Duane Heskett
Andaz Napa
Napa,USA
1
Certification
15
Years of experience
Dynamic Chief Engineer with a proven track record at Andaz Napa, excelling in team leadership and preventive maintenance. Expertly managed budgets and compliance, driving sustainability initiatives and enhancing guest satisfaction. Adept at cross-department collaboration and improving operational efficiency, ensuring top-notch performance across mechanical and safety systems.
Experienced with managing complex engineering projects and ensuring operational efficiency. Utilizes advanced technical skills to solve critical engineering challenges. Track record of effective team leadership and strategic decision-making.
Engineering professional with robust background in leading complex projects, optimizing systems, and ensuring operational excellence. Adept at driving innovation, enhancing efficiencies, and fostering collaborative team environments. Strong expertise in project management, system design, and strategic planning. Known for adaptability and delivering impactful results in dynamic settings.
Work History
Chief Engineer
12 Years 2 Months- Oversaw engineering and facility operations for 141-room luxury hotel, ensuring optimal functionality and guest satisfaction.
- Directed preventive maintenance programs for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety systems.
- Managed annual budgets, capital planning, and vendor contracts.
- Sustained Energy Star certification by implementing energy efficiency practices. and Green Key sustainability standards.
- Managed annual budgets and capital planning, negotiating vendor contracts to align with project goals.
- Ensured compliance with OSHA, ADA, fire-life safety, and environmental regulations.
- Supported guest-facing departments to resolve issues quickly and maintain high satisfaction scores.
- Led engineering team to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime across facilities.
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs, ensuring optimal performance of equipment and systems.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for facility upgrades, aligning with organizational goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, improving service delivery standards.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations, promoting a culture of safety within the organization.
- Analyzed engineering data to identify trends, driving informed decision-making for resource allocation.
- Spearheaded sustainability initiatives, reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
- Reduced equipment downtime through proactive preventive maintenance and timely repairs, ensuring smooth operations.
- Mentored junior engineers, providing guidance on best practices and technical expertise for professional growth.
- Managed and scheduled equipment and system preventive maintenance programs to verify contractual compliance.
- Established procedures for corrective and preventive maintenance.
- Oversaw facility inspections to identify areas of concern or opportunities for improvement in infrastructure management.
- Attended weekly department head meetings to share information and voice concerns.
- Managed budgets for engineering projects, making strategic decisions to optimize resources while maintaining quality standards.
- Performed root cause analyses to diagnose system failures accurately while minimizing downtime during troubleshooting efforts.
- Led a team of engineers to successfully complete complex projects within budget and schedule constraints.
- Enhanced productivity through streamlined workflows, process improvements, and efficient resource allocation.
- Worked closely with vendors and internal sourcing to establish relationships, fostering new opportunities, solutions and cost savings.
- Conducted routine and ongoing assessments of system operations by performing tests, rounds and analyzing data.
- Established effective communication channels among team members, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
- Optimized system performance by implementing innovative engineering solutions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Improved safety standards by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing necessary mitigation measures.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for equipment purchases, selecting the best options based on cost-benefit analysis and long-term value.
- Created detailed reports documenting project findings and recommendations enabling informed decision-making among executive leadership teams.
- Administered safety plans to train [eight] employees on meeting and exceeding OSHA safety standards.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop project scopes, objectives, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with business goals.
- Completed annual capital budgeting, invoice review and approval and weekly work schedules.
- Determined necessary steps to bring systems into compliance.
- Trained and mentored junior engineers, providing guidance and direction.
- Led engineering teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.
- Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
- Assisted in developing cost-effective solutions to engineering problems.
- Documented and developed engineering procedures and processes.
- Developed comprehensive engineering documents for all projects.
Owner/Operator
6 Years 2 Months- Directed remodeling projects from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented project timelines, effectively managing resources and vendor relationships.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment), AME5
7 Years 9 Months- Maintained, repaired, and inspected ejection seats, oxygen systems, and aircraft HVAC systems to ensure operational readiness of aviation safety equipment.
- Conducted troubleshooting and diagnostics, executing precision repairs to uphold strict safety and compliance standards.
- Instructed junior sailors on essential skills and safety procedures and supported mission-critical operations.
Education
Associate of Science - Airplane Mech
Skills
Preventive Maintenance
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical
Mechanical Systems
Chillers
Boilers
Pumps
Energy Management
Diagnostic equipment
Vendor Management Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Safety oversight
Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
Financial Oversight
Cost Control
Budget creation
Capital Planning
Contract Management
Electrical
Interdepartmental Coordination
Project management
Operations management
Maintenance planning
Maintenance Strategies
Risk Mitigation
Team Leadership
Staff Development
Renovation Projects
Safety
Fire-life safety equipment
Electrical diagnostics
Motors
Power tools
Forecasting
Budget creation
Certification
- Completed all required Hyatt brand engineering, safety, compliance, preventive maintenance, and leadership training modules
- EPA Universal Certification
- OSHA Safety Training
- CPR / First Aid
Timeline
Chief Engineer
Andaz Napa
03.2014 - 05.2026Read More
Owner/Operator
Heskett Remodeling
01.2009 - 03.2015Read More
Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment), AME5
United States Navy
01.1981 - 10.1988Read More
US Navy
Associate of Science from Airplane Mech
Read More