2027 Speaker & Trainer Bios

BIOGRAPHIES: SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS
SPEAKER / TRAINER SESSION/ TRAINING BIOGRAPHY
 Tracie Cady

Regulatory Specialist - Contractor

Bureau of Dangerous Goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:

IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Advanced Recurrent (Amd. 43-26) Training
(May 2, 2027) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tracie has more than 25 years of experience in the dangerous goods transportation industry with emphasis in compliance programs and regulatory analysis. Her extensive background includes:

  • Development and delivery of dangerous goods training programs for all modes.
    • 49 CFR ground transport in the US
    • International Air Transport (ICAO/IATA)
    • International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
    • The safe and compliant transport of lithium batteries
  • Management of dangerous goods shipping division responsible for corrective actions and third party packaging
  • Managed the testing program for an off the shelf dangerous goods packaging manufacturer
  • Developed industry recognized compliance products including computer-based training, labels, placards, packaging, software and regulatory publications
  • Developed and executed environmental, health and safety program for a major printing company
  • Performed onsite compliance audits
  • Served as chair of the Packaging Roundtable for the Council of Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA)
  • Served on the executive committee for the Chemical Packaging Committee (CPC) of the International Organization of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
  • Served as chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee for the CPC
  • Currently serving as chair of the Enhancing the Image of the Hazmat Professional for COSTHA

Tracie earned her certification as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Illinois and her M.B.A. from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. 

 Tom Ferguson, PG, CHMM, DGSA

Administrator & Chief Regulatory Compliance Officer

COSTHA

COSTHA Senior Technical Consultant Tom Ferguson

  

PANELIST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom has nearly 30 years of compliance experience with emphasis on the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods. He is currently the Administrator for the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA).

Tom leads the COSTHA delegation to the UN Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCOE) and serves as the Secretary for the UN Informal Working Group on Lithium Batteries. 

Tom holds the following certifications:

  • Professional Geologist (PG)
  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
  • Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) 

See full bio here.

Jerry Green

Dangerous Goods Specialist

DGI Training

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:

Multimodal Transportation of Lithium Batteries
(49 CFR, ICAO/IATA, IMDG Code)
(May 2, 2027)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jerry came to DGI with 24 years experience in dangerous goods training and consulting.  In March 2014 Jerry was awarded the credential of Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP).  He also holds the status of Diplomate With Honors in Dangerous Goods Instruction awarded by the International Air Transport Associated in Geneva, Switzerland.  Jerry has served as Associate Staff to the US DOT’s Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City, and formerly served on the instructional staff at George Washington University’s Aviation Safety and Security Management Program.  Jerry was also a trainer for the US Department of Energy where he conducted and designed multi-modal radioactive materials transport training courses for DOE and their contractors.  Jerry has traveled extensively in Mexico, South America and the Caribbean and does conduct DGI training courses in Spanish.  He’s been with DGI for over 25 years and teaches all modes of transport including Radioactive, AFMAN, RCRA and OSHA. 

Sonia Irusta

Vice President

Bureau of Dangerous Goods

INSTRUCTOR:

IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Advanced Recurrent (Amd. 43-26) Training
(May 2, 2027) 

 

 

 

Sonia brings over 30 years of expertise in the hazardous materials industry, making her an exceptional trainer and consultant across a broad spectrum of hazardous materials transportation and compliance matters. Throughout her career, she has actively contributed to the development and implementation of extensive training programs and software solutions related to the safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials. Sonia’s proficiency extends to both domestic and international transportation solutions for shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers.

In addition to her technical acumen, Sonia possesses strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and outstanding interpersonal and analytical capabilities. Her positive impact on our organization and the industry at large is undeniable.

Julie Prescott, CDGP

Sr. Regulatory Compliance Specialist

COSTHA

Uploaded Image: /vs-uploads/Staff Photos/Julie Prescott.JPG

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:

Transport Dangerous Goods Canada Regulations (TDGR) - compare with 49 CFR
(May 7, 2027)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie has more than 20 years of experience in dangerous goods transportation regulations, including 49 CFR, ADR, IATA DGR, IMDG Code, and TDGR. She provides technical consulting and training services to Currie Associates, COSTHA, and IVODGA, and stays current on regulatory and industry developments through her work with the RID/ADR/ADN Joint Meeting, MACTDG, and Transport Canada GPAC.

Julie serves as a COSTHA representative to these regulatory and industry groups and leads the COSTHA Canada Working Group. Previously, as a Transport Canada TDG Analyst, she contributed to TDG regulatory amendments, advised stakeholders, and worked on equivalency certificates and international regulatory proposals. She also served as a CANUTEC Emergency Response Advisor.

Julie holds bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Education, an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate, and the Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) credential.

See full bio here.
 Richard Trester

Sr. Safety Consultant

J. J. Keller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR:

Challenges of Classifications & Application of Exceptions & Special Provisions Workshop
(May 6, 2027)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With over 10 years experience in education and training, Richard is a highly effective consultant specializing in FMCSA regulatory compliance, hazmat and CSA best practices.

Core Competencies

  • FMCSA regulatory compliance
  • Driver training and evaluation
  • Management training and advisement
  • Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
  • Hazmat compliance and training
  • IATA/IMDG compliance

Credentials

  • Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)
  • U.S. DOT Motor Carrier Safety Compliance Course Certification
  • Trained and tested in compliance with 49 CFR §172.704 for hazmat transportation
  • Multi-modal hazmat refresher training
  • Member, Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA)

Professional Education/Experience

  • Safety Consultant, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
  • Safety Training, national seminar provider
  • Summer Technical Institute Instructor, Fairfax County Public Schools
  • Instructor, Prince William County Schools
  • Bachelor of science in nutrition, food service management, biology and public health education, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC.

“Connect, communicate, and cultivate — these are my three Cs to successful relationships with clients and people in general.”