It is the objective of the ACOE to maintain the association as an organization of chief engineers, or the industrial equivalent thereof, who have a special interest in the practices of plant engineering. The organizational activity, within the scope of this specialized field of interest, shall be dedicated to the improvement of service to its members, their employing companies, the engineering profession and the community. Association activities shall be directed to accomplish the specific objectives of education, the exchange of information, plant tours and service on governmental licensing boards and industrial code boards.

It is an objective of the association to provide, through an apprenticeship program, a better qualified stationary engineer and to promote the welfare and raise the standard of engineers by instituting educational programs within our organization.

The association emphasizes supervisory concepts and helps the engineer better direct and motivate his staff and interface effectively with other areas of management.

The association strives to enhance the prestige and professional status of stationary engineers and, when appropriate, to serve as a “voice of the stationary engineer.”

It is a goal of this association to maintain an effective level of membership participation.

No disclosure of information by a member of the ACOE shall be used for his or her employer’s disadvantage.

ACOE membership shall never be used as a tool of salesmanship toward other members or their employers.

No member of the ACOE shall align himself with any vendor, contractor or supplier for the express purpose of personal gain.

No member of the ACOE shall ever knowingly say or do anything which may jeopardize the position of another member with his or her employer.

Members of the ACOE are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in the normal routine of their duties so as to enhance the dignity of their profession and their affiliation with the Association.

Any member that is found to have acted in an unethical manner, by the ethics committee, and is voted on as such, by a quorum of, and at a general meeting will result in the individual’s dues not being accepted for the following year, nor will that person be considered for future membership, unless otherwise stated at the time voting takes place.

Hector Rios Jr, Chief Engineer at Transwestern

ACOE President

Cell Phone: 281-960-3528

Email: hector.rios@transwestern.com

Hector Rios Jr. is the Chief Engineer at Transwestern. Hector joined Transwestern in 2018 as a Lead Engineer at Waterway 1 & 2 in The Woodlands. As a result of his leadership, knowledge and dedication, he quickly promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer and shortly after to Chief Engineer at the new Leed Platinum Bank of America Tower building in Downtown Houston.

Hector started his career in the Operating Engineering Field in 2007 when he took an apprenticeship with PMRG. After leaving PMRG in 2012, he transferred to the Bank of America Center, which is now owned and operated by M-M Properties. During his time at the Bank of America Center, he worked as an Operator and gained valuable insight into building operations. He also worked at Hines as an Operating Engineer before making his leadership move to Transwestern. As a leader, Hector has gained the trust and respect of his team and continues to grow in knowledge.

Hector always seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge in his career and has obtained the following credentials, a Third Grade Stationary Engineering License, Maintenance Electrician License and an EPA Universal Certificate.

Hector, a native Houstonian, is the proud father of a ten-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys going fishing and playing soccer.

Felix Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Operations Simon Property Group

Vice President

Work Phone: 713-966-3535
Email: frodriguez@simon.com

Felix began his career as an apprentice at The Galleria, where he earned his Stationary Engineer License and developed a strong foundation in building operations. He later transitioned into property management, gaining valuable experience in Class A office building operations, which led to a leadership role as Chief Engineer with Cameron Management.

Committed to professional growth, Felix moved into a Project Manager and Business Development Manager role with a local contracting company, overseeing tenant build-outs at The Galleria. His return to the retail environment reaffirmed his passion for the industry and propelled him into his current position as Assistant Director of Operations at The Galleria.

Since 2013, Felix has been a key contributor to the team managing the daily operations of The Galleria, a Level VI, 12-million-square-foot property that includes major anchors, high-rise office buildings, and hotels. The Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States.

In 2022, Felix was recognized as Best of the Best Peer Choice in the Southwest Region by Simon Property Group. Known for his strong work ethic and “CAN DO” attitude, he plays a critical role in maintaining safety standards, overseeing tenant build-outs, and supporting emergency response efforts.

A native Houstonian, Felix has built a strong nationwide network within the Construction, Engineering, and Property Management industries, and is respected for his leadership, professionalism, and collaborative approach.

Glen Llamas, Senior Chief Engineer at STREAM

Treasurer

Work Phone: 713-679-9117
Email: Glen.Llamas@streamrealty.com

Elias Iglesias, Lead Engineer at Transwestern

Secretary

Cell Phone: 832-768-3027
Email:
elias.iglesias@transwestern.com

Elias Iglesias is the Lead Engineer at Transwestern with over 17 years of experience in commercial building operations and engineering. He was recognized as the ACOE Engineer of the Year in 2024 and named Transwestern Rising Star in 2023, honoring his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to excellence.

Elias specializes in HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire/life safety, with a proven ability to maintain safe, efficient, and high-performing building operations. In his role, he oversees daily engineering functions, preventive maintenance programs, vendor coordination, and system troubleshooting, ensuring reliability, compliance, and tenant satisfaction.

An active member of the Association of Chief Operating Engineers (ACOE), Elias remains engaged in professional development and industry best practices. Known for his strong work ethic, hands-on leadership, and problem-solving skills, he mentors engineering teams, supports operational improvements, and contributes to energy efficiency and long-term asset performance.

Oscar Gomez Assistant Chief Engineer at Griffin Partners

Position #1

Work Phone: 281-772-1408
Email: ogomez@griffinpartners.com 

Adrian Escareno, Chief Engineer at JLL

Position 2

Cell Phone: 832-570-9031
Email: adrian.escareno@am.jll.com

Adrian Escareno serves as Chief Engineer at JLL, bringing seven years of extensive industry experience in building operations and engineering leadership. Mr. Escareno has established a distinguished reputation for his technical expertise, reliability, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.