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22 | SEPTEMBER 2025 Interview with Leaders of the new Texoma Chapter IEA state chapters provide an excellent source of opportunities to meet other professionals, attend CE events, learn about the latest standards and advances in the field, and work together to change state legislation. The newest chapter being welcomed is the TEXOMA chapter, covering both Texas and Oklahoma. Zan Jones, president of the Texoma Chapter, and Sarah Franco, Vice President of the Texoma chapter, answered questions about the future of the chapter. What brought you into the radon or indoor air quality field? Sarah Franco (SF): My background is in multifamily development and construction management, where I oversaw large-scale residential projects. Through that work, I became increasingly aware of the risks radon poses to residents and the lack of awareness surrounding indoor air quality in general. That experience drove me to become NRPP- certified and dedicate myself to testing and education to help protect families and property owners. How long have you been involved with AARST/IEA or radon-related work? Zan Jones (ZJ): Over 3 years. Joining AARST/IEA was one of my first actions when I joined Radonova. My company has been involved with AARST from the beginning and knows it’s an important organization in the radon industry. SF: I have been an NRPP-Certified Radon Measurement Professional since 2016 and a proud member of the Indoor Environments Association for many years. During that time, I’ve tested thousands of homes and apartments while staying active in industry education and standards development. What motivated you to step into a leadership role for the new Texoma Chapter? ZJ: There wasn’t a chapter specifically for Texas and Oklahoma and I saw the need. The governor of Texas declared January 2025 as Radon Action Month in the state of Texas and it was a good time to take advantage of the positive momentum. SF: This is a growing field, and I want to help shape its future. Radon awareness in Central Texas faces unique challenges—it’s invisible, odorless, and the EPA Radon Zone 3 classification often leads people to believe it isn’t a problem here. Serving as Chapter Secretary allows me to collaborate with professionals across Texas and Oklahoma to elevate awareness and strengthen our collective impact. How does your experience help shape your goals for the chapter? ZJ: I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Rocky Mountain IEA chapter board and being involved with the Midwest IEA chapter – so I’ve really gotten to volunteer with some great leaders in our industry and see what they are doing in their regions. Also, I’ve been lucky to serve on the national IEA board where I’ve learned how important the NRPP is to, and how the IEA serves as, the backbone of our industry. SF: My multifamily development and construction background gives me insight into how radon testing and mitigation fit into complex construction projects and tenant health considerations. Additionally, as a woman in a male-dominated field, I bring a perspective of resilience and advocacy. I want the chapter to reflect and support diverse voices while representing the needs of developers, builders, general contractors, and homeowners alike. What makes the Texoma region unique in terms of indoor air quality challenges? ZJ: Texas is a large state geographically with varying indoor air quality challenges throughout the state. Are there specific regulatory or environmental issues your chapter plans to address? SF: While it’s too early to speak for the chapter as a whole, I personally believe maintaining strong testing standards and avoiding deregulation should be a top priority. Consistency in testing is crucial to public safety. How do you plan to support newly certified NRPP professionals in the area? SF : We want to create a welcoming environment where new professionals can ask questions, connect with experienced colleagues, and gain practical insights that complement their certification. Do you have plans for public outreach, such as school programs or community testing events? SF: We don’t have firm dates yet, but schools and community education programs will be a priority. Personally, I plan to continue spreading awareness through professional partnerships, social media, and ongoing education efforts. What’s your vision for the chapter in its first year? ZJ: Our first goal is to prioritize what we want to accomplish as an association and what legislative actions we want to address first. Texas and Oklahoma do not have radon certification laws, for example. So, we have a lot of ground to cover in the Texoma region. CHAPTER CORNER