Primera would like to congratulate our Senior Mechanical Group Manager, Rina Vidri PE, LEED AP BD+C, for being named among Engineered Systems 2024 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC. Rina was selected as one of 20 out of over 60 individuals from various levels for their accomplishments and efforts in pushing the boundaries of success in the HVAC industry. The class of 2024 marks the contest’s sixth year and 120 honorees since the program’s inception.

Rina has been with Primera since 2012 and currently leads our mechanical group, overseeing the development and execution of all our mechanical engineering projects. Her exemplary leadership is relevant in nearly all the projects she touches. In the last eight years, her role as lead mechanical engineer has helped garner more than 10 industry awards for various Primera projects. Most recently, Rina served as a lead mechanical engineer for the David M. Rubenstein Forum, a 90,000-square-foot high rise building at the University of Chicago. Rina designed the HVAC utilizing energy efficient systems. This project won the 2022 ACEC-IL Engineering Excellence Award, recognized for its engineering systems, and the 2021 ASHRAE Technology Award for its occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and energy conservation.

“I am not surprised that Rina was selected for this prestigious recognition,” says Senior Vice President and Buildings Division Manager, Ken Panucci. “She’s an embodiment of the American dream and has always brought a thoughtful approach to leadership with a focus on driving innovation and growth.”

Congratulations to the rest of the 2024 Top 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC contest winners! You can read more about Rina, and the other women, here.