National Electrical Engineering Practice Leader recognized for sustained contributions to healthcare engineering, industry standards, education, and leadership.
Krista McDonald Biason, PE, FASHE, National Electrical Engineering Practice Leader at HGA, has been elevated to Fellow of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (FASHE), recognizing her longstanding contributions to advancing the healthcare physical environment.
Biason is the first professional at HGA to achieve FASHE status. The designation recognizes ASHE members who demonstrate sustained contributions to the profession through leadership, presenting, and publishing, as well as a commitment to continued education and advancement of the healthcare facilities field.
With more than 30 years of experience, Biason specializes in healthcare electrical design, infrastructure planning, facility assessments, essential power systems, and the application of evolving codes and standards to complex healthcare environments. As an engineer of record on major healthcare projects, Biason approaches engineering as an integral part of the design process, working collaboratively across disciplines to create systems that are safe, sustainable, and maintainable.
Her recent work includes UPMC Presbyterian Hospital’s Kamin Tower in Pittsburgh; the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis; and MetroHealth’s Glick Center in Cleveland.
“Throughout my career, I’ve chosen opportunities that allow me to make a meaningful difference in our profession, even when the path wasn’t always obvious or easy,” Biason said. “After more than 30 years, success for me is no longer just about what I personally accomplish, it’s about what I leave behind, and making sure the next generation has the opportunities and support to contribute and make a difference in their own way.”
Biason’s influence extends beyond project work. She represents ASHE on the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70 National Electrical Code-Making Panel 13, focused on emergency power systems, and serves as a special expert on the NFPA 99 Health Care Electrical Systems Technical Committee. She is also a member of the Facility Guidelines Institute’s Health Guidelines Revision Committee, contributing to guidelines for the planning and design of hospitals.
Her work also includes contributions to several white papers and appearances on FGI’s Between the Lines podcast. She also co-hosts The Splice Girls Podcast, which brings together women and allies in construction and the built environment for candid conversations about the industry, leadership, career paths, and the people shaping its future. A frequent presenter and author, Biason continues to share her expertise and contribute to the advancement of healthcare engineering.
Krista’s impact reaches well beyond the projects she leads at HGA,” said Jeff Harris, Vice President of Engineering, HGA. “Her expertise has helped shape the codes and standards that guide healthcare engineering nationally, and she brings that same level of leadership to developing the people around her. We’re incredibly proud to see her contributions to healthcare engineering recognized with this distinction.”
Biason joined HGA in 1992.
About FASHE
Fellow ASHE status recognizes superior achievement and sustained contribution to ASHE and the healthcare physical environment field. Candidates must already hold Senior ASHE status, have at least 10 years of continuous ASHE membership and healthcare experience, and demonstrate contributions across three areas: leading, presenting, and publishing. Candidates also must meet professional credential and continuing education requirements and undergo a formal application and review process. Learn more at ASHE.