Speaker Profiles

Michael Algots

Senior Vice President

GrayMar Environmental Services

PRESENTATION

Bridging the Gap Between Emergency Response and Long‑Term Environmental Remediation

With 25 years of expertise across public agency and private industry, Michael Algots leads operations for GrayMar’s 19 national locations. He oversees a comprehensive service portfolio including emergency response, industrial services, environmental remediation, and waste disposal solutions. Michael’s leadership is defined by an unwavering commitment to three core pillars: Safety, Compliance, and Culture, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory integrity across all nationwide projects.

Amit Bhargava

Co-founder & CEO

EnviroApps Inc.

PRESENTATION

Advanced Hazard Detection, Wearables, and Autonomous Tools Technology Showcase

Amit Bhargava is an environmental and regulatory compliance professional with 25 years of experience across the energy and transportation sectors. Since 2020, Amit and his team at EnviroApps have been advancing the digitalization of dangerous-goods shipping documentation in Canada. EnviroApps enables industry to manage electronic Emergency Response Information, including SDS-related information, alongside digital hazmat shipping documents while maintaining paper copies where required for regulatory compliance. This practical hybrid approach provides faster access to current, accurate controlled information and supports one-click printing, emailing, and text-based sharing. By improving document control, reducing administrative burden, and strengthening access during inspections or emergencies, EnviroApps helps organizations improve compliance, efficiency, cost management, and emergency readiness.

Robert Bolen

Manager Global Loss Prevention & Emergency Preparedness

LyondellBasell Industries

PRESENTATION

Retaining Organizational Response Cability

Robert (Bob) Bolen, CSP, SMP brings more than 35 years of safety and risk-management experience to his leadership of LyondellBasell’s global loss prevention, emergency preparedness, crisis management, and security functions. His career spans paper, food, and petrochemical manufacturing and encompasses occupational and process safety, regulatory compliance, emergency response, security, and transportation incident support. Bob's career reflects a sustained commitment to protecting people, operations, and communities through effective risk management, preparedness, and response. Bob and his wife Missy have been married for 34 years, have raised 3 children and are now enjoying grandchildren, travel, and serving in their church and community.

Christopher Brown

General Counsel, CHEMTREC

CHEMTREC

PRESENTATION

Antitrust & Safety Briefing

Chris joined CHEMTREC in May of 2018 and devotes his efforts to the diverse legal needs and compliance issues at CHEMTREC and with the TRANSCAER program. In his 30+ years of legal practice Chris has focused on commercial litigation and corporate law. He rose to partner at an Am Law 50 firm in Texas before moving to the DC area where he joined a litigation boutique and ultimately managed a firm supporting business owners and handling employment law issues. Chris works closely with CHEMTREC’s Chief Executive and The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) General Counsel to ensure CHEMTREC’s legal needs are met while continuing to fully align with ACC’s overall mission and member support. Chris is graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law.

Wendy Buckley

President, STARS Hazmat Consulting

STARS HazMat Consulting

PRESENTATION

From Paper Compliance to Real-World Failure: HazMat Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Wendy Buckley is President and CEO of STARS HazMat Consulting and an Operational HazMat Expert & Advisor with nearly 30 years of experience across all modes of hazardous materials transportation and operating environments. Her work spans chemical manufacturing and distribution, trucking, rail, warehousing, terminals, bulk and non-bulk packaging, loading and unloading, regulatory compliance, operational risk, incident investigation, and training. A former federal and state DOT hazardous materials inspector, firefighter/EMT, and regulatory affairs professional, Wendy brings a practical, field-focused perspective to complex hazmat challenges. She also serves as an expert witness, DGTA Board Member, and Alliance for Chemical Distribution Responsible Distribution Advisor.

Andreas Burkart

District Sales Engineer/Technical Trainer

AEMC Instruments

PRESENTATION

Grounding & Bonding - Your Best Risk Mitigation Tool

Andreas serves as the National Trainer for AEMC Instruments, a premier manufacturer of electrical test and measurement instruments based in Dover, NH. In his current role, Andreas oversees training for the company’s diverse product lines with a specialized focus on the AEMC Hazmat grounding and bonding kit. He actively coordinates critical safety training initiatives alongside Chip Heard, the Senior Manager of Hazardous Materials at Union Pacific Railroad, and has conducted multiple training at Union Pacific Railroad yards including Seattle, WA, Muskogee, OK, and Midland, TX. A seasoned professional in instructional design and training delivery, Andreas offers over two decades of experience in developing and implementing high-impact learning programs across technology, sales, and operations. He has held leadership roles at top-level global organizations, where he managed multimillion-dollar technology projects and spearheaded sales enablement programs. Known for bridging the gap between technical engineering knowledge and instructional design, Andreas is PMP-certified, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and holds an MBA in International Business as well as a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Regarding his work with the hazardous materials community, Andreas says, “I’m passionate about translating complex technical solutions into clear, actionable value for first responders, local emergency planners, and communities located along hazardous material transportation routes".

Quin Carroll

PRESENTATION

Risk, Reputation, Readiness: From Compliance to Corporate Responsibility

Quinlan Carroll is the Associate Director of Political Mobilization for the American Chemistry Council (ACC). In this role, Quinlan focuses on engaging member company facilities in ACC’s grassroots advocacy strategy, through plant tours, site visits, roundtables and other in-state events. Prior to joining ACC, Quinlan spent time working on Capitol Hill and as a Political Consultant in Washington D.C.

Timothy Chappell

ExxonMobil

PRESENTATION

EP&R Simulation Platform Built to Strengthen Incident Command System Performance Through Repeatable,

Tim Chappell has spent his career at the intersection of emerging technology and human performance. From developing games with industry leaders such as EA Games, Mythic Entertainment, and BioWare to pioneering immersive technologies at ExxonMobil, he has focused on leveraging innovation to solve real-world challenges. As an Immersive Technology Strategic Advisor, Tim works across XR, AI, digital twins, and simulation technologies to help create safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working. He has been instrumental in advancing immersive training and visual digital twin solutions that enable workers to interact with complex information in intuitive and impactful ways. Driven by a belief that technology should serve and protect people, Tim is passionate about helping organizations translate cutting-edge innovation into measurable business and safety outcomes while shaping the future of industrial operations.

Joe Donadoni

Senior Vice President, Development

Alliance for Chemical Distribution

PRESENTATION

Proud To Be A Part of ACD

"Joe Donadoni, Senior Vice President, Development for ACD and Executive Director, ASK Distribution Consulting, LLC: Joe has been with ACD since September 2023. Prior to joining ACD, Joe served as the Chief of Membership and Business Development for Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Joe started his association career as the Director of Business Development for AdvaMed, the largest medtech trade association in the U.S. Before that, Joe spent 12 years with Citigroup in a variety of sales and leadership positions across different areas of the organization. Joe is a graduate of Boston College. "

James Edwards

BASF Corporation

PRESENTATION

Drones in Emergency Response: Enhancing Speed, Safety, and Situational Awareness AM

James Edwards is an Operations Manager at BASF in the Performance Materials division, leading the Urethane Applications Pilot Plant. He specializes in process optimization and maintaining high standards of performance and regulatory compliance in complex manufacturing environments, with a focus on safety, efficiency and operational excellence. James also serves as an Emergency Response Specialist on BASF’s Technical Research and Chemical Emergency Response (TRACER) team, supporting critical incident response and on-call operations. As a certified drone pilot, he integrates aerial technology into emergency response and site-wide initiatives to enhance situational awareness and decision-making. A 10-year U.S. Navy veteran, James serves as the Chair of the BASF Michigan Veteran Employee Team, advocating for veteran engagement and development. He brings disciplined leadership, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset to his work. A resident of Riverview, MI James and his wife Jessica are proud parents of three boys, Jameson, Jude, and Jensen.

Andy Elkins

Executive Director / Hazmat Compliance

Bureau Of Explosives / AAR

PRESENTATION

Rail Risk & Readiness: Strengthening Hazmat Preparedness from Industry Strategy to Class I Response

Andy currently works for the Bureau of Explosives (BOE) of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) in Washington DC. His primary focus is the duties of the Executive Director of Hazmat Compliance. Andy also serves on the Board of Directors for Operation Lifesaver Inc. and has been a guest speaker at Rail Safety events all over North America, Zagreb Croatia, the Netherlands, Warsaw Poland and York UK. Andy also serves as the AAR’s Representative to the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council, TRANSCAER and the Transportation Research Board. Andy served as a Special Operations Police Officer in Nashville, Tennessee USA for 27 years and performed duties as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Instructor / Operator and continues to instruct Tactical Hazmat for the FBI’s / STALO Program.

Erica Fischer

Director of Outreach, CHEMTREC

CIHS Staff Registrations

PRESENTATION

Risk, Reputation, Readiness: From Compliance to Corporate Responsibility

Erica Fischer is the Director of Outreach, Training, and Partnerships at CHEMTREC® and leads the TRANSCAER® initiative, overseeing nationwide first responder training, outreach, and community preparedness programs. With more than 14 years of experience across the chemical, transportation, and emergency response sectors, she specializes in strategic partnerships, training development, federal grant management, and stakeholder engagement. Erica hosts The Hazmat Files podcast, serves on several national transportation and hazmat safety committees, and is an EMT. She holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University, completed FEMA's Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP), and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication and Information with a concentration in Strategic and Digital Communication at the University of Tennessee.

Chris Garcia

Federal Aviation Administration

PRESENTATION

Regulatory Harmony: Staying in Sync with the DOT

Chris Garcia is a Principal Analyst in the Policy, Standards & Stakeholder Division of the FAA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing aviation safety. Since joining the FAA in 2001, Chris has built a distinguished career dedicated to the safe transport of passengers and cargo by air. With nearly two decades of expertise in hazardous materials safety, he has served in diverse capacities—from Physical Security Specialist and Hazardous Materials Safety Inspector to a Risk Management and Policy Analyst. In his current role, Chris leads strategic initiatives that transform complex data and risk analysis into actionable insights, crafting stakeholder communications that shape industry standards and enhance global aviation safety. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Chris works closely with industry partners to anticipate emerging risks and develop solutions that keep air travel safe and reliable. He is committed to promoting regulatory excellence and public safety, and he frequently shares his expertise at industry conferences and workshops, helping stakeholders navigate the evolving challenges in hazardous materials transportation.

Chandra Gioiello

PRESENTATION

Consumer Compliance Beyond the Checkbox: The Role of SDS in Today's Consumer Market

Chandra Deeds Gioiello has a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Franklin and Marshall College and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene from University of New Haven. She is vice president of IHSC, LLC, a small consulting firm that focuses on international regulatory compliance and SDS and label authoring. Chandra is a registered Safety Data Sheet and Label Author and a Certified Industrial Hygienist. Her focus in on international chemical regulations including GHS adoption, labeling, and chemical control laws. She regularly helps clients navigate the regulations across the globe, especially the Asia-Pacific countries. She is active with the American Industrial Hygiene Association and helped create the SDS and Label Author registry for AIHA. She served on the Board of Directors of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) from 2016-2019. She is the 2024 recipient of the AIHA Fellows SIG Outstanding Midcareer Professional Award. She is currently a delegate to the GHS Subcommittee of Experts on behalf of the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council.

Ryan Goldsmith

Global Emergency Response Leader

The Chemours Company, LLC

PRESENTATION

Breaking Silos in Emergency Response: Building Cross-Functional Resilience Across Complex Operations

Ryan Goldsmith serves as Global Emergency Response Leader for The Chemours Company, overseeing emergency preparedness, response, training, and resiliency across global operations and product distribution. He brings more than 24 years of experience with Chemours, having progressed from operator and training technician to site and now corporate emergency response leadership. Ryan also has over 30 years of fire service experience, serving with the Washington Bottom Volunteer Fire Department until 2022 in roles including Captain, Training Officer, and Board Member. He is a National Pro Board–certified Hazardous Materials Technician, Safety Officer, and Incident Commander, and a certified rope and confined space rescue technician and instructor. Ryan is an active industry collaborator through the American Chemistry Council, TRANSCAER National Transportation Team, the Chlorine Institute Emergency Preparedness Issues Team, and the HF Mutual Aid Network.

Matthew Houston

Global Dangerous Goods Leader / Transportation Emergency Response Leader

Solstice Advanced Materials US, Inc.

PRESENTATION

Don't Get Dizzy! Spin-offs, Mergers, and Transitions in Dangerous Goods and Emergency Response

Matthew Houston is currently the Global Dangerous Goods Leader at Solstice Advanced Materials. He has a total 19 years of hazmat transportation experience ranging from individual shipments of all modes to governance of dangerous goods transportation safety. Through the years he has held positions as Dangerous Goods Transportation Safety - ESS Americas Compliance Leader, Sr. Specialist, Transportation Regulatory Compliance, Transportation Emergency Response Core Team Leader, Electronics Logistics Team Lead, Import / Export Specialist, Import / Export Coordinator and Export Customer Service Representative. He has worked for a leading industrial conglomerate, leading compressed gas company and fragrance chemical manufacturer.

Steve Laughlin

Corporate Compliance Officer

Cura Emergency Services

PRESENTATION

Beyond Compliance: What a High-Quality SDS Really Looks Like

Mr. Laughlin has over 30 years of experience in the Environmental Health and Safety Industry. He began his career working for a small solvent recovery firm and then moved to a full service Part B permitted facility where he assisted customers with assigning waste codes, shipping names, reporting, disposal technologies, and compliance issues. Mr. Laughlin also spent time as a coordinator for field service activities such as emergency response, tank cleaning and removal, decontamination of process lines, and large remedial projects. Mr. Laughlin has been conducting training programs in the areas of OSHA, EPA, DOT, CBRNE-Bioterrorism, as well as, customized programs spanning a wide variety of topics. He has appeared as a guest on both the Martha Stewart show and the Dr. Oz show. His background and experience provide participants numerous examples of the regulations in a practical light increasing retention of the material. His engaging style and presentation create a program that is both enjoyable and educational.

Andrew LaVanway

Chief Executive

Chemtrec

PRESENTATION

Steadfast in an Unreliable World

Andrew LaVanway is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of CHEMTREC as well as leading the senior management team. Andrew came to CHEMTREC from ICF, where he led a series of mission-driven businesses serving both public- and private-sector clients. He is an active angel investor, former chairman of the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, a certified firefighter, and an emergency medical services officer.

Nathan Livesey

Federal Bureau of Investigation

PRESENTATION

U.S. Department of State’s Chemical Security Program (CSP) on security assistance programming to pre

Special Agent Nathan Livesey is a seasoned investigator with extensive expertise in counterintelligence, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and international terrorism. Since joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), he has played a key role in high-stakes national security investigations, post-incident response efforts, and the development of CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) response protocols. SA Livesey began his FBI career in 2017 at the Boston Field OƯice, where he worked Counterintelligence and WMD related matters. His desire to hone his CBRNE response skills led him to join the FBI Boston’s Hazardous Evidence Response Team (HERT) in 2018. Recognizing his leadership and technical expertise, the FBI appointed him leader of the Boston HERT in 2019, where he led search efforts into real and hoax WMD threats and coordinated critical response efforts. In 2020, SA Livesey transferred to the FBI’s Nashville Field Office, where he expanded his focus to International Terrorism and WMD investigations. In this role, he has led and contributed to numerous high-profile cases, including responses to significant post-incident events such as the Nashville Bombing. His expertise in incident management has been vital in assessing threats, determining resource needs, and coordinating multi-agency responses at the local, state, and federal levels. Beyond investigations, SA Livesey is a respected subject matter expert and trainer. Since 2019, he has conducted threat briefings and training sessions for thousands of partners across local, state, federal, private sector, and international organizations. He has also contributed to the development of CBRNE response protocols, ensuring that law enforcement and emergency response agencies are well-equipped to handle evolving threats. With a deep understanding of WMD threats, terrorism investigations, and crisis response, SA Livesey continues to be a trusted leader in national security and threat mitigation, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the public and strengthening law enforcement partnerships across multiple sectors.

Mark Maday

Staff Director, Hazardous Materials Division, FRA

Federal Railroad Administration

PRESENTATION

Regulatory Harmony: Staying in Sync with the DOT

Mark is responsible for providing policy and enforcement guidance to FRA and State partner railroad hazardous materials inspectors and staff regarding transporting hazardous materials by rail. Additionally, Mark is also responsible for the administration of FRA’s Safety Compliance and Coordination Program (SCCOP) for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLRW). Mark joined the FRA in January 2017 with over 20 years of transportation and hazardous materials emergency response and incident management experience. Before joining FRA, Mark worked for over 13 years at Union Pacific Railroad as Manager of Hazardous Materials Management. Before joining Union Pacific in 2003, he worked for Del Monte Foods as Transportation Manager—Central States Distribution from 1996 to 2002. Mark is a US Army veteran who obtained the rank of Captain (03) during his service, and he held qualifications in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare and logistics. Mark has a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University.

Tim Mahoney

DEMIST SME

PRESENTATION

Faster, Safer, Defensible - Integrating Incident Management and Information Systems for Hazmat Respo

Tim Mahoney is a subject matter expert in incident management, emergency response doctrine, operational coordination, and preparedness, with more than 25 years of experience at the local, state, and national levels. His work has included developing incident management doctrine, supporting national-level exercises and preparedness programs, Incident Management Team development, and after-action analysis.

Darrell Martin

CEO

LISAM

PRESENTATION

Streamlining SDS Updates and Ensuring Emergency Availability in a Digital World

Darrell “D.J.” Martin, PhD, is CEO of Lisam America and has spent the past 10 years working in chemical compliance software, customer service, and regulatory technology. He joined Lisam as a product consultant supporting regulatory research, customer projects, training, and technical support before progressing to Director and VP of Services and, most recently, CEO of Lisam America. Darrell holds a PhD in Biological Chemistry from Texas A&M University and brings firsthand experience from academic research laboratories, including responsibility for chemical safety and laboratory compliance.

Claire Mathis

Service Manager: Product Stewardship & Compliance

H2 Compliance

PRESENTATION

The EU Forges Ahead: Key Chemical Regulatory Actions to Watch in 2026 and Strategies for Compliance

Claire has 10 years of experience as a product steward and consultant. She is skilled in chemical regulatory compliance, risk and exposure assessment, epidemiological applications, and scientific project management and communication with emphasis on consumer products and product safety. She leads the North American arm of the H2 Compliance Chemical team and Product Stewardship and Compliance service vertical. She specializes in US TSCA, Canadian CEPA, California Prop 65, EU REACH regulatory support, and product labeling. She works with clients ranging from specialty chemical to pharmaceutical to consumer product manufacturers. She is the outgoing Chairperson of the Program Committee for the US Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC), volunteers on the Education Committee of the Product Stewardship Society (PSS), and is a Certified Professional Product Steward (CPPS™).

Pam Medina

Risk Management Specialist

TriCal Soil Solutions

PRESENTATION

Are You Really Ready for the Call?

I began my career in the legal field before transitioning into Human Resources Management and Safety. Along the way I discovered my true passion lies in risk management. Today I’m committed to empowering teams with practical resources, clear systems, and effective tools that help them navigate and mitigate risk with confidence. My greatest passion is making risk management simple, accessible, and supportive-helping teams feel equipped, protected, and confident enough to "sleep at night," knowing that they have the right systems and support in place.

Beth Mineau

Director of Risk Management

TriCal Soil Solutions

PRESENTATION

Risk Management/Insurance Funding for Implementing Crisis Response

"Beth started RCS Indemnity, Inc., the TriCal Group’s single parent captive in July of 2020. While starting an insurance company during a pandemic wasn’t easy, it has turned out to be one of the best risk management decisions the group has made to date. The TriCal Group utilizes their captive to not only transfer risk but additionally as a mechanism to fund risk control and crisis response. RCS Indemnity believes that pro-active risk control is a cost-effective way to mitigate claims costs. With an expense ratio of 6%, RCS Indemnity continues to add risk control methodology to their toolbox to provide a safe environment for the parent group of companies, as well as preparing for the possibility of future crisis. Solving problems before they occur is significantly less expensive than managing a crisis response and the subsequent damage. Reputationally, this has been an excellent investment. Beth joined the TriCal Group of Companies as the Risk Manager in November of 2018. Prior to that she held various underwriting and management positions at Chubb, Ironshore and AIG, specifically in the Environmental and Large Casualty areas. Many of these commercial insurance companies also provide clients with risk control expense dollars as they too feel it is protection for their bottom line by reducing claims payments. Beth is a graduate of Northwestern University, completed her Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation in 1993 and is the 4th generation of her family in the insurance business. She also has 2 daughters working in insurance. In addition to her daughters Beth has 2 grandchildren and lives with her husband and cats, Bear and Hobbes in Redondo Beach, CA."

Kelly Montes de Oca

ACC

PRESENTATION

Risk, Reputation, Readiness: From Compliance to Corporate Responsibility

Senior Director, Communications, Community Engagement & Corporate Responsibility American Chemistry Council As Senior Director of Communications, Corporate Responsibility & Community Engagement at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Kelly works to broaden impact and awareness of the chemical industry’s environmental, health, safety and stewardship initiatives, including Responsible Care®. Kelly leads local and global Responsible Care communications strategy and supports efforts to broaden dialogue with facility communities and leaders, including through Community Advisory Panels and education and workforce development programs, like the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). Kelly has been with ACC for over 15 years, supporting its mission to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. Through her leadership, Kelly helps strengthen partnerships between industry, communities, and policymakers, reinforcing ACC’s vision that chemistry is essential to improving lives, driving economic growth, and solving global challenges.

Aaron Montgomery

CEO, OURAY

The Ouray Group, LLC

PRESENTATION

Global Emergency Response for High‑Hazard Operations

Aaron Montgomery, a stalwart in the environmental and chemical services industry for over two decades, proudly leads OURAY as its President & CEO. His expertise has garnered international recognition, with appearances and interviews on platforms such as the BBC, Newsweek, and Global Business Report. Aaron's journey began as an environmental technician, before steadily climbing the industry ladder to roles of increasing responsibility. In 2011, fueled by a deep understanding of industry needs and a commitment to excellence, he founded OURAY to fill critical service gaps and elevate industry standards. Today, OURAY stands as a global leader, with headquarters in Denver, USA, and Singapore, and a network of strategically positioned offices worldwide. Offering a comprehensive range of services to clients in chemical manufacturing, intermodal tank opeators, and transportation, OURAY specializes in emergency response, transloading, certified rail car repairs, and bespoke chemical services. Aaron's vision and leadership continue to drive OURAY's mission of delivering unparalleled support to the chemical industry worldwide, ensuring environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Lloyd Moore

Manager, Transportation Safety Americas, Global EHSQ

Kemira Water Solutions, Inc.

PRESENTATION

Beyond the Plan: Building Resilient Emergency Response Readiness

Lloyd Moore has been in the Transportation Industry for over 52 years. He has over 41 of those years spent in the Chemical Sector managing transportation operations, emergency response, conducting compliance audits, incident investigations, & providing regulatory guidance and training. He enjoys spending time with family & friends, fishing, canoeing and reading. Lloyd lives in Toronto, Canada

Lee Nelson

Executive Director

PRESENTATION

20 Years of Lessons Learned in Hazmat Response |

Lee Nelson brings over two decades of hazardous materials emergency response expertise and returned to SERTC in 2025 during a period of transformative growth and modernization. Nelson’s extensive background includes leadership roles at Canadian National Railway, where he served as Acting Director of Dangerous Goods for North America, and most recently as Director of Operations at Ambipar’s Advanced Rail Training Center. Lee began his career with SERTC from 2004 to 2006 as a Hazmat Instructor and Tank Car Specialist before advancing through various industry leadership positions. His unique combination of field experience and operational management makes him ideally suited to guide SERTC’s continued evolution. Nelson holds numerous certifications, including Hazardous Materials Technician, Advanced Tank Car Specialist, and Hazardous Materials Monitoring. He also serves (or has served) on several industry committees, including NFPA 472, AAR Tank Car, and BOE HAZMAT. He has conducted vent and burn operations, organized the first hot tap of a tank car in Canada, designed and built response equipment and responded to hazmat incidents across north America. Nelson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.

Mike Pagel

HazMat Safety Consulting

PRESENTATION

On-Site Lithium Battery Storage Standards: Navigating Risks, Prevention Strategies, and Regulations

Mike Pagel serves as Senior Consultant at HazMat Safety Consulting, where he partners with organizations to strengthen and optimize their dangerous goods transportation programs. His work spans customized regulatory training development, on-site storage and transportation compliance audits, special permit and approval support, standard operating procedure (SOP) development, and ongoing strategic consulting. Mike supports a diverse client base—including medical device manufacturers, e-commerce operations, cosmetics suppliers, third-party logistics providers and carriers, electric vehicle manufacturers, packaging companies, and consumer electronics firms. He helps these organizations navigate complex dangerous goods regulations with practical, defensible solutions that align compliance obligations with operational realities. Mike began his regulatory career in 2012 at the Hazardous Materials Information Center (HMIC) within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he responded to thousands of inquiries related to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), working closely with PHMSA’s Rulemaking, Approvals & Permits, and Technical staff. This frontline regulatory experience provided him with deep insight into both the letter and the intent of the regulations—an advantage he now leverages on behalf of his clients. Through disciplined analysis, regulatory fluency, and a consultative approach, Mike helps organizations build compliant, efficient, and resilient dangerous goods programs.

Ole Paulsen

Sklls

PRESENTATION

AI‑Enabled Training for Emergency Response Scenarios

"Ole Paulsen is the Founder and Business Developer at Sklls, a Norwegian technology company developing AI-powered simulation training for emergency call handling and critical communication. He is a serial entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in simulation technology, business development, and company building. Ole founded First Interactive, which became an international leader in 3D simulation for the o􀆯shore industry before being acquired by Aker Solutions, where he later served as Senior Vice President. He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick. Known for his visionary approach and ability to identify technological opportunities at an early stage, Ole brings strong insight into how emerging technologies can be translated into practical, scalable solutions. His experience in developing simulationbased technologies and scaling technology companies is highly relevant to Sklls’ work in preparing organisations for high-pressure communication and decision-making."

Matt Paynter

Emergency Response and Preparedness Manager

Nutrien, Ltd.

PRESENTATION

Advanced Hazard Detection, Wearables, and Autonomous Tools "Technology Showcase"

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Paramedic Program in 1994, Matt served 20 years as a Paramedic Firefighter ending his career at the Augusta Fire Department in 2012. Transitioning to the industrial sector, Matt managed the Emergency Response Team and worked as a safety professional at the Nutrien Nitrogen facility in Augusta. Four years ago, he shifted to his current position as the Emergency Response and Preparedness Manager for Nutrien’s global operations. In this capacity, Matt supports Nutrien’s site teams with emergency response planning, training, organizational structure, and guidance during actual events. Additionally, Matt oversees the Transportation Emergency Response Team for Nutrien’s Emergency Response Assistance Program in Canada. This 50-member team specializes in responding to transportation emergencies, utilizing advanced training and technology to enhance response efficiency and community safety. Active in the National TRANSCAER Task Group (NTTG) for the past four years, Matt has contributed to several national TRANSCAER training events.

Arthur Powers

ExxonMobil

PRESENTATION

EP&R Simulation Platform Built to Strengthen Incident Command System Performance Through Repeatable,

Arthur F. Powers is the Senior Principal for Emergency Preparedness & Response at ExxonMobil, where he has built a distinguished 27-year career in emergency management, incident response, and operational leadership. He holds a Master of Science in Emergency Management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®️) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). Throughout his career, Arthur has led and supported responses to major oil spill and emergency incidents worldwide, bringing extensive expertise in crisis leadership, operational resilience, and stakeholder coordination. His experience also includes midstream operations, providing practical insight into integrating preparedness with complex industrial operations. An accomplished exercise designer and Incident Command System (ICS) instructor, Arthur develops realistic, performance-based training that strengthens organizational readiness. He is passionate about advancing emergency management best practices, fostering resilient organizations, and helping leaders build the capabilities needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from complex emergencies.

William Quade

PRESENTATION

Regulatory Harmony: Staying in Sync with the DOT

Bill has devoted his entire career to transportation safety. He is currently the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He oversees PHMSA’s Regulation Development, Outreach, Grants, and International Programs as well as a field staff of over 60 investigators operating out of 5 Regional Offices. Prior to becoming the Associate Administrator, Bill spent 7 years as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy and Programs at PHMSA overseeing all of the hazardous materials headquarters operations. Before joining PHMSA, Bill had a 27-year career with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, rising from an entry-level Investigator to the key management positions of Hazardous Materials Division Chief and Director of Safety Programs. Ultimately, he served as the Associate Administrator for Enforcement, overseeing all of FMCSA’s enforcement and safety programs. Bill graduated from Virginia Tech in 1992 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Evan Rinke

EHS Specialist & Processing Manager, ER Coordinators, Drone Pilots

BASF Corporation

PRESENTATION

Drones in Emergency Response: Enhancing Speed, Safety, and Situational Awareness AM

Evan Rinke is an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Emergency Response professional with BASF Corporation in Wyandotte, Michigan. Working in a highly regulated chemical manufacturing environment he has a strong focus on safety, preparedness, and operational excellence. Evan plays a key role in emergency response planning and execution, supporting both site-level and Midwest regional response teams. In partnership with CHEMTREC Evan serves on BASF’s Primary On-Call Team, contributing to coordinated incident management and rapid response operations. His work emphasizes readiness, effective communication, and alignment with established emergency management frameworks. As a certified drone pilot, Evan specializes in integrating small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) into emergency preparedness and response activities. He leverages drone technology to enhance incident assessment, improve real-time situational awareness, and support informed decision-making for incident commanders and response partners. His approach prioritizes responder safety while delivering actionable intelligence in dynamic, high-risk environments. A former collegiate football player and brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Evan brings a practical, innovation-driven mindset to his work, focusing on how emerging technologies can complement traditional response tools while strengthening overall emergency response capabilities. He and his wife Kaitlin are proud parents of their first son, Tate.

David Rios

HM Program Manager

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

PRESENTATION

Regulatory Harmony: Staying in Sync with the DOT

David Rios is the Hazardous Materials Program Manager for the U.S.Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) with the Western Region. With nearly 25 years of experience in commercial vehicle safety and regulatory compliance, David oversees and directs Hazmat safety and enforcement across sixteen western states, including Texas and California. Throughout his career, David has served as a national subject matter expert on emerging transportation safety issues, chaired key national committees, and spearheaded complex multi-agency border strike force operations to safeguard highways.

Maureen Ruskin

Principal Consultant

MKRuskin Consulting

PRESENTATION

OSHA HazCom Updates: What Changes for SDS & Labels and What It Means for Operations

Maureen Ruskin former Deputy Director of the Directorate of Standards and guidance at OSHA (Retired December 2022). Ms. Ruskin joined OSHA in 1997 where she worked on occupational health standards including silica, beryllium, hexavalent chromium, 1,3 butadiene, methylene chloride and the Hazard Communication Standard. Additionally, Ms. Ruskin was head of the US Delegation for UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System for classification and labelling of Hazardous Chemicals or GHS since July 2010 and Chaired of the UN Subcommittee from December 2012 until her retirement. Prior to her 25 years at OSHA, Ms. Ruskin worked for 12 years as a chemical engineer developing new products and processes for the chemical industry. Currently, Ms. Ruskin provides consultation services on OSHA policy, standards and rulemaking, Hazard Communication, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, occupational exposure to toxic chemicals including chemical management and regulatory compliance with labeling and safety data sheets.

Stacey Sara

Manager Safety Data Sheets

CIHS Staff Registrations

PRESENTATION

SDS Roundtable

Stacey Sara is a SDS Authoring Manager at CHEMTREC. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from Benedictine University and Eastern Illinois University, respectively. Prior to joining CHEMTREC, Stacey worked as a polymer chemist for several years in the Paint and Coatings Industry focusing on polyester and alkyd synthesis. She also worked in regulatory affairs authoring SDS and labels for consumer products including aerosols, pesticides and pet care products. Stacey has been authoring SDS for 8 years and joined CHEMTREC in 2024 to support the SDS Authoring service.

Nathan Schock

Merck KGaA

PRESENTATION

Breaking Silos in Emergency Response: Building Cross-Functional Resilience Across Complex Operations

Global Emergency Response Manager with extensive EHS leadership (26 years) across specialty gases/chemicals, heavy manufacturing, engineering, and consulting. Proven track record in guiding incident responses, sustaining and evolving Emergency Response capabilities, and engaging employees, contractors, customers, and third parties. Passionate about people, safety, and resource stewardship, with a strong focus on protecting communities and operations. Holds a BS in Environmental Resource Management (Keystone College), an MS in Safety Science (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), CSP certification (BCSP), and ISO 45001/14001 Lead Auditor/Internal Auditor credentials. Track record includes risk assessment, incident investigations, audits, training, and cross-functional collaboration to reduce risk and drive continuous improvement.

Chris Scott

CHEMTREC

PRESENTATION

Risk, Reputation, Readiness: From Compliance to Corporate Responsibility

Chris works for CHEMTREC as Crisis Services Manager, supporting clients globally across the chemical sector. He has also worked around the world supporting many of the largest oil and gas companies and is a highly experienced crisis and emergency management professional with over 37 years of experience in the field. Chris is a thought leader in emergency response, crisis management and security management, and a dynamic, engaging instructor on crisis and emergency preparedness, response and recovery strategy. He holds an MSc in Crisis Management and Emergency Planning, supported by a BSc in Leadership and Management, and regularly contributes to industry conversations on preparedness, resilience and Leadership performance in high pressure situations. Chris’s skillset was honed during a 23-year career in the UK Military, including special operations around the world. His crisis management expertise is further strengthened by qualifications as an instructor in Human Intelligence (HUMINT), giving him a strong understanding of how people think and act in high-pressure situations. This enables him to design bespoke crisis management programmes that organizations to strengthen preparedness, leadership and decision-making in crisis situations. Chris has written white papers and delivered webinars and seminars and keynotes on crisis leadership, emergency preparedness and the non-technical skills that support effective response under pressure. His work often focuses on helping chemical industry leaders translate their commitments into practical crisis management capability. Chris’s crisis management experience is global in scope. He has also worked with global government agencies, delivering high-level training and advisory support, and coaching and mentoring senior leaders and crisis teams. Through his work with ACC member companies, he has supported the development of crisis management plans, training, exercises and business continuity arrangements that reinforce operational resilience and align with the goals of Responsible Care. He also works extensively across the supply chain, with experience in over-the-road emergency response and off-site planning. Chris has also pioneered a successful Psychology of Incident Command emotional resilience course. Delivered to emergency services and response professionals worldwide, this unique programme helps individuals understand the connection between crisis leadership, stress and performance, and why these roles are both challenging and rewarding.

Jonathan Starling

Chemtrec

PRESENTATION

SDS Under Pressure: When Responders Need Answers in Minutes

Joseph Taylor

Senior Manger Hazardous Materials

CSX Transportation, Inc.

PRESENTATION

Rail Risk & Readiness: Strengthening Hazmat Preparedness from Industry Strategy to Class I Response

Lucy Wang

CIRS

PRESENTATION

CIRS APAC Update

Lucy Wang graduated from George Washington University with a Master's degree in Environmental and Green Chemistry. She has been researching chemical regulations in different countries, and has been tracking major chemical regulatory updates in China for several years, especially for MEE Order 12 (also known as China REACH). She has also provided support for major updates in chemical regulations, advising dozens of companies in the chemical industry on compliance solutions.

Adam Weiss

President/CEO

Downrange Solutions LLC

PRESENTATION

Recognition of Clandestine Labs

Adam is a Nationally Registered Paramedic with over 36 years of Advanced field medical experience both in country and abroad. He currently teaches in several University medical programs. He serves as the Training Center Coordinator for 2 NAEMT sites where he also fills the role of Program Associate Faulty. Adam is also one the 2026 CHEMTREC Fellow’s. Adam has an extensive background along with decades of operational downrange experience in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Special Operations community. Adam has served as a Team Leader on EOD/Bomb Squad’s as well as Chief of a FEMA TYPE 1 Hazardous Materials/CBRNE Response Team. Adam is currently utilized by The United States as well Foreign Allied Military's as an Instructor in Damage Control Medicine, CBRN Operations, Incident Command and Management, Small Unit Tactics and Explosive Ordinance and Counter IED Operations. He is also utilized as a subject matter expert for the state and federal government providing testimony and at times acting as an advisor. He served on the DHS Office of Science and Technology's Technical Solutions Working Group and has been involved in the planning as well as execution of dozens of National Special Security Events. Adam has been a Downrange Responder to acts of terrorism on US soil and abroad, Lastly, Adam is a native of South Philadelphia and is a die-hard Philles, Eagles, Flyers and Sixers fan. GO Birds!!!

Gary West

President

Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial

PRESENTATION

Gary West serves as President of the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial, leading efforts to honor Tennessee firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to support the families they left behind. He has more than four decades of fire and emergency service experience, including serving as Fire Chief for the City of Gatlinburg and as Tennessee State Fire Marshal and Deputy Commissioner. Throughout his career, Gary has remained committed to firefighter safety, training, leadership, and public service across Tennessee and the nation.