“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes the 2025 Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) fellows—HERS® Rater Jennifer Goldberg, HERS Rating Field Inspector Dorian Gothard, and HERS Rater Alex Haworth—for an insightful discussion on their career journeys, experiences at the RESNET conference, and their visions for the future of energy efficiency and building science. Each fellow shares how they entered the industry, what drew them to the ELC program, and how they apply their knowledge professionally and personally. The conversation covers key takeaways from the RESNET conference, including the industry’s ambitious goal of 1 million ratings by 2028, the importance of HVAC grading, and the role of building science in improving homes and communities. Throughout the episode, the fellows highlight the value of collaboration, education, and continuous learning, inspiring those new to the industry and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a rater, builder, or someone passionate about energy efficiency, this episode provides valuable insights into the next generation of industry leaders shaping the future. Launched in 2019, the fellowship offers up-and-coming HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs), who are passionate about HERS and energy performance, the chance to attend the RESNET Conference, recently held on January 26-30 in Tempe, Arizona. Learn more about the new Fellows and their dedication to the industry here. The 2025 Fellows are also now members of the RESNET Emerging Leadership Council. In 2016, the RESNET Board of Directors established the Emerging Leadership Council to recruit and engage the next generation of leaders for the organization and the rating industry. Here are the LinkedIn profiles for our podcast guests: Alex Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-haworth-aa1b90227/ Jennifer Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-goldberg-4688b6107/ Dorian Gothard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-gothard/ Listen to the full episode here.
