The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has named building science engineer Michael Rhodes as its Manager of Technical Advocacy. In this new role, Rhodes will enhance PIMA’s already strong reputation as a leader in building science and be an invaluable advocate for energy efficient building practices and policies at the state and local levels as well as inter-industry venues within the building envelope sector. His robust background also qualifies him to analyze technical challenges impacting the industry, distill targeted solutions and champion the proven capabilities of polyiso insulation.
As the Manager of Technical Advocacy, Rhodes will play a key role in aligning PIMA’s advocacy efforts with member priorities by assisting in research, facilitating member engagement and supporting the development of strategies that represent their interests in various forums. Additionally, Rhodes will represent PIMA at inter-industry venues to share his knowledge of building science topics and to promote the Association’s objectives. By advancing education about polyiso at these events and assisting with outreach, Rhodes will help ensure the long-term success of the polyiso industry.
"PIMA has become a leading advocate for scaling better building practices through the adoption of forward-thinking policies and energy codes to achieve more energy efficient building envelopes. As the industry increasingly prioritizes whole-building performance, polyiso will continue to help them meet compliance,” said PIMA President Justin Koscher. “Michael’s expertise in building codes and standards, coupled with his passion for sustainable design, will be instrumental in expanding our circle of influence at key venues while strengthening our efforts to highlight polyiso’s proven performance qualities.”
Rhodes holds a master’s degree in building energy design from Aalborg University in Denmark and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before joining PIMA, Rhodes worked as a research and building science engineer at a polyiso insulation manufacturer, where he was closely involved in research and development, in-house and external testing and educational training for various building envelope systems and materials, including plastic foam board insulation, air barriers, vapor retarders and water-resistive barriers.
Leveraging his technical expertise, Rhodes was the manufacturer’s spokesperson on building codes and material standards at key industry organizations. He was an active voice at IECC Residential Subcommittee, ASTM E06 Building Performance committee, Air Barrier Association of America’s (ABAA) technical committee as well as ASHRAE 90.1 subcommittee through the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC), where he consistently underscored the importance of energy efficient building envelope construction.
“When I was younger, I watched my mother move into a small, newly constructed home and struggle with high utility costs. This experience inspired me to go to university, study building energy design and pursue a career researching polyiso performance and eventually, participating in the building code and material standards arenas," Rhodes shared. "I’m excited for the opportunity to join PIMA and advocate for the use of polyiso and the enhancement of building and energy codes so that today’s buildings are less costly to operate, more resilient, safer and healthier for the people who live and work in them.”
Marcin Pazera, Ph.D, PIMA's Senior Director of Technical Affairs, emphasized the value Rhodes brings to the Association’s technical initiatives. "Michael's hands-on experience in polyiso testing, combined with his deep understanding of building science principles, makes him an incredibly strong asset to the PIMA membership,” Pazera said. “Together, we will work to address questions on product performance and issues impacting the insulation industry—this is critical to the success of those who rely on polyiso to improve their building projects.”
Rhodes’s appointment underscores PIMA’s commitment to advancing the polyiso industry through a comprehensive approach that includes advocacy, education, research and leadership. As PIMA continues to drive discussions that are shaping the future of the built environment, Rhodes brings a unique blend of advocacy experience and technical expertise to support the Association’s mission.
