Skip to main content

Back to all 2023 Finalists

Future Leader

Sponsored by A.G. Coombs


Mark Allsopp, Affil.AIRAH – NRG Services

Having begun his career as a fridgie, in 2021 Mark Allsopp, Affil.AIRAH, was appointed to the role of HVAC&R Manager for NRG Services.

In the space of two years since then, Allsopp has not only matured personally and professionally, he has grown and mentored his team from one tradesperson and an apprentice to a team of 15 staff, who boast electrical, BMS and HVAC&R capabilities. By investing in his people, Allsopp has created a team with strong values based on integrity, commitment, and equality.

NRG Services’ high brass has earmarked Allsopp as one to watch – an influential individual capable of leaving the industry better than he found it.

Siti Mustaffa, M.AIRAH, DeltaQ

In the seven years that Siti Mustaffa, M.AIRAH, has worked in the HVAC&R industry, she has achieved much. An outspoken advocate and effective champion for education, equality and equity, Mustaffa walks her talk through her service as the Vice-President of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) ACT Chapter, and as a practising mechanical engineer and sustainability consultant in a male-dominated field.

Unafraid of challenging norms and stereotypes, she is a young professional who spurs change wherever she goes. All this is achieved while preserving intact a genteel disposition and essence of self. In her NAWIC role, Mustaffa fosters the integration of women in construction from both blue- and white-collar backgrounds. She has heard multiple times that her ADHD is her superpower and is what draws and inspires people around her.

Nicholas Tassigiannakis, M.AIRAH – Bridgeford Group

In his short HVAC&R career to date, Nicholas Tassigiannakis, M.AIRAH, has shown astonishing initiative, having already established two businesses, the most recent of which is the Bridgeford Group. His commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency has driven landmark projects, earning him several plaudits.

His continuing participation as a board member of the Australian Passive House Association and as an active member of AIRAH underscores his dedication to the industry. At the tender age of 31, Tassigiannakis was bestowed with Fellow status by Engineers Australia. An entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to team growth, and contributions to industry development suggest an outstanding candidate.

Dr Federico Tartarini, Affil.AIRAH – University of Sydney

Dr Federico Tartarini, Affil.AIRAH, has made significant contributions to the field of thermal comfort, HVAC&R systems, and heat stress. Spearheading international collaborations among research teams at several prestigious institutions, he has co-authored 23 scientific papers with 173 world-renowned experts in the HVAC&R field.

Dr Tartarini has led the development of several widely used web tools including the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool (which has >70k users/year), and the Sports and Medicine Australia Extreme Heat Policy tool, among others. The tools have had far-reaching impact among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. He has also played a crucial role in national and international standards, developing compliance paths for Singapore’s Green Mark Certification scheme, and authoring seven addenda for ASHRAE 55. In addition, Dr Tartini actively disseminates his findings and shares his expertise through his educational YouTube channel, reaching a global audience.