ANCHORAGE, AK —
Nathan Zeigler, PE, a Senior Project Manager in
Coffman’s Anchorage office, was presented the William J. Collins, Jr. Research Promotion (RP) Award at
ASHRAE’s 2022 annual conference in Toronto. This award recognizes one chapter RP Chair from 190 chapters worldwide who excels in supporting ASHRAE’s fundraising campaign, including promoting research at the chapter level, raising money for scholarships, and all of the society’s activities.
The award is named in honor of Presidential Member Collins, who was instrumental in organizing the ASHRAE fundraising program and beginning the Research Promotion Campaign.
RP Chair Accomplishments
This award recognizes Zeigler's dedication and contributions as the Alaska Chapter Research Promotion (RP) Chair from 2019-2021. Halfway through his first year as the RP Chair, COVID presented many challenges. Zeigler helped the chapter modify events to allow for social distancing and compliance with safety guidelines while supporting fundraising goals.
During that timeframe, through the donations of the chapter membership and local businesses, the Alaska Chapter exceeded fundraising goals by over 50 percent, setting new chapter fundraising records each year. Zeigler also set up an RP endowment fund for the chapter, facilitating continuous future RP contributions from a portion of the donations received those years.
Career Impact
The impact of ASHRAE on Zeigler is apparent in his 15-year involvement with the society. He initially joined to gain access to the technical guidelines and research pertinent to his role as an HVAC Engineer. Over the years, through his attendance at monthly meetings and participation in chapter activities, he recognized the significant benefits of engagement.
“I firmly believe that you get out what you put in, and ASHRAE is no exception," Zeigler said. "As I became more active at a chapter level, my interactions with other industry leaders increased, and I professionally benefited in ways I never thought possible. I continue learning from others as I seek opportunities to engage and share my professional knowledge. This is the strength of ASHRAE which I have come to appreciate and value.”
