IFHE Executive Committee

Walt Vernon is a global leader in sustainable healthcare infrastructure, serving as CEO of Mazzetti and founder of Sextant, a nonprofit organisation advancing resilient health facilities in low‑resourced countries. With degrees in math, philosophy, engineering, business, and law, he represents the United States to the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering, currently serving as President, and advises the World Health Organization. Walt has shaped national and international standards through ASHRAE, NFPA, IEEE, and FGI, and authored the National Academy of Medicine’s 2030: Next Steps to Healthcare Climate Leadership. He leads major research initiatives on decarbonization, infectious aerosols, and energy systems for hospitals worldwide.

Fábio Bitencourt is an architect, academic, and researcher with deep expertise in healthcare infrastructure, hospital architecture, and sustainable building design. He holds a Post Doctorate in Energy Planning and a PhD in Architectural Sciences for Healthcare, with additional qualifications in environmental comfort and energy efficiency. Fábio currently serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (2026–2028) and has coordinated its Latin America regional group since 2016. He is a full member of the Brazilian Academy of Hospital Administration and an accomplished author and educator, contributing strategic insight across governance, sustainability, and healthcare environments.

Steve Rees is retired after spending over 45 years in the field of healthcare engineering. He attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and holds three trade certificates and is also a graduate of the University of Alberta's Construction Administration Program. Steve is a Certified Facility Manager and an Executive Coach. In the past 12 years of his career Steve held various executive positions with Alberta Health Services including Vice President of Facilities Maintenance and Engineering, Senior Program Officer, Capital Management and Chief Program Officer, Capital Management. Steve served as President of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society from 2005-07 and President of the Internation Federation of Healthcare Engineering from 2022-24. He is currently the Past President of IFHE.

Darryl Pitcher brings over 35 years of leadership in healthcare engineering and management, driving innovation, strong governance, and improved health outcomes across Australia and internationally. A longstanding Board leader within the IHEA since 2009, he has served twice as President and Secretary, and in key roles advancing publishing, communications, strengthened governance, system improvements and global collaboration. As CEO of Bethsalem Care and Greenbriars Village for more than 15 years, Darryl leads clinical, financial, and operational portfolios with a peoplefirst approach. His leadership champions innovation, performance, and culture—empowering teams to deliver exceptional care and outstanding outcomes in aged care and retirement living. Darryl has served IFHE since 2012 and is a Past President, having hosted the IFHE Congress in Australia in 2018 and is presently supporting ExCo as General Secretary.

Matthias Schwabe is a graduate electrical engineer with over 30 years of international leadership experience in electrical safety for healthcare facilities. As Sales Director at Bender, he has played a key role in the global development and deployment of safety solutions for medical locations. He is a long-standing contributor to international and national technical committees, including IEC and DIN VDE, shaping global standards for healthcare electrical installations. Matthias represents Germany at the International Federation of Hospital Engineering (IFHE) and has served on its Executive Committee since 2018, and serves as Treasurer since 2021.

Briseyda Reséndiz Márquez is an architect specializing in the planning, design, and management of healthcare facilities, with more than 15 years of experience across public and private sectors. She holds graduate qualifications in Hospital Architecture and Healthcare Facility Design and has been certified by leading Mexican architectural bodies since 2017. Briseyda has held senior leadership roles within the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and previously served as President of the Mexican Society of Architects Specialized in Healthcare. An international speaker and academic, she currently teaches at UNAM and serves on the Board of IFHE. She is also a Director of Grupo Artedi, a Mexican architectural firm specializing in delivery of healthcare engineering outcomes.

Yoshihisa Hirayama is Chief Executive Officer of PS Company Ltd, a Japanese manufacturer of HVAC systems. He holds a PhD in energy and the built environment, with recognised expertise in healthy indoor environments and energy efficient building systems. An active board member of the Healthcare Engineering Association of Japan since 2013, he has contributed to national healthcare HVAC guidelines and chaired its International Committee. Yoshi has represented Japan at the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering for over a decade and serves on multiple professional and technical committees, while also lecturing regularly at Japanese universities.

Daniela Pedrini is a senior healthcare infrastructure executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in hospital engineering, capital investment, and public health systems. A civil engineering graduate of the University of Bologna, she currently serves as Director of the Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Department at the University Hospital of Modena and previously led planning and investment functions at the IRCCS–University Hospital of Bologna. She is President of S.I.A.I.S. TSO and a Past President of the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (2020–2022). She was appointed Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Dan Fuochi is an attorney and entrepreneur who operates at the intersection of law, healthcare, and strategic impact. Holding a Licentiate in Law from the University of Geneva, an LL.M. from Duke University, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in SDG Investing from the Graduate Institute Geneva, he applies rigorous legal frameworks to complex global health challenges.

As Executive Director of the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE), Dan oversees global operations and communications, while helping to shape IFHE's strategy. He serves as the primary link between member countries and the Federation.

His governance experience includes board positions with the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL) and the Geneva Cancer Ligue, complementing his earlier establishment of a Geneva nonprofit dedicated to legal aid for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Based in Switzerland, Dan balances his professional commitments with trail running and alpine climbing.