President of WILLSE Engineering, PLLC, a consulting firm specializing in the interpretation and proper application of building and fire and life safety codes since 2021. For over 42 years worked for a large, international property insurance company in the US and Europe. Last position was the Director of Research where he oversaw large and small scale fire testing, conducted wind and flood hazard assessments, provided technical building and fire code support, and conducted plan reviews.

Certifications

  • Licensed Professional Engineer – State of Connecticut
  • Certified Fire Marshal – State of Connecticut
  • Licensed Building Official – State of Connecticut

Organizations

  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Connecticut Association of Flood Managers
  • Connecticut Building Official Association
  • Connecticut Fire Chief Association
  • Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association
  • International Association of Arson Investigators
  • International Association of Arson Investigators – Connecticut Chapter
  • International Fire Marshal’s Association
  • Middlesex County Fire Chiefs
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Society of Fire Protection Engineers
  • Society of Fire Protection Engineers – New England Chapter

Codes and Standards Technical Committees

  • Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: Flood Loads, ASCE 7 – Member
  • Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: Main, ASCE 7 – Member
  • Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: Snow and Rain Loads, ASCE 7 – Member
  • Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: Wind Loads, ASCE 7 – Member
  • Correlating Committee on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, NFPA 85 – Member
  • Correlating Committee on Building Code, NFPA-5000 – Chair
  • Correlating Committee on Fire Code, NFPA 1 – Member
  • Correlating Committee on Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30 – Member
  • Technical Committee on Aerosol Products, NFPA 30B – Member (Past Chair)
  • Technical Committee on Building Construction, NFPA 5000 – Member (Past Chair)
  • Technical Committee on Building Systems and Special Occupancies, NFPA 1 – Member
  • Technical Committee on Fire Retardant Treated Wood & Fire Retardant Coatings, NFPA 703 – Member (Past Chair)
  • Technical Committee on High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls, NFPA 221 – Member (Past Chair)
  • Technical Committee on Single Burner Boilers, NFPA 85 – Chair
  • Technical Committee on Special Equipment, Processes and Hazardous Materials, NFPA 1 – Member
  • Technical Committee on Storage and Warehousing of Containers and Portable Tanks, NFPA 30 – Chair
  • Technical Committee on Structures and Materials, NFPA 5000 – Member (Past Chair)
  • Technical Committee on Types of Building Construction, NFPA 220 – Member (Past Chair)

Publications

  • Coauthored “Fire Walls: Myth, Legend or Reality” Plant Engineering
  • Coauthored “Fire Walls: Myth, Legend or Reality” Chemical Engineering.
  • Authored “Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems” Industrial Fire World.
  • Contributing author, Fire Protection Handbook, 17th through 22nd editions, National Fire Protection Association
  • Contributing author NFPA’s Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual, National Fire Protection Association
  • Contributing author SFPE’s Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Awards

  • NFPA’s Standards Medal in 2020
  • NFPA’s Committee Service Award in 2014
  • NFPA’s Special Achievement Award in 2010
  • SFPE’s Hats Off in 2004 and 2008
  • Eagle Scout
  • Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow
  • Silver Beaver Award
  • Lamb Award