About US

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Jonathan A. Kennen, 

RTM Engineering

I look forward to meeting everyone and serving to improve the chapter in new and innovative ways. I hope to leverage our unique community with engaging events to promote networking for our community. I’ve previously served the Central Florida ASPE chapter as Vice President Legislative, Vice President Technical, Vice President Membership and your newsletter editor.

During the last 22 years, I have designed plumbing systems for hospitality/entertainment, healthcare, military, and educational projects of every scale and type. I have experience on both the construction and engineering side and have a real-world perspective for both.  I look forward to being your President and helping our chapter grow.

Eric Knauth, (Pronounced Ku-nout) FASPE, PE, LEED AP
Exp.

Eric has been within the plumbing industry for 20+ years with design and engineering experience in multiple market sectors to include hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare, with projects located all around the globe. Eric is the Department Manager for exp responsible for QA, QC, and overseeing production on projects from multiple offices. He has been active with the local Central FL ASPE chapter for the majority of his career and has held multiple chapter board positions. 

Eric was recently inducted into the Kenneth G. Wentink ASPE College of Fellows in 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Taine Dagostino,  CKD, NCIDQ Project Development Manager with Carr Company
 

Taine is a dynamic Project Development Manager with the CARR Company, Florida’s premier manufacturers’ representative agency in the plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC industries. She specializes in pairing specifier goals with manufacturer’s solutions in the following Central Florida markets: multi-family, higher education, airports, government, entertainment, and hospitality. Taine is active in the Central Florida community as seen in her activities as the current VP Chair with GOBA, OFA Events Committee, AIA WIA Committee, ASID PEER Group and past Board Member of Central Florida NKBA.

Taine's extensive interior design experience spans over two decades. She is highly skilled in sales and project management, as well as, research/planning and executing interior and exterior projects from start to completion. In Taine's efforts to share her knowledge, she became an adjunct professor at NYIT, Nassau Community College and Metropolitan Institute of Design. Taine’s accomplishments include work published in “Who’s Who in Interior Design” Presents 100 Designers Favorite Rooms, This Old House, Distinction, House, and Country Living to name a few.

On a more personal note, Taine enjoys fun times at local theme parks, good food at the surrounding restaurants, and kayaking with her husband.

"Learning to tailor your selections and offerings to the client wins confidence as you become the go-to person for information and products."

James (Jim)  Phelps
Viega
 

James Phelps is currently the District Sales Manager - Central Florida for Viega LLC. Jim attended St. Bonaventure University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management/Marketing from 1983 to 1987. Over the next 35 years, he has held various positions in sales/management with plumbing/building product manufacturers including Moen, Rheem, and 3M Water Purification in Central NY and throughout the Southeast. In 2000, Jim and his family relocated from Syracuse, NY to Central Florida and lives in Clermont, FL. Jim was an avid football, baseball, soccer and basketball coach for 25+ years but has hung his whistle up to enjoy time with his family, golf, and cruise the lakes in Lake County.

Married to his wife Carol for 33 years, they have two children and 3 grandchildren.

Aimee Fernandez, CPDT
Matern Professional Engineering

Aimée has 6 years of plumbing design experience and earned her CPDT in 2019. In the coming year Aimée is studying to obtain her CPD certification. Her experiences include design for commercial work, higher education, K-12 schools, and fire stations.

As your typical childless millennial Aimée enjoys traveling, weekends at Disney Parks, and her four legged child Penny (follow her on Instagram _PennyThePomeranian_).

Chris Farr, FASPE, CPD, CET, ASSE 6060
WSP

Chris has more than 30 years of experience in fire sprinkler and plumbing designs throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) as administered by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He is NICET Certified Level III in Fire Suppression Layout for Water based Sprinkler Systems. Designs have included plumbing solutions for sanitary, storm, domestic water, gas, compressed air, medical gases, solar, grease/oil waste and water treatment. Military projects have included hangars, kitchens, central sterile, museums, hospitals, dental clinics, barracks and central energy plants. He has served on the Central FL ASPE Board in many of the local positions including President (2 terms). He is married and has 4 children and works at WSP, Property and Buildings Division in Orlando. Mr. Farr was inducted into the Kenneth G. Wentink ASPE College of Fellows in 2022 in Indianapolis, IN.