NICET’s Board Chair for July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 is Linda Biernacki. Ms. Biernacki first joined the NICET Board of Governors in July 2018 and extended to a second three-year term in July 2021. The NICET Chair role also includes a seat on the National Society of Professional Engineers’ (NSPE) Board of Directors. Ms. Biernacki as was installed during NSPE’s Board of Directors meeting on August 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.
NICET's Board of Governors sets strategic goals and establishes operating policies for NICET. Seven of the Board members are knowledgeable in the fields of engineering and engineering technology, while the eighth represents the general public.
"NICET is fortunate to have so many talented individuals serve on the NICET Board of Governors and Linda is no exception,” said NICET Senior Director, Chip Hollis. “Her experience running a successful fire protection company, civic and industry leadership, plus her continuous encouragement to technicians at all levels is a great match."
In 1990, Biernacki opened Fire Tech Systems, Inc., with herself as the only employee. What began in a 13-foot by 32-foot construction work trailer, with no restroom, has now grown into a business occupying over 15,000 square feet and employing 90 team members in Shreveport and Monroe, La. The company provides a valuable service offering life safety needs through fire protection to commercial and industrial businesses as well as residential homes, and is licensed in six states: Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. Biernacki herself is NICET Level III certified in Fire Protection Engineering Technology of Water Based Systems Layout.
In addition to building Fire Tech Systems, Inc., from the ground up, Biernacki’s involvement in fire protection extends nationally with numerous associations. She is past president of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association and is the 2024 president-elect for the American Fire Sprinkler Association, having also held numerous other leadership positions within the organization.
She also serves on the Technical Committee with the National Fire Protection Association for the NFPA 232 Code for Record Protection, the Building Owners and Managers Association Board, and the Fortis Insurance Risk Control Management Committee. Additional professional involvements include the Associated General Contractors and the National Association of Women in Construction.
Apart from her professional endeavors, community service also evokes a strong commitment from Biernacki. In 2009 she was appointed by Lt. General Frank Klotz, USAF Global Strike Commander, to serve as a charter member of the Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader Program and continues to her serve under Four-Star General Anthony J. Cotton, as an Emeritus member. She was inducted into the Junior Achievement of North Louisiana’s Business Hall of Fame which celebrates exceptional business leaders who have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement and investment in the community. In 2017, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., received BizMagazine’s Best Places to Work and Biernacki was a “5 Over 50 Recipient,” an award that honors five individuals for their contributions and experience in the community. She was also named the 2016 Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year, becoming only the second woman in forty years to win this distinguished honor.
Biernacki is also a community partner with the Sheriffs Safety Town and the Minority Supplier Institute. She is a member of the C-100 Military Affairs Committee and served as the first woman president of the Committee of One Hundred. Appointed by Mayor Ollie Tyler, she served on the City of Shreveport Architect and Engineers Selection Committee and is a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council. Aspiring to help the local community, Biernacki established the Fire Tech Systems Scholarship Program for ambitious, young women whose studies involve the construction industry. She also offers a scholarship through the Caddo Career & Technology Center.
Biernacki is a graduate from the State of Louisiana, Shreveport Bossier Vocational Technical Institute for Mechanical Drafting and currently resides in Shreveport, La.