
Jim McCool
Our Team

Jim McCool is presently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. Prior to his retirement in January 2020, Jim was the Director of Engineering for SEA. During his ten years at Sain, he managed and performed energy and commissioning projects throughout the world.
Jim has more than 40 years of experience in commercial mechanical design/construction and building automation; which includes HVAC controls, access management and fire alarm. In his career, Jim has managed projects for utilities, industrial customers, institutions, and commercial office construction. Equipment procurement and installation, along with sheet metal, piping, plumbing and startup were all part of this work. Jim worked for two consulting engineering firms in the roles of designer and commissioning authority. He was the Engineering Manager for a DDC startup company that was subsequently purchased and became part of an international building automation company. With SEA, Jim performed energy audit work in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He also managed and performed commissioning work of both existing buildings and new construction.
Jim has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (with Honors) from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jim is a registered Professional Engineer in Alabama.
Jim is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). He has co-taught the week-long preparation class for AEE certification as a CEM at numerous locations from Washington D.C to Japan. He was also designated a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009 (GBCI). Jim was active as a Certified Commissioning Authority (ACG), and held a Facility Management Administrator (BOMI) designation. He is a Lifetime Member of ASHRAE.
Jim entered active military service in 1972 near the end of the Vietnam Era. After Airborne and Ranger Schools, he finished first in his Field Artillery Officers’ Basic Class and then spent over three years with NATO units in Europe.
Jim is the proud husband to Jill, a beautiful Christian woman and an artist. They have been in Birmingham since 1976. In their 47+ years together, they raised five wonderful children. They have all married and have given Jim and Jill ten grandchildren who are spread out in Alabama, Georgia, New Hampshire, and California.