About the Academy

We are a leader in the development and delivery of world-class training for the fire sprinkler industry.

We offer training for new and experienced professionals. Our classes range in topics from the basics of sprinkler spacing, to the review of plans and calculations, to the latest research and changes in the industry.

Fire sprinklers save lives, and the Academy is committed to contributing to the industry in a real and significant way. We accomplish this by giving our students the knowledge and skills needed to perform high-quality work with efficiency. We also help experienced professionals update their knowledge of codes and standards. Being involved in the development of the codes and standards gives us a unique position from which to provide the best training available.

 

Code Development

• Through our volunteer work with the National Fire Protection Association, we represent the industry on major code committees that have a direct impact on public safety.
• Our representation on the NFPA 13 Committee directly affects the rules for the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems worldwide. NFPA 13 is The Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
• The Academy’s work on the NFPA 3 and 4 Committee helps to shape the requirements for the design, installation, and continuous upkeep of fire and life safety systems that interact within the built environment. NFPA 3 is The Recommended Practice for the Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems. NFPA 4 is the Standard for the Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.
• The Academy is also involved with the NFPA 25 Committee. We help the committee create and modify the rules found in NFPA 25. NFPA 25 is The Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems.
• The Academy’s work on the NFPA 14 Committee has made an impact on the rules for systems in the built environment that firefighters use during fire events. NFPA 14 is The Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.

Staff

Cecil Bilbo

Institutional Advancement Director

Cecil Bilbo has taught thousands and has been the head of the Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology for the last 16 years. He started his 39-year career in the field, installing sprinkler pipe, in 1985. He went on to work in CAD development and was the Director of Technical Services for the National Fire Sprinkler Association for 9 years. In August of 2008, he created the first degree program specifically for the fire sprinkler industry. Cecil helps write the fire codes and standards. He is a member of 11 different NFPA Committees. He is an author and contributor to the handbooks for NFPA 3, 4, and 13 and other textbooks. In 2011, he was named “Person of the Year” by FPC Magazine. He is currently a member of the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Council for the Fire Protection Research Foundation.

 

Travis Mack

Training and Education Director

Primarily serving as an AutoSPRINK Instructor at MEPCAD and software support specialist, Travis Mack has been a fire sprinkler system engineering technician for 34 years, using AutoSPRINK for 20 years. Prior to joining the AutoSPRINK team in 2023, Travis owned and operated MFP Design, which was acquired by Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, becoming the first design company associated with a leading national fabrication company. Travis holds and maintains NICET Level IV in Water Based Systems Layout, holds RME licenses (or equivalent) in TX, WA, KY, TN, AZ and instructs for AFSA at local, regional, and national levels.

 

Stephan Laforest

Content Development Director

Stephan Laforest began his fire sprinkler design career in May of 1997 after graduating from the 3-year Fire Protection Engineering Technology Program at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is currently a proud member of the AutoSPRINK team at MEPCAD, where he primarily serves as an instructor, but additional responsibilities include aiding in software & training material development, customer support, and software demonstrations. He is also the President of Summit Fire Design Services Inc. and currently holds a NICET Level III certificate in Water-Based Systems Layout. Stephan has been using AutoSPRINK since 2001 to design various types of fire sprinkler systems for custom homes, small & large residential apartment complexes, warehouses, storage applications, schools, hospitals, casinos, and multiple high-rise buildings.

 

Audrey Glover

Director of Operations

Since joining MEPCAD in 2016, Audrey has brought a wealth of experience from her previous roles as a Director of Operations in the telecommunications industry and a Surgical Services Manager in healthcare. Leveraging this diverse background, she has honed her skills in strategic planning, project management, organizational leadership, onboarding, recruiting, and operational development. In her role as Director of Operations, she oversees the Academy’s program delivery and operational efficiency while advancing initiatives that introduce new talent to the fire protection industry and support the development of the next generation of designers.

 

Jennifer Stern

Training and Licensing Manager

Jenn has been with MEPCAD for over 12 years and serves as the Training and Licensing Manager. She coordinates and schedules training across all MEPCAD software platforms as well as assisting students with registration and licensing for Sprinkler Academy programs. Jenn also oversees the MEPCAD Licensing Department, managing license issuance, renewals, and updates. Drawing on over 30 years of customer service experience including two decades in the low-voltage industry Jenn is dedicated to delivering a seamless and positive experience for both students and staff.