Join us for a panel discussion of DC DOEE

Building Energy Performance Standards(BEPS)

requirements, resources, insights, and opportunities.

Tuesday November 15, 2022 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Deborah Ratner Salzberg (Moderator) is a Partner at RMS Investment Group, a family office specializing in real estate and financial investing, and a Principal at Uplands Real Estate Partners—a DC-based real estate developer and venture investor. She is also active in numerous organizations including the Federal City Council, the Washington Housing Conservancy, Urban Land Institute, and the Foundation for the National Archives.   

Prior to RMS and Uplands, Ms. Ratner Salzberg served as the Washington, DC Region Chairman for Brookfield Properties—a global real estate development and operating company—and the President of Forest City Washington. During her career with Forest City, Ms. Ratner Salzberg supervised multiple high-profile, large-scale developments in DC, including The Yards and Waterfront Station. 

Liz DeBarros (Panelist) is the CEO of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), where she advances the economic, community, and civic impact of the DC real estate development industry and its leaders. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Workforce Investment Council and the Washington, DC Economic Partnership and is a member of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2018. Liz has over 18 years of public and private sector experience, including Senior Advisor of DCBIA, Chief of Staff for DC Department of Employment Services, and Vice President of the Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College and a Master of Arts from Temple University. 

Paul Tummonds (Panelist) is a real estate lawyer who serves as Director, Administrative Head, and Executive Committee member at Goulston & Storrs’ DC office. He handles a wide range of land use, complex zoning and historic preservation projects for real estate developers and frequently presents complex matters before authorities including the DC Zoning Commission, the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment, the DC Historic Preservation Review Board, the National Capitol Planning Commission and the DC City Council.  

Chambers USA recognizes Paul as a practitioner who is “measured, smart and thoughtful.” He is often regarded for his involvement in real estate projects which have helped create vibrant, safe communities offering pleasant places to work and live.  

Theresa Backhus (Panelist) brings her experience with designing, measuring, and improving the performance of buildings and landscapes to her role as Director of the Building Innovation Hub, ensuring its mission and strategic vision are executed. Prior to joining IMT, she was a green building consultant, supporting the DMV building industry in navigating policy, code, and voluntary certifications. At the U.S. Green Building Council, she was integral to the development of the LEED v4 rating system program. Her past work also includes planning, design, and construction observation in both the public and private sectors. Theresa holds a BLA from Virginia Tech, and an MEM from Duke. She is a Registered Landscape Architect, LEED AP BD+C and ND, and SITES AP.