SPEAKER: Interactive Panel Discussion and Plant Tour
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Location: Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (across the street)
165 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
5:00-5:30pm Networking, Refreshments and Light Dinner Fare
5:30-6:15pm Central Utility Plant Panel Discussion
6:15-7:00pm Plant Tour
Google Calendar Link | iCal Link
SPONSOR: TBA
Register and Pay:
All members please register. Non-members must register to attend meetings.
Panelists:
- Michael Calabrese, Principal and Senior Engineer, TLC Engineering Solutuions
- Steven DiFlora, Senior Executive Director, MG Engineering D.P.C
- Michael Gillespie, Senior Vice President, WSP
- Jim Hogle, Senior Vice President, Plant Operations, RWJBarnabas Health
- Jeff O’Neill, Vice President, Administration / Plant Operations, RWJBarnabas Health, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Description: This interactive panel discussion will focus on the following:
- Lessons Learned from existing Central Utility Plants
- Key considerations for the siting and design of a central utility plant
- Differences to consider when designing a central utility plant in an urban location vs. less urban
- Operational fundamental for Facility Managers
- Preventive and code required Maintenance
- Challenges and Opportunities of the design, operations and maintenance of Central Utility Plants
- When to Consider a CHP
Speaker Bios:
Michael Calabrese, PE, CEM, LEED AP is a Principal and Sr. Mechanical Engineer with TLC Engineering Solutions within the Healthcare Operations Group. He holds both a BS and MS degree from Temple University and brings 25+ years of experience in MEP consulting engineering with a strong focus on healthcare facilities and campus infrastructure, specializing in the planning, design, and implementation of central utility plants that support reliability, resiliency, efficiency, and long-term operational goals for hospitals and healthcare systems. Michael currently serves as Chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee 6.4 on CHP Systems and is actively involved in advancing decarbonization, and sustainable utility system strategies for mission-critical buildings and healthcare campuses. His practical approach and deep understanding of building systems enable him to deliver solutions that balance innovation, efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance.
Steven DiFlora is a Senior Executive Director with over 40 years of experience in the design and construction of central heating, cooling and power plants, hospitals, nursing homes, education, commercial and industrial facilities. Management responsibilities include sales and marketing, the direction of design staff, manpower allocation and coordination of mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. Engineering responsibilities include system design for energy management, HVAC and building infrastructure systems, control systems, construction contract bid documents and specifications.
As Senior Vice President and Northeast Healthcare Leader at WSP, Michael Gillespie builds high-velocity project and account teams dedicated to improving healthcare design, operational efficiencies, and patient care for premier healthcare institutions. An industry leader with over 20 years of healthcare engineering experience, Michael has managed and grown complex accounts by providing deep industry knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of healthcare’s unique business drivers. He has led his technical teams in projects of varying scope, size, and complexity, ranging from campus master plans and multi-phased infrastructure renovations to large greenfield hospitals and new inpatient bed towers. Michael is respected by clients and project teams for truly listening to their needs, understanding core challenges, and delivering results to ensure continuity of care.
A licensed professional engineer and LEED Accredited Professional, Michael received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hartford.
Jim Hogle is the Senior Vice President of Facilities Management & Capital Infrastructure Projects for RWJBarnabas Health. Jim has been with RWJBarnabas Health since 2016 and prior to that served in leadership positions at Liberty Health, UMDNJ, Princeton Healthcare and Mount Sinai Health System. Jim has extensive experience in facilities management, infrastructure, clinical engineering, safety, compliance, and energy procurement. He has also been part of three separate management teams that have built three new hospitals over his career.
Jeff O’Neill is the Vice President of Plant Operations at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, part of the RWJ Barnabas Health System, with plant operations and capital project development. Jeff started his career at the Department of Veterans Affairs in their Engineering Department. Since then, he has worked on development, design and management of capital projects, both from the consulting architect and owner sides. He has also progressed into in leadership roles of hospital facility operations at academic medical centers.
Jeff received his Bachelors of Architecture degree from The Catholic University of America, and holds certifications in healthcare planning (ACHA), and health facility management (CHFM). Jeff is a member of American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society for Healthcare Engineers (ASHE), and is also involved in the building code development process with the International Code Council and the Facility Guideline Institute.
He is also the President-Elect for the Healthcare Facilities Society of New Jersey and participates in various programs to further the mission of the organization.
Moderator: Donna Terzano, President HFMSNJ, Assistant Vice President RWJBarnabas Health Planning, Design and Construction
