Building Performance Association (BPA) Names Paul Francisco as New Chief Executive Officer 

Longtime building science researcher, educator, and former Board Chair will also lead the Building Performance Foundation 

The Building Performance Association (BPA) is pleased to announce Paul Francisco as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 19, 2026.  

A longtime leader in the home performance industry, Francisco most recently served as director of the Indoor Climate Research & Training program, overseeing training and a team of researchers supporting the industry. He also served as a senior research associate at Colorado State University. Having helped develop the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications and chaired the ASHRAE Standard 62.2 committee, Francisco brings more than 30 years of experience in building science research, workforce training, and program design.  

In addition to leading BPA, Francisco will serve as CEO of the Building Performance Foundation (BPF), the 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works alongside BPA. He was selected following a national search led by the BPA Board of Directors. 

“Paul brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our industry. His experience in research, education, and workforce development will be valuable as BPA and BPF work to support all people who move this industry forward,” said Dr. Janell Hills-Thomas, Chair of the BPA Board of Directors. Pulling from her 2025 keynote speech at the National Home Performance Conference and Trade Show, “There continues to be hope in home performance,” she added. 

“Everyone deserves to live in a home that is both efficient and healthy. This is the principle that has driven me throughout my career,” said Francisco. “The home performance industry that BPA represents embodies this potential more than any other. I look forward to growing our reach through partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders, ultimately ensuring our contractors have what they need to succeed.” 

Francisco has spent his career advancing home performance through programs, training, and research focused on energy efficiency and healthy homes. He served on the Building Performance Institute Board of Directors and later on the BPA Board of Directors from 2018 to 2025, including a term as Chair from 2021 to 2023. He has also held leadership roles within ASHRAE. 

As CEO, Francisco will set the strategic direction for BPA and BPF, with a focus on strengthening the industry’s workforce, advancing education and training, and building partnerships that support the professionals delivering energy efficient, healthy homes.