Daric Hess serves as Chief Innovation Officer at HEAPY, an executive role designed to accelerate HEAPY’s strategic growth and solidify its leadership in sustainable, high‑performance engineering solutions nationwide plan under the direct guidance of CEO Mark Brumfield. His role encompasses overseeing innovation from initial concepts through full implementation while identifying emerging technologies and managing organizational changes that support new initiatives.

His appointment to this position builds on extensive expertise in applied business innovation. Daric holds Chief Innovation Officer certification from GInI (Global Innovation Institute), the world’s leading professional organization in this field, which he leverages to translate strategic initiatives into actionable innovation agendas and launch new service lines that expand HEAPY’s market reach.

Daric’s career at HEAPY began in 2005 when he joined as an electrical design engineer. In almost 20 years, he advanced through project management roles on the firm’s largest healthcare projects leading into his promotion to Healthcare Practice Director in 2020. This progression gave him comprehensive understanding of complex engineering systems and the operational challenges inherent in healthcare facility design. As Practice Director, he guided engineering staff on cutting-edge healthcare design innovations, helping health systems provide flexible, sustainable and resilient facilities to support the important clinical care that goes on inside.

His technical leadership extends across the full project lifecycle, from conceptual design through construction completion. With 25 years dedicated specifically to healthcare engineering and nearly three decades in the broader design field, Daric has developed specialized expertise in facilities ranging from critical care units with advanced infection control requirements to complex patient areas demanding stringent safety protocols.

Daric’s contributions to the industry extend beyond individual projects. He has presented at both national and regional conferences on healthcare engineering topics, sharing technical insights that advance industry knowledge. His credentials include Professional Engineer licenses in Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia, along with LEED AP BD+C certification reflecting his expertise in sustainable building practices.

With his electrical engineering degree as foundation, Daric combines deep technical knowledge with strategic business acumen. This unique combination positions him to drive innovative initiatives across HEAPY’s national practice while building the strategic partnerships that extend the firm’s industry influence.