Ground Source Heat Pumps – Opportunities & Case Studies
Program Presented in partnership with:
Join us to explore opportunities for integrating ground source heat pumps into your projects. The program will explore opportunities and real-world applications of ground source heat pump technology – including an overview of the technology, available financial incentives, and case studies highlighting successful projects, lessons learned, and implementation challenges.
Speakers
Jeff Hammond, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)
Eric Poettker, McClure Engineering
Phil Wentz, McClure Engineering
Mike Keeven, Keeven Heating & Cooling
Jeff Hurst, Connor Co.
ADMISSION
Free for MGGBC, ASHRAE-St. Louis, I2SL-St. Louis and full-time students
ASHRAE and I2SL members please register with your respective organizations to get member pricing!
$25.00 for non-members
Thanks to our Evening Program Sponsors!
Speakers
Jeff Hammond, Executive Director, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)
Jeff Hammond is Executive Director at the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Jeff earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an A.A.S. in electrical engineering technology from Purdue University. He has over 35 years’ experience in the ground source heat pump (geothermal) industry, including positions at ClimateMaster, Enertech, Geo-Flo, and WaterFurnace. Jeff is a member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers), AEE (Association of Energy Engineers), ASAE (American Society of Association Executives), and has served on CSA (Canadian Standards Association), AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute), and IGSHPA technical and advisory committees. He is currently chair of CSA TC423, the committee that works on the ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Bi-national Ground Source Heat Pump Standard.
Eric Poettker, Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager, McClure Engineering
Eric Poettker, P.E., is a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager with specialized experience in ground source heat pump systems and campus-scale geothermal infrastructure. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and, before joining McClure Engineering, worked in HVAC sales and support engineering for chillers, air handling units, and fans. He also served as a U.S. Army wheeled mechanic, maintaining 100+ vehicles and equipment while troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, fabricating parts, and leading a maintenance team. His hands-on mechanical experience began on his family farm and continued through Army training. Since joining McClure Engineering, he has provided mechanical design for a variety of projects, including college and university steam and hydronic boiler plant design, laboratory renovations, office renovations, and campus geothermal loop design and construction administration. He has played a key role in the Geothermal Energy System at Missouri University of Science & Technology, including the original campus system and its improvements. His expertise has contributed to ASHRAE St. Louis Chapter Technology Award recognition for both the Campus System in 2015 and the Protoplex in 2025.
Phil Wentz, Electrical & Acoustical Engineer and Principal, McClure Engineering
Phil Wentz, P.E., is a Principal and Electrical & Acoustical Engineer with McClure Engineering and a recognized leader in ground source heat pump systems. Since joining McClure Engineering in 1998 and becoming a Principal in 2003, he has led complex campus, industrial, and specialty consulting projects spanning electrical, mechanical, controls, acoustics, communications, and commissioning. His expertise is especially evident in his work on Missouri University of Science & Technology’s Geothermal Energy System, a nationally recognized campus-scale ground source heat pump system. His leadership contributed to ASHRAE St. Louis Chapter Technology Awards for the Missouri S&T campus system in 2015 and the new Protoplex in 2025, which expands the geothermal system’s impact. A Missouri S&T graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mr. Wentz has shared his expertise through published articles, as well as numerous industry presentations for ASHRAE, MOAPPA, IFMA, and other professional organizations. A past President of the Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois, he currently serves on the board as Treasurer.
Mike Keeven, Owner, Keeven Heating & Cooling
Mike Keeven is a 31-year technician and owner and operator of Keeven Heating & Cooling, a family-owned HVAC business established in 1984, specializing in geothermal projects. Mike has designed and installed a countless number of geothermal systems, including commercial and residential, retrofit, and new installs across Missouri. Mike runs a second company that is a drilling company (geothermal loop drilling). Mike is actively involved in the HVAC industry and serves on the board of directors for multiple organizations, including Gateway Air Conditioning Contractors Association, MO DNR Well Installation Division, MO Geo and Missouri Coalition for Fair Competition.
Jeff Hurst, Geothermal Product Manager, Connor Company
Jeff Hurst is a Geothermal Product Manager at Connor Company. A geothermal industry leader, Jeff is a certified trainer with International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and has developed and provided installation and service technician training across the Midwest. He has also been instrumental in the development of Connor Co’s newest training facility. He received the Excellence in Geothermal award from the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois in 2025.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: To be submitted for AIA CES.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council (MGGBC) is committed to providing a safe, productive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants attending our events in person or virtually. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. We aim to provide opportunities for open dialogue and exchange of green building & sustainability ideas and promote full participation and belonging for all participants. Discrimination and harassment include unwelcome, exclusionary behavior because of gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, age, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, physical appearance, economic status, and/or other identities. MGGBC expects everyone participating in its events and discussions, including Board Members, Committee Members, Volunteers, Members, Staff, and Guests to comply with this Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. Individuals violating this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave.
CONSENT TO USE PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES
This event will be recorded and shared on our website. Registration/attendance at, or participation in Missouri Gateway Green Building Council programs and activities constitutes an agreement by the registrants to allow the organization to use and distribute (both now and in the future) the attendee’s image, in photographs, video, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities.
AIA CES PROVIDER STATEMENT
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number R341. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
