Bio-note:
Professional Summary
Tess (Theresa) Espejo is a seasoned standards and regulatory professional with more than 20 years of experience managing programs, projects, policies, processes, and people in the legislative, codes, standards, and regulatory domain. With a strong background in fire and life safety, security systems, and certification program development, she has played a significant role in advancing safety and compliance frameworks across Canada.
Over the course of her career, Tess has contributed extensively to national model codes, technical committee leadership, and industry engagement. She currently supports UL’s commercial services, clients, and stakeholders as Program Manager for Codes and Regulatory Services, while also serving as UL’s Global Inclusion Ambassador for Canada.
Professional Experience
Program Manager, Codes and Regulatory Services
UL Solutions of Canada Inc.
- Supports UL’s commercial services and provides regulatory guidance to clients and stakeholders.
- Leads engagement efforts in codes, standards, and regulatory services.
- Serves as Global Inclusion Ambassador for Canada, promoting equity and inclusion initiatives.
Standards Technical Committee Manager (17 Years)
UL Canada (ULC)
- Managed UL Canada Standards Technical Committees in key areas, including:
- Fire Alarm and Life Safety
- Security and Intrusion Alarms
- Cannabis Safety
- Tanks and Fittings for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Provided leadership in standards development and stakeholder coordination across multiple industries.
Certification & Training Program Development (TIC Division)
UL Testing, Inspection and Certification (2019–Present)
- Helped develop certification and training programs, including:
- Integrated Systems Testing (1001)
- Safety, Security, and Sustainability of Cannabis Facilities and Operations
- Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES)
Codes and Industry Leadership
- Active participant in the development of the National Building and Fire Codes of Canada since 2006.
- Voting Member, National Model Code Committees on Fire and Life Safety (NMCC-FLS)
- Chair, Task Group on Hazardous Processes (TG-HAZ) for the 2030 code editions
Achievements & Professional Recognition
- Awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) for exemplary contributions to the fire alarm industry.
- Currently serves as Director-at-Large of the CFAA.
- Member of multiple professional organizations, including:
- Canadian Security Association (CANASA)
- Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
- Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA)
- Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) Codes Committee
- Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) Liquid Fuels Advisory Council
- Women Talk Fire, and others
Skills & Expertise
- Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Compliance
- Fire Alarm, Life Safety, and Security Systems
- Certification and Training Program Development
- Technical Committee Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- National Model Code Development (Canada)
- Program and Policy Management
- Inclusion and Industry Advocacy
Education & Professional Development
- Technical Leadership Development Program (TLDP), MIT (2023)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration, University of the Philippines Diliman
Mission Statement
Tess Espejo is dedicated to strengthening public safety and regulatory excellence by advancing standards, codes, and certification programs that support resilient communities, innovative industries, and inclusive collaboration.