products including portable fire extinguishers, special hazard extinguishing systems as well as fire sprinkler and pump system equipment. He has authored dozens of technical articles/papers related to these products and has spoken at numerous seminars and events sponsored by organizations such as the NFPA, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and industry associations. 

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University.  He has been a registered professional engineer in Illinois since 1981. He is a life member of NFPA, a Fellow member of the SFPE and a former member of the SFPE Foundation Board of Governors from 2009 to 2024.  He currently participates or previously participated on dozens of technical committees in the NFPA, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), American Water Works Association (AWWA), ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. He was one of the key technical contributors in the design of the company’s award-winning large-scale fire test facility, which opened in 1996.  Bell has been a primary technical contributor in the development of new and/or revisions to more than 50 UL Standards.  He was member of NFPA’s Standards Council for 15 years from 2004 - 2019 including serving as Chair for six years.