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Click here to submit an abstract online: Submit Abstract Online
Or
Click on the link below (or copy and paste it into your browser address line) for a downloadable pdf “Call for Abstracts” form from the secure Safety Fest TN website.
Click here for a pdf Call for Abstracts
Send completed forms to instructors@safetyfesttn.org. We are accepting abstracts.
What are the guidelines?
Safety Fest TN classes, seminars, and demonstrations provide pertinent, timely and practical information on environmental, safety and health subjects applicable to life at work, at home or in the community. There is ample time for networking and marketing during breaks, lunches and the Safety Expo. Excessive marketing of products or services (i.e., infomercials) during Safety Fest TN classes, seminars or demonstrations is not appropriate.
What happens after submitting a form?
The Class Selection Team will review submissions. You will be notified via email or phone if clarification or additional information is required.
Some of our great past and present Safety Fest TN Instructors!
Tami Anderson
HPI Program Manager
EnergySolutions
Tamra earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. She has been at the Zion Restoration Project in Zion, Illinois with EnergySolutions since September 2010. During this time she has worked as a Correction Action Program Coordinator for the Fuel Transfer Organization and is currently managing the Human Performance Program for the project. Part of her role has included traveling to various EnergySolutions sites across the country and Canada to provide Human Performance Training to site managers and field workers.
Chris Austin
Territory Manager
Ashby Company
Chris Austin has been a territory manager in East Tennessee for over 20 years with the Ashby Company. During that time he has assisted hundreds of industrial customers and consulting firms in the design and trouble-shooting of electrical systems ranging from control panels, electrical switchgear, heat-trace systems, and large-scale UPS systems.
Chris graduated in 1993 from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
He resides in Knoxville where he lives with his wife and 3 children.
Giovanni Barton
Environmental Programs Manager
North Wind Group
Mr. Barton is the Environmental Programs Manager for the Transuranic (TRU) Waste Processing Center (TWPC). Gio has 10 years experience in environmental compliance and the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. He also has 17 years experience in analytical laboratory analysis. He enjoys instructing courses in the areas of environmental compliance and operations.
William Bell
Executive Commercial Producer
First Volunteer Insurance
As a formed college administrator, Mr. Bell has more than 20 years of experience in safety, risk management, and loss control. He specializes in the reduction of accidents, claims and workers compensation premiums.
Susan Blackburn
MBA
Sr. Safety and Health Program Specialist
UCOR
Susan Blackburn is a safety and health professional with more than 25 years of experience in the area of industrial hygiene and safety, including program management, policy and procedure development, development and delivery of training, and fieldwork. Highlights of her experience include serving as the Safety and Health Manager for a major demolition project, ES&H Manager for security services, and an industrial hygienist with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and an MBA from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Susan is a member of the Tennessee Valley Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the National American Industrial Hygiene Association. She currently serves as a member of the AIHA Ergonomics Committee. Susan has been married for 27 years and has three children and two grandchildren. She loves to hike, scuba dive, and talk about safety and health.
Jeff Brys
Area Manager
Rockwell Automation
Jeff Brys is an Area Manager for Rockwell Automation. He has 31 years of experience in the electrical, automation and manufacturing industries. Mr. Brys is a TUV Certified Functional Safety Engineer and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He is part of the Safety Solutions Sales Team for the Nashville Territory. Jeff has primary responsibilities for the Nashville Territory with a focus on OEM and End User Accounts. He has also worked with many accounts in the Food & Beverage, Automotive and Pharmaceutical industries. Jeff represents Rockwell Automation in educational events, Machine Safe Design Seminars and Safety Standard presentations.
Primary Safety System Design Expertise and Specialties:
• Training – Risk Assessments, Standards, Validation, and Implementation • Risk Assessment – ISO 12100/ RIA R15.06
• Machine Safety Standards Training and Implementation o ANSI, CSA, EN, ISO, IEC
• Robotics Safety – ANSI RIA R15.06, CSA Z434, ISO 10218
• Electrical Design – NFPA – 79/ ISO 60204
• OHSA Requirements • ISO 13849
• IEC 62061
• Member – American Society of Safety Engineers
Kathy Carney
CHMM
Directorate Operations Manager
UT-Battelle, LLC
Ms. Carney, CHMM, Directorate Operations Manager of the Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. With over 30 years of experience, she has been responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient operational support services at a number of governmental and private research institutions, including Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) in Columbus, Ohio and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, NY, in addition to ORNL. Over the course of her career, she held management positions in the areas of environmental protection, radioactive and hazardous waste management, hazardous material transportation safety, chemical safety management, nuclear facility management, emergency management and performance assessment. In her current position as Directorate Operations Manager, she is the Environment, Health and Safety Manager for the Majorana Demonstrator Project, a large multi-institutional research collaboration, led by ORNL. Ms. Carney holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Findlay and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Industrial Management from the University of Kentucky.
George Carroll
EMT
Firefirghter/Engineer
Oak Ridge Fire Department
George holds an AA degree in Fire Science from Chattanooga State. He has been a firefighter/engineer since 1995 and has been with the Oak Ridge Fire Department since 2007. George is a certified EMT, Confined Space instructor and HAZMAT technician.
April Case
CHMM, CSP, CET
Sr. Safety Coordinator
University of Tennessee
Ms. Case has nealy 20 years of varied experience working in the environmental health and safety fields, working for private industry, as well as DOE and university settings. I have a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and an M.S. degree in Environmental Health, as well as CHMM, CSP and CET certifications. I started my career in hazardous waste management, eventually leading into an Occupational Safety position at UT. I have worked at UT for almost 10 years now. I have taught hundreds of training hours in a wide variety of subjects for the campus community, including: Hazardous Waste Management; EPA Lead RRP Initial and Refresher Classes; Bloodborne Pathogens, as well as several other topics. I also recently presented at the 2016 CSHEMA (Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association) Conference in Austin, TX.
Gary Chitwood
USW Worker Trainer
UCOR
Gary Chitwood is a Grounds Service Worker employed by UCOR at the East Tennessee Technology Park. Before joining UCOR he was employed by the Morgan County Maximum Security Correctional Complex. He is certified in CPR and First Aid and has put his training to the test. Gary is an active member in the USW Local 288 and serves as backup steward. In April, he became a worker trainer and helps facilitate 40 Hour HAZWOPER and 8 Hour Refresher classes. When Gary’s not working he enjoys playing with his young son, video gaming and exercising. Gary resides in Rockwood, TN with his wife and 18 month old son.
John Corum
Director of Safety
Cleveland Utilities
25 years in the Utility Industry
Journeyman Lineman, Knoxville Utilities Board, Knoxville TN, 1992-2006
Powerline Instructor, Western Nebraska Community College, Alliance NE, 2006-2013
Director of Safety, Cleveland Utilities, Cleveland TN, 2013-Present
BA and MS – Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville
Doctorate of Education – Univ of Texas, Austin
Mike Crenshaw
Senior Scientist
Strata-G/UCOR
Mr. Crenshaw has more than 25 years of experience managing programs for environmental and D&D operations in Oak Ridge and across the United States.
Andy Crowder
President
C.A. Crowder & Associates
Andy Crowder is the President and Owner of C.A. Crowder & Associates. He is the official 3M Fire Protection Products Specialist and Sales Representative for GA, TN and AL and is 3M’s foremost expert in the Southeast for UL Systems, Installations and Code Requirements for fire barrier and penetration protection using 3M Fire Protection Products.
Terry Crouse
Instructor
H&S Program Manager
ORNL/UT Battelle, LLC
Mr. Crouse is the lead incident investigator at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and manages the ORNL Confined Space Program. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and a Masters in Safety Management from The University of Tennessee.
Brian Dolin
CSP
Vice-President, Manager Knoxville Office
Fortier Loss Control Consultants, Inc.
Mr. Dolin is VP of Fortier Loss Control Consultants and manages the Knoxville office. Brian has been with Fortier since 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from the University of Southwestern Lousiana, and a Masters of Science in Safety Management from the University of Tennessee. Brian is a Certified Safety Professional. He has served in the United States Army and the Louisiana National Guard.
Terry Douglas
CIH, CSP
President
Alliant Corporation
Mr. Douglas brings more than 30 years’ experience in occupational safety and health. He is the President of Alliant Corporation, which was founded in Knoxville, TN in 2000. He also serves as Alliant’s Occupational Safety and Health Division Director. Prior to that he was the Environmental Services Division Director for EET Corporation; the Industrial Hygiene Program Manager for Martin Marietta Specialty Components; and a Senior Industrial Hygienist and Chemist for General Electric Neutron Devices. Alliant is comprised of approximately 60 professionals engaged in the delivery of occupational safety and health, environmental management and project control services to both government and commercial clients across the US.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Florida with graduate work in Public Health at East Tennessee State University. He is certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene as a Certified Industrial Hygienist in comprehensive practice. He is also certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Certified Safety Professional.
Phillip Eddinger
USW Lead Worker Trainer
UCOR
Phillip Eddinger is employed by UCOR as a Stores Clerk at East Tennessee Technology Park. He began his journey at ETTP as a laborer then performed chemical operator duties and finally settled in as a Stores Clerk. In 1989, Phillip dedicated his life to our country by serving 3 years in the US Army’s 101st Infantry Division. He then spent 6 years as a Reserve Parachute Rigger. Phillip is an active member of USW Local 288 where he is the Lead Worker Trainer and teaches 40 Hour HAZWOPER, 8 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher, Hazard Mapping and Incident Investigation. Before coming to ETTP Phillip managed retail stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Party City, CVS Pharmacy and Frontier Firearms. He graduated from Rockwood High School and has a degree in General Studies from Roane State. He resides in Lenoir City with his beautiful wife and two rambunctious children ages 10 and 12.
Joe Estey
Performance Improvement Specialist
Lucas Engineering and Management Solutions
In 1993, Joe Estey founded Prolepsis Training, assisting businesses throughout North America. After selling his company to a national laboratory in 2014, he served as the National Learning and Development Manager until joining Lucas Engineering and Management Services in 2016. His primary responsibility is working with a diverse clientele including forest products and sports apparel manufacturers, fossil generation and nuclear power utilities, R&D laboratories and public agencies to assist them in eliminating undesirable events through the management of human error. As the recipient of three National Awards from the White House Executive Leadership council for his work in public outreach and education, he frequently speaks to public agencies, corporate and small business managers and front line workers across the United States. Most importantly, however, Joe has been married to his high school sweetheart for 37 years, with life’s greatest lessons being cultivated while spending time with three high energy grandsons.
Tom Frazee
ATLC Instructor
ICWUC Center for Worker Health and Safety Education
Tom has been a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union for 38 years. Prior to joining the staff at the ICWUC Center for Worker Health and Safety Education, Cincinnati, Ohio in January of 2010, Tom worked at the Honeywell Department of Energy Plant in Kansas City, Missouri. Tom was a Hazardous Materials Technician, responding to and cleaning up spills at the plant for over 25 years. He also served as shop steward on numerous occasions, and was on several Safety and Health Committees at the plant. Tom was a worker trainer for 16 years at the Machinists Local lodge 778 and served as Site Coordinator for 10 of those years. Tom’s hometown is Union, KY where he and his wife Jeri reside. Tom is an Authorized OSHA Instructor in both General Industry and Construction. A Chemical Plume Mapping Instructor and also a Chemical Emergency Response Instructor. He also is a First Aid/ CPR/ AED/ Instructor.
Louis Geasland
CTSP
Safety Director
Wolf Tree, Inc.
Wolf Tree, Inc. is a Knoxville based utility line clearance contractor currently working in ten states across the Southeastern United States. Mr. Geasland, a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, has been with Wolf Tree since 2001 and is responsible for support in all safety related aspects of the company.
Libby Gilley
STS
Sr. ES&H Program Specialist
UCOR
Ms. Gilley has 31 years of experience in the environment, safety and health industry. She is the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) Program Lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the URS | CH2M Oak Ridge LLC (UCOR) remediation project at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), Oak Ridge. Ms. Gilley is a BCSP Safety Trained Supervisor, Construction, and an HPI Practitioner. Mrs. Gilley is a qualified instructor for DOE’s TLP-150, Safety Culture Training for Front Line Leaders. She teaches UCOR’s safety culture orientation to on-boarding personnel, the UCOR ISMS Leadership Workshop, and she is a supporting instructor for UCOR’s Safety Trained Supervisor – Construction certification examination preparatory course. Mrs. Gilley has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from East Tennessee State University. She began her career with eight years of experience with the State of Tennessee, Division of Radiological Health. Prior to her tenure at UCOR, Mrs. Gilley was with Bechtel National, Inc.
Dylan Graves
Lab Analyst and Operations Manager
Assured Bio Labs, LLC
Dylan Graves is a Lab Analyst and Operations Manager at Assured Bio Labs, LLC. He holds a CMI certification through the ACAC, and has been providing air quality investigation services, protocol writing, and data interpretation on behalf of Assured Bio Labs for over 8 years.
Bobby Gray
Project Manager
Hoydar-Buck, Inc.
Bobby Gray has a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years. He has held all major positions related to engineering, procurement, and construction management from technician to project manager. He was the Senior Operations Director at Hanford’s Plutonium Finishing Plant described at the time as “the most hazardous facility in the DOE complex.” He has a special expertise in the electrical industry. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University and teaches NFPA electrical codes and standards, including NFPA 70E, for the National Fire Protection Association. He sits on two NEC code-making panels, the NFPA 70E Technical Committee, and the NFPA 79 Technical Committee. Mr. Gray has participated in more than 30 assessments of DOE facilities for both DOE and contractors. He is the DOE-delegated electrical AHJ at three DOE sites.
Pamela Gray
USW Health & Safety Representative
UCOR
Pamela Gray has been at East Tennessee Technology Park for 11 years. She is employed by UCOR as the USW Health & Safety Representative. She helps facilitate classes such as 40 Hour HAZWOPER, 8 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher and Hazard Mapping. Her favorite teaching subject is Hazard Mapping. She is certified in CPR and First Aid. Pamela takes an active part in the USW local 288 where she serves as Trustee. When she’s not at work she enjoys being on the lake, fishing, music and spending time with her family. She resides in LaFollette, TN with her husband, teenage son and tiny Chihuahua.
Richard Hailey
COO
Training Solutions Inc
Richard Hailey has worked in and around the nuclear field for over three decades, starting as a Reactor Operator on the USS Nimitz in 1986 through decommissioning HEU facilities at NFS, including stops at MMT, later ATG, and a plutonium cleanup on Johnston Atoll. In 2006, he entered the training world, specializing in Crane and Rigging, HAZWOPER, and Asbestos Abatement. He was introduced to Human Performance Improvement in 2012 and has since integrated those principles into every training class he develops or teaches.
Matt Harrison
CIH, CSP
H&S Group Leader
UT-Battelle, LLC (ORNL)
Matt has 10+ years of experience providing occupational safety and health support within a research and development environment where he was responsible for evaluating the hazards posed by a variety of toxic chemicals used in a laboratory setting. He is currently employed by UT -Battelle, LLC where he serves as Group Leader of the Safety Services Division’s Health and Safety Group. He has a master’s degree in safety management from the University of Tennessee and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional.
Steve Hawkins
TOSHA Administrator
TOSHA
Appointed in 2012, Hawkins manages the day-to-day operations of Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) and serves as the liaison between the TOSHA program and federal OSHA monitors. Promoting workplace safety and health across Tennessee, he educates employer groups and labor organizations alike regarding safety and health regulations and better methods for controlling and eliminating workplace hazards. Hawkins has been with the Department of Labor & Workforce Development since 1986, beginning his career as an occupational safety specialist and subsequently serving as an area office safety supervisor, safety compliance manager with statewide responsibilities, and as the assistant administrator of the program.
Hawkins has also been appointed as the department liaison to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Emergency Response Commission. He’s a member of the Tennessee Blasting Advisory Council, the Tennessee Associated Builders & Contractors Safety Advisory Committee, the Associated General Contractors Safety Committee, and the Tennessee Road Builders Association Safety Committee.
He is the co-chair of the Tennessee Safety and Health Congress and a board member of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association. Currently serving his fourth term on the Federal OSHA Advisory Committee for Construction Safety and Health, Hawkins is also a member of the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Advisory board at his alma mater, Tennessee Technological University.
Mark Hilbert
Hilbert Electrical Solutions
Mark Hilbert was the former Chief Electrical Inspector for the State of New Hampshire and now operates a private electrical inspection and consulting business. He is licensed in three states as a master electrician and a certified electrical inspector by the International Association of Electrical Inspectors where he is a Past President of the Granite State Chapter, the Eastern Section and was the 2014 International President. Mark is the Deputy Electrical AHJ at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, OH and at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, KY. He is a former member of NEC Code Making Panel 4 and is currently a principle member and Chair of NEC CMP 2 and the NFPA 79 Committee. He is an IAEI and NFPA seminar instructor and has taught the NEC and NFPA 70E domestically and internationally for more than 17 years.
Jimmy Hughes
MBA, STS
Safety and Health Program Specialist
UCOR
Jimmy Hughes enthusiastically fulfills his his role as a safety and health program specialist for UCOR. With a background which includes waste management operations, he previously served as the UCOR Local Safety Improvement Team Chairperson. Jimmy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and an MBA from King University Bristol, TN. He enjoys spending time outdoors, relaxing with family, and working to keep safety on the forefront.
Walter Idol
HMT
Program Manager II
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Mr. Walter Idol is the Health Safety and Preparedness Program Manager for the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. He has been a member of the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad since 1975, where he currently serves as lieutenant for the heavy/technical rescue team. He also serves on the UT Lifestar Staff as a technical adviser.
Jacob Kamer
Territory Manager
King University
Jacob Kamer is a Territory Manager at King University, where he uses his creative and interpersonal strengths to help businesses and students navigate higher education. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Greater Chattanooga Education Consortium.
Jacob is very involved in the community: serving as an ambassador for both the Roane Alliance and Anderson County Chamber of Commerce; as a board member for Friends of Literacy; and as a volunteer in other area organizations. While working on his undergraduate degree, Jacob served as co-editor of Homespun magazine.
Jacob holds a Master of Business Administration from King University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing & Language from Tennessee Technological University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Tennessee. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys quiet time with a good book or any opportunity to spoil his nieces.
Chris Jerger
CEO, Owner
Training Solutions, Inc.
As the CEO of Training Solutions Inc., Christopher Jerger is a nationally recognized keynote speaker bringing the culmination of more than 25 years of experience in helping others to a place of excellence. He has earned a valued reputation by providing customers with flexible options for professional consulting, custom program development and training delivery. As co-founder of the Human Performance Improvement Institute, he has seen the inherent value in incident investigation. Chris brings more than a decade of investigation experience including the design and development of the inMAP Incident Investigation Mapping system, the only investigation format based completely on the HPI philosophy.
As the CEO of Training Solutions Inc., Christopher Jerger is a nationally recognized keynote speaker bringing the culmination of more than 25 years of experience in helping others to a place of excellence. He has earned a valued reputation by providing customers with flexible options for professional consulting, custom program development and training delivery. As co-founder of the Human Performance Improvement Institute, he has seen the inherent value in incident investigation. Chris brings more than a decade of investigation experience including the design and development of the inMAP Incident Investigation Mapping system, the only investigation format based completely on the HPI philosophy.
Michelle Keever
SGE, STS, MBA
Sr. ES&H Program Specialist
UCOR
Michelle Keever has nearly 30 years of experience in private sector and government program management. Michelle is a Six Sigma Black Belt, a Six Sigma Mater Champion, Human Performance Improvement Practitioner and Special Government Employee designated to assist with Voluntary Protection Program Assessments.
Keith Kirkland
MESH
Corporate Safety Director
Associated Scaffolding
Keith Kirkland is the Safety Director at Associated Scaffolding. He is an authorized OSHA Trainer for General Industry and Construction teaching OSHA 10 and 30 classes. He also is an authorized trainer for the SAIA ( Scaffold & Access Industry Association ) and Guardian Fall protection. Keith Retired from the United States Air Force with 30 yrs. service during his service he was an instructor for the USAF Aircraft Structural and composite repair school at Sheppard AFB Texas and the Naval Aviation center at Pensacola, FL.
Linda Lawhorn
CHMM CDGP
Transportation Specialist
UCOR/Edgewater
Linda Lawhorn has more than 20 years of experience in hazmat and dangerous goods shipping by highway and air, domestically and internationally, both government and commercial applications. She is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and a Certified Dangerous Goods Professional with a personal commitment to helping shippers achieve compliance and be able to enjoy their work. Ms. Lawhorn works for Edgewater Technical Associates which is headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico, with regional offices in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Aiken, South Carolina, and supports a staff of 130+ senior consultants and staff augmentation personnel at DOE and NRC sites including LANL, SRS, ETTP, ORNL, TWPC, Y-12, NNSS, SPRU, WIPP, and the Hematite Decommission Site.
Larry Llanusa
Training Manager
North Wind Group
Mr. Llanusa is the Training Manager for the Transuranic (TRU) Waste Processing Center (TWPC). Larry is a Master Instructor and has won several award and enjoys facilitating/instructing courses in the areas of safety, environmental, and operations.
David Lynn
CSP
President
Peak Safety Performance
David Lynn, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, graduated from Furman University in 1991. He has published articles in EHS Today, Occupational Hazards Magazine, AIST, ISHN, PTQ, and The Leader. David has also written the book Principle to Practice and co-authored the book, 22 Ways That Will Make You A Champion For Safety. He has been a guest speaker at various conferences such as the National Safety Council Conference, VPPPA Conference, South Carolina Manufacturers Association Conference, Milliken Safety Conference, American Institute of Steel Technology Conference, EHS Today Magazine Web Expos, and regional ASSE Conferences.
David began his safety career in 1992 working for OSHA as a Compliance Officer. He conducted more than 200 safety inspections that included audit, complaint, and fatality investigations. David witnessed the good and the bad of health and safety management across a variety of industries. The regulatory perspective helped David see his job with a well-rounded point of view and enabled him to transition into an EHS Engineer’s role at a Duracell battery plant in South Carolina that manufactured Duracell AA & AAA batteries.
For five years, David led injury prevention strategies with a large workforce in a high demand industry with unique hazards. In 2000, David accepted the challenge to work for Owens Corning as an EHS leader during the construction phase of a state-of-the-art, cultured stone facility in South Carolina. David managed construction health and safety and coordinated all environmental permitting processes for the site. He was also instrumental in the start-up phases of the plant and he remained as the EHS Leader for the plant until 2004.
David served as a US Regional HSE Manager for Fluor, one of the world’s largest construction and engineering firms, known for their ability to execute complex projects with exceptional health & safety performance. In 2008, he became the Senior Programs Manager for the Corporate HSE group. In this role, David led a team responsible for corporate HSE training, auditing, workers’ compensation, substance abuse, regulatory compliance, HSE communications, and high impact corporate programs such as OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). In 2008, David successfully led the corporate initiative to achieve Corporate VPP status with OSHA. Fluor has been recognized twice by Occupational Hazards Magazine as one of America’s Safest Companies.
Laura Matzek
OSHA Industry Trainer
Roane State Community College
Laura Matzek is an OSHA authorized General Industry Trainer through the Georgia Tech OTI Education Center. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant in Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ms. Matzek is a native of Knoxville, TN and received her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. During her career in industry, Ms. Matzek worked as a process engineer at DuPont’s Chattanooga facility and as a research engineer at Intraspec, Inc. in Oak Ridge, TN. Before entering graduate school, Ms. Matzek was the Assistant Director of Roane State Community College’s grant-funded AMTEC program.
Jeffrey Miller
PhD, CIH,CSP
Senior Scientist
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Dr. Jeff Miller is a Senior Scientist in the ORAU Health, Energy and Environment Program. He has a PhD in Health Behavior from the University of Tennessee, an MSPH in Public Health from the University of Colorado and a BS in Health Sciences from Western Illinois University. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and has more than 35 years of public health, industrial hygiene, and management experience in the government and private sectors. He is a Director for the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. He is a subject matter expert in safety culture, occupational exposure assessment, and chronic beryllium disease worker protection programs. He serves as an ergonomics specialist for the Uranium Processing Facility project in Oak Ridge, TN.
Mitchell Miller
P.E.
Senior Electrical Engineer
Mesa Associates
Mr. Miller is a Senior Electrical Engineer with Mesa with 15 years of experience in the design and analysis of medium and low voltage electrical systems. He has performed performed over 50 electrical power system studies using various analysis tools, which included short circuit, load flow, protective device coordination and arc flash hazard analysis for numerous industrial and government facilities and power plants.
Matthew Moury
Acting Associate Undersecretary for Environment, Health, Safety and Security
U. S. Department of Energy
Mesa Associates
Mr. Matthew Moury is the Acting Associate Undersecretary for Environment, Health, Safety and Security. The office provides corporate leadership and strategic approaches for protecting DOE’s workers, the public, the environment and national security assets. This is accomplished through developing corporate policies and standards; sharing operating experience, lessons learned, and best practices; and providing assistance and supporting services as DOE’s environment, health, safety and security advocate.
Prior to his current position Mr. Moury was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety, Security, and Quality Programs within the Office of Environmental Management (EM). The mission of the office is to manage EM-wide Integrated Safety Management and Integrated Safeguards and Security Management implementation oversight activities. The office provides standards assurance for major project planning, executes operational safety and awareness programs, and oversees quality assurance programs. The office is also responsible for tracking Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) recommendations and issues.
Mr. Moury has 30 years of experience in the nuclear field, including almost 20 years at the DNFSB. He was selected for the Senior Executive Service in 2002. Prior to joining EM, Mr. Moury served as the DNFSB’s Group Lead for Nuclear Weapon Programs, leading the DNFSB’s effort in its statutory mission to ensure that DOE operations that directly support the nuclear stockpile and defense nuclear research are conducted in a manner that ensures adequate protection of the health and safety of the workers and the public. While at the DNFSB, Mr. Moury held other senior leadership positions including the Group Lead for Nuclear Programs and Analysis, Group Lead for Nuclear Facility Design and Infrastructure and the Engineering Group Lead. He also was the lead on a wide variety of safety-related areas such as: Integrated Safety Management, facility design and construction, DOE directives, facility startup activities, and quality assurance.
Mr. Moury began his career as a nuclear-trained submarine officer where he retired at the rank of Captain in the Navy Reserves. He has a Master of Science degree in Reliability Engineering from the University of Maryland; a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Greg Nichols
CPH
Program Manager
ORAU
Mr. Nichols is a public health researcher and planning professional whose primary area of interest is health in emerging technologies. His research activities have included exposure assessment, litigation support, risk identification, and epidemiology. He has published on a variety of topics in peer-reviewed journals, has co-authored a book chapter on the use of epidemiology in risk assessment, and has been an invited speaker on multiple areas of nanotechnology. He has seven years of experience with ORAU conducting research for a variety of government and industry clients. In addition, he has lectured at a local community college regarding health and safety topics for a composite materials certificate program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a master’s degree in Public Health, both from the University of Tennessee, and holds the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential.
Mike Palmer
Vice President Health and Safety
Ensafe, Inc.
Mr. Palmer is the Vice President of Health and Safety for Ensafe, Inc. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science from Eastern Kentucky University and a Masters in Public Health from The University of Tennessee. He is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. He has over 30 years of experience in Safety and Industrial Hygiene consulting and management.
Gary Roberts
Eastern Kentucky University OSHA Outreach
Gary Roberts has over 38 years in environmental health and safety in general industry, construction and the public sector. He is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Vice President 2014-2015, and serves on the PHCC National Safety Committee. He is an annual presenter at the Tennessee Safety Congress where he presents programs on consequence / behavioral based safety and emergency management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati and a MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and is currently corporate Environmental Health and Safety Director for ShoffnerKalthoff Mechanical Electrical Service in Knoxville, TN.
Mike Russell
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Harriman
Mr. Russell has been a Tennessee College of Applied Technology Welding Instructor since 2004. Mike retired from the US Air Force in 2001. His 20 year Air Force career included a background in Welding, Metals, and Machining. Mike carries numerous certifications from the Air Force. He has recent certification in electronics, welding, and safety.
Jeff Sickau
Safety & Tech Services Group Leader
UT-Battelle
Mr. Sickau is the Group Leader for the Safety and Technical Services Group of the Safety Services Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He oversees the Chemical Safety Program, and Industrial Hygiene technical services for the Laboratory. He is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, holds a bachelors degree from Tusculum College and a Masters Degree from Tulane.
Sally Shultz
Instructor
Senior Instructor
UCOR/Strategic Resource Alliance,LLC
Sally has worked at the DOE Oak Ridge sites for more than 30 years, and has more than twenty years’ experience in the training environment. Sally has a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development/Adult Education from Tusculum College. She is also a faculty member for the EnergX/Fountainhead College of Technology Radiation Protection Technology Program as an instructor for Radiological Fundamentals I and II. Her instructor certifications include: DOE Instructor (1992), OSHA 500 and 501, Certified Technical Trainer, and Hoisting & Rigging/Crane Operator and Inspector.
Mark Smith
Director ESH
University of Tennessee
Mr. Smith has over thirty-five years of professional experience in fire safety, building codes, safety compliance, environmental management, and industrial hygiene. Currently he serves as the director of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and the executive director for Safety in the University of Tennessee system. He holds a bachelor of science in environmental health from East Tennessee State University and master of public health from the University of Tennessee. He is past president of the Tennessee Valley Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and past president of the East TN Chapter of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP).
John Sparks
Territory Manager, Knoxville/SW Virginia/Asheville/Greenville,SC
Brady Corporation
John Sparks is aterritory manager for Brady Corporation with more than 20 years of experience in the field of facility safety and identification services. Brady is the world’s leading manufacturer of safety and facility identification products. Works closely with manufacturers such as Yamaha, Michelin NA, and BMW for the creation of their GHS labeling programs and practices. John is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and lives in Knoxville.
Edward Sobek
PhD
President
Assured Bio Labs, LLC
Dr. Sobek is a PhD microbiologist with 20 years of laboratory and field experience. His vision is to develop industry standards with DNA based diagnostics to replace antiquated technologies that often stymie the microbial investigation process. In order to achieve those aims, he has become an avid entrepreneur and inventor. He invented the novel microbial detection technology called Molecular Entrapment, which he branded into the M-TRAP® air sampler that is a CDC/NIOSH verified technology to capture airborne influenza virus and airborne Legionella pneumophila.
He and his team at Assured Bio Labs have tackled everything from viral outbreaks in medical facilities, moldy manufactured plastics, Legionella investigations to formaldehyde off-gassing in building materials. They have diagnosed mold and bacteria issues in hundreds of homes, commercial properties and complex manufacturing settings. He has worked on odor and chemical contamination in both residential and commercial properties. Dr. Sobek’s ability to identify the root cause of contamination truly sets him apart as an outstanding problem solver.
Kerry Templin
DOT Training Manager
Consolidated Nuclear Services
Kerry Templin has been employed in the emergency response and training profession for over 30 years. He is currently the manager of DOT training programs at the Y-12 plant.
Elisonia Valle
MS
EHS Consultant
Banda Group International, LLC
Ms Valle has more than 18 years of experience delivering professional safety and human resource support. Worked and collaborated with the following companies/organizations: AstraZeneca, First Solar, General Electric, National Amusements, Turner Construction Company, Pepsi Co, Wenner Bakery, DOL OSHA, VPPPA, ASSE to name a few. Provided support in areas that include but are not limited to development, implementation and administration of EHS programs, VPP processes, Human Resources, Safety Quality Food compliance, American Institute of Baking compliance, professional development conferences, public relations and outreach activities. Provided professional technical translation and interpretation in the Spanish language, safety performance analysis, coaching, training development and delivery. Holds a B.A. in Media Communication from the University of Sacred Heart, Saturce, P.R. and M.S. in Human Resource Management from C.W. Post Long Island University, N.Y.