Thank you to our 2023 Speakers and Trainers at the COSTHA Annual Forum & Expo.
SPEAKER & TRAINER BIOGRAPHIES |
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Larry Anderson TEN-E Packaging Services
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Larry Anderson has worked at TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc. for 30 years. He is currently Vice President of Operations responsible for overseeing all three US facilities (Newport, MN, Ontario, California, High Point, NC). He has performed extensive work relating to the certification and testing of DOT and UN packaging for the transportation of dangerous goods. Larry is an active member of ASTM where he serves as D 10.22 Chairman. He is also a member of the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) and serves as a North American Division board member. Larry is also member of the Rigid Intermediate Bulk Container Association (RIBCA). |
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Elizabeth Ursula Anderson
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Liz Anderson was born, educated at Reading University, and worked in the UK for 6 years before moving to South Africa. She has over 50 years' practical industry experience in the packaging, food, beverage, agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical and plastics sectors which included working with various government departments and participating in National and International Standards and Regulatory Forum. Liz is a Chartered Environmentalist CEnv MIMMM with the UK Environment Society, an Accredited Packaging Professional APkgPrf Institute of Materials, Metals & Mining (MIMMM), a fellow and life Member of the SA Society for Quality, and the SA Chemical Institute, as well as a life the UK Chartered Management Institute. She is a registered Quality and Environmental Auditor, and completed a UNIDO Cleaner Production course in Vienna in 2003. During her time in SA Chemical Industry she initiate many programmes based on International Best Practice and regulations which included liaison with the UK CIA and CEFIC in Brussels, including raising with the SA DOT the need to adopt the UN Model Regulations for TDG into SA Law for consistent import and export which resulted in adoption through National Standards. As Group Manager for NCP, then the largest SA owned chemical Group in SA, she represented the Sector on various National government regulatory processes, and was part of the Committee that launched the Chemical and Allied Industries Association and Responsible Care in South Africa and was then seconded to the Association as the first Responsible Care Manager, liaising with CEFIC, the ICCA and Associations around the world. Liz started Consulting after NCP was split up and in 2002 was asked to start RCMASA - Responsible Container Management Association of Southern Africa to address and educate Industry regarding UN compliant packaging and drum reconditioning. The Association changed its name to Responsible Packaging Management Association – RPMASA in 2009 to be more in line with other International Packaging focussed Organisations. She led the Association as the first Industry representative from Africa (& still the only) to join the UN Committee of Experts for TDG in 2006 as well as the UN GHS has attended all sessions of the TDG and GHS since, she also participates in the UNITAR PAG – Programme Advisory Group for GHS and is listed on the UNITAR GHS Experts Roster Database. RPMASA held International Transport of Dangerous Goods Conferences in South Africa In 2009 and 2011, when Jack and Laura Currie both attended and spoke, and Jack presented an IMDG course in parallel. Following the Beirut Ammonium Nitrate explosion catastrophe, Liz discussed implications for South Africa with DoT Maritime Chief Director Legal and Policy and together they initiated a Regulators Task Group and 5 Expert Working Groups with Regulators and Industry experts for multi-modal Transport, and all aspects of Dangerous Goods safety in the Supply Chain of imports and exports, storage and handling. The scope of the Task Group has now been extended to encompass all Dangerous Goods. Hobbies: Walking, Bird watching, Gardening, Deep Sea Angling, Travel |
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Jennifer Cox U.S. Postal Service
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Jennifer Cox is a Classification Specialist at US Postal Service headquarters for the office of Product Classification and is the current team lead for developing and maintaining the policies contained in Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. She has been with the Product Classification group at headquarters since 2019 and is a Postal Service veteran of 17 years. Prior to coming to postal headquarters, she held positions in several areas of postal operations, including retail clerk, bulk mail acceptance clerk, supervisor customer service, postmaster and HR Generalist. She has facilitated Postmaster Essentials and Supervisor Confidence Training courses for newly appointed postmasters and supervisors. As a classification specialist, she has written many revisions to Publication 52 that bring clarity and procedural improvements. She has prepared various Postal Bulletin articles announcing changes and Federal Register notice proposal and final rules, including the November 30, 2022, final rule that requires mailers to tender hazardous materials separately from non-hazardous materials in containers marked as “HAZMAT”; and prohibits used, damaged or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries within air transportation. Additionally, she routinely works with commercial customers to provide Hazmat/DG mailability guidance and exemption approvals; conducts internal Hazmat/DG training sessions for sales, postal inspection, and retail associates; assists with creating and updating all Postal Hazmat/DG courses; speaks at internal and external events; and regularly attends government agency partner and COSTHA sessions to stay current on global hazmat/DG regulations. |
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Thomas Ferguson COSTHA
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Tom has nearly 30 years of compliance experience with emphasis on the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods. His extensive background includes:
Tom holds the following certifications:
Previously Tom served as the Global Manager, Dangerous Goods Management for Delta Air Lines. Currently he serves as the Administrator and Chief Technical Officer for the International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA) and the Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) as well as the President for Currie Associates. Tom received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Geology from Georgia State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Coastal Geology and Hydrogeology from the University of South Florida. |
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Farrah Fleurimond Transport Canada
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Originally from the pharmaceutical sector, Ms. Fleurimond joined the public service in 2000 as a Transportation of Dangerous Goods inspector at Transport Canada. In 2004, she was promoted to Manager of her division and over the next 13 years, she worked in Civil Aviation, Rail Safety and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Branch in the National Capital Region. She began her executive duties in 2017 as Regional Director, Surface, Quebec Region, and in January 2019, she took on the position of Regional Director of Corporate Services. Since Spring 2022, she has served as Executive Director, Regulatory Frameworks and International Engagement. In order to support the professionalism and development of all, she has been actively involved by championing Transport Canada's Digital Transformation initiative, the Young Professionals Network and National Public Service Week. She also works with new employees, students and middle Managers through different national forums. She is the Associate Representative of the Blacks and Other racialized employees Network an co-leads the Women+ Network at TC. Ms. Fleurimond holds a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the Université de Montréal, a certificate in Management and Quality Assurance from the École de technologie supérieure and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the École nationale d'administration publique. She also holds a PROSCI certification as a Change Management practitioner. She spends her free time reading, decorating, cooking and enjoying a glass of Chardonnay. She also wishes to leave her home office chair and resume her physical and social activities with her fiancé, Ronald, and her 3 stepchildren. |
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Barbara Foster, B. Ed., M. Sc. ICC The Compliance Center, Inc.
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Barbara Foster graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master’s degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. For the past thirty years, she has worked with ICC the Compliance Center Inc. as a regulatory affairs specialist and trainer. In her work, she deals with various Canadian and international regulations involving transportation, such as TDG, 49 CFR, ICAO, IMDG, and the ADR/RID. She also specializes in the hazard communication standards of OSHA, WHMIS, CCCR, and the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling (GHS). She is the author of TDG Clear Language Driver and Handler’s Guide. Currently, she is on the CGSB committee to create a training standard for transportation of dangerous goods. She is a past Chair of the Dangerous Goods Advisor Council. |
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Erin Gaul Labelmaster Services
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With more than 30 years of experience in transportation and logistics, Gaul has spent most of her career specializing in the safe and compliant movement of DG domestically and internationally and is a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) and Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP). She comes to Labelmaster from Geodis, where she most recently served as senior manager dangerous goods and was responsible for onboarding and supporting DG shippers throughought North America and South America. Her role included evaluating customers' supply chain operations and then assisting with all compliance activities, including process management, impementing solutions and employee education. Gaul previously served as senior EHS hazardous materials and hazardous waste manager at Lanter Logistics, before being acquired by Ozburn-Hessey Logistics (OHL), as well as hazardous materials compliance officer at OHL which was acquired by Geodis in 2015. She also founded the DG compliance consulting company, Compliance Matters. |
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Diego Gotelli Emergencias con Mercancías Peligrosas (CIQUIME)
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Diego is the Director of the Chemistry Information Center for Emergencies (CIQUIME) at Buenos Aires, Argentina, an organization which mission is to respond to hazardous materials incidents and promote the safe transportation and handling of dangerous goods. Diego has more than 30 years of experience in offering dangerous goods consultancy and training to industry and regulators around the Latin American Region. Diego has a background on chemistry and holds a valid Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) certificate. Since the earlies 2000s joined the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Development Working Group with U.S. DOT, Transport Canada and Mexican SCT and promoted the use of ERG in the Latin American region since then. He is a very active participant in all ERG development cycles. Prior to 2016, Diego has been an active leader in various DG issues such as included by WHO/IPCS in the International Health Regulations (IHR) Roster of Experts in Chemical Incident Response Management (2012), led an intensive training program on dangerous goods in 10 cities in Mexico under the United States - Mexico Border Program with the support of the U.S. Northern Command (2011), More recently, in mid-2022, Diego joined MercadoLibre (the largest ecommerce platform in Latin America) as Regional Dangerous Goods Manager, with fulfilment operations at Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. |
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Susan Hauge TEN-E Packaging Services
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Susan has worked for over 25 years with the hazardous materials packaging regulations, in a variety of roles, including: Quality manager, project manager and hazardous materials packaging training instructor.
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Sonia Irusta Bureau of Dangerous Goods, Ltd.
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Sonia Irusta has been a hazardous material transportation professional for over 30 years. Sonia is recognized as a pioneer in providing mobile compliance services such as packing and shipping papers services for shippers that found themselves stranded with damaged or noncompliant hazardous material shipments in transportation. Sonia is an exceptional trainer and consultant on a wide range of hazardous materials transportation and compliance issues. During her career she has been involved in the development and implementation of extensive training and software programs related to the safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials. Sonia is a highly accomplished business and technical professional instrumental in domestic and international transportation solutions for shippers supply chain and carriers. In addition, Sonia has extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning and possesses excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills that will have a positive impact on any organization and the industry she serves. As Vice President of Bureau of Dangerous Goods for the past 8 years, Sonia has focused on directing BDG’s growth and developing innovative products, while continuing to provide quality training to professionals around the world. Sonia continues to focus on the success of the BDG team by providing strategic direction and valuable contributions towards their mission in transforming challenges into opportunities, through the facilitation of innovative products and services related to the hazardous materials industry. |
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Pamela Jones DGI Training
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Pamela joined DGI Training Center with 10 years’ experience in the hazardous materials shipping industry. She previously worked for a chemical manufacturer where her duties included regulatory compliance, classification of chemicals and training of hazmat employees. She teaches all modes of transport and all hazard classes. In addition to instructing DGI classes she also writes dangerous goods training materials and is DGI’s technical assistance guru. Pam has been with DGI Training Center for 23 years and teaches all modes of transport! |
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Robert J. Kiefer REACH24H USA Inc.
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Robert Kiefer is the General Manager of REACH24H USA Inc., located near Washington, DC in Reston, VA. REACH24H USA is a subsidiary of REACH24H Consulting Group, a global regulatory consulting company headquartered in Hangzhou, China with offices in Taiwan, South Korea, Ireland, UK and USA. REACH24H provides chemical regulatory compliance services for companies trying to navigate the regulatory maze in China and Asia-Pacific countries, EU, UK, and North America. In addition, REACH24H offers expanded services for the pesticide, cosmetic, food & food contact, and pharmaceutical industry sectors. In addition, REACH24H offers Chinese Supplier Chain Management services. With experience and expertise in EHS and Product Stewardship compliance, REACH24H can help companies identify and tackle supply chain management problems in China both from the aspects of EHS compliance and practical risks in order to avoid disruption and ensure business continuity. Robert’s career spans almost thirty years in Washington, DC working for two major trade associations in the chemical and formulated products industries. Prior to joining REACH24H, Robert served as Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and before that with the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA now HCPA) where he served as Director of Scientific and International Affairs. He has extensive regulatory advocacy experience in domestic and global chemical control regulations, trade policy, hazard communication, consumer products, and pesticides. Robert earned a BS in Biology from James Madison University. |
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Rodolfo Koria COSTHA
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Rodolfo has over 10 years’ experience in manufacturing, logistics and dangerous goods transportation compliance. Most recently he served as the ACS Honeywell Bilingual Dangerous Goods Transportation Compliance support for their Mexico and Latin America sites. In this role, he verified dangerous goods classification based on product safety data and regulatory requirements and provided bilingual dangerous goods training. He also conducted audits of dangerous goods transport for new acquisitions, 3PL operations and existing businesses. Rodolfo is a SAP power user and has experience with Dangerous Goods enhancements in SAP to improve compliance. Rodolfo has certifications in: Six Sigma Greenbelt, DOT, IATA, IMDG, and regulation and safety in land transport of hazardous materials and waste in Mexico (NOMs). Mexico STPS (Secretary of labor) instructor certified for 49 CFR, IMDG, IATA/ICAO and Battery Multimodal Trainings in Mexico. As an instructor, he has facilitated courses in 49 CFR, IMDG, IATA/ICAO and Battery Multimodal Training, bilingually (English and Spanish). Rodolfo serves as the COSTHA representative at the Mexico SCT Subcommittee No. 1 meetings (Mexican HazMat Transportation NOMs Regulations). He also leads the COSTHA Mexico Working Group ensuring members are regularly update on Mexican HazMat Transportation NOMs initiatives. In addition, he participates in the UN Sub Committee of Experts (UN SCOE) on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) as well as serving as an instructor for COSTHA. Rodolfo has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico and is an English graduate from the Instituto. |
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Kevin Leary US DOT PHMSA
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Kevin Leary is an international transportation specialist in the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Mr. Leary has extensive experience in the development of domestic and international hazardous materials transportation regulations and their impacts on United States and global safety interests. In his current role, Mr. Leary is responsible for among other things managing the review of multimodal hazardous materials transportation safety standards, providing technical advice and recommendations related to lithium battery transport, and collaborating across government to develop safety solutions. |
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Walter J. McBurrows, III Deputy Director for Internal Programs Administration for the Office of Hazardous Material Safety (AXH) Specialist Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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Walter J. McBurrows, III, has served as the Deputy Director for Internal Programs Administration for the Office of Hazardous Material Safety (AXH) since 2017 within the FAA Security and Hazardous Materials Safety Program (ASH). AXH’s mission is to increase safety in air transportation through innovative partnerships that proactively recognize and mitigate the risks influencing the safe and efficient movement of hazardous materials by air. Between two Divisions, Walter has oversight of AXH’s $30 million budget, mission support, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. He began his FAA career as a Hazmat Safety Specialist from 2001-2006; after that, he was an Infrastructure Protection Specialist/Program Manager in Washington, DC, until 2009. He later moved to a Branch Manager position and then was promoted to Manager of the Infrastructure Protection Division in 2012 before becoming the Deputy Director/Acting Director of the FAA ASH Central Joint Office in 2015. Walter earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management from Hampton University, Hampton, VA, and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL. He currently resides in Fort Worth, TX. |
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Matthew B. Nickels Office of Hazardous Materials Safety US DOT, PHMSA
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Mr. Nickels is the Senior Regulations Officer within PHMSA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety – Standards & Rulemaking Division. Mr. Nickels’ responsibilities at PHMSA include developing regulations governing the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials in commerce and to promote guidance and assistance to the regulated community and other stakeholders to foster required and voluntary compliance. Furthermore, Mr. Nickels is responsible, through management of PHMSA’s rulemaking and deregulatory activities, for the development of national standards and policies covering all modes of transport and for alignment of the national standards with the international hazardous material safety standards when appropriate. Mr. Nickels also serves as the senior project officer for all rulemaking projects involving intermodal, interdisciplinary teamwork, and provides technical expertise, advice to, and management of project team leaders on all aspects of rulemaking projects. Mr. Nickels acts as a hub of comprehensive long-range planning, and balances proposals from the regulated community (petitions), public interest groups, government agencies (NTSB Recommendations), and interested persons, as well as needs identified by other elements of the hazardous materials safety and security programs. Mr. Nickels graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, with concentrations in International Business and Management. |
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Jessica Nielson Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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Jessica Nielson is a Branch Manager within the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Carrier Safety Assurance Division in Security and Hazardous Materials Safety - Office of Hazardous Materials Safety. The Safety Assurance Branch consists of the Principal Hazardous Material Inspectors (PHIs) program that manages all Part 121 certificate holder hazardous materials operations. The Branch maintains responsibility for safety oversight activities, implementing FAA initiatives consistent with applicable FAA policies and Orders and serves as a primary interface with FAA’s Flight Standards Service and other lines of business. Jessica was hired by the FAA in April of 2002 as an Assistant Security Inspector in Minneapolis, Minnesota and transitioned to working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), upon its creation. In 2008, Jessica was promoted to a Supervisory Inspector, during which she managed aviation, cargo, canine and surface security based regulatory oversight activities. In 2016, Jessica returned to the FAA as a Section Manager for the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety in the Great Lakes Region. Following the Program’s functional realignment in October 2017, she served in various managerial and support roles, prior to becoming a Branch Manager. Jessica graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband and four children. |
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Amy Parker US Coast Guard, HazMat Division
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Dr. Amy Parker is a lead chemical engineer in the Hazardous Materials Division in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). For the past eleven years, Dr. Parker has served as the USCG subject matter expert for solid bulk cargoes and packaged hazardous materials shipments by water. She has represented the U.S. as the Head of Delegation to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Editorial & Technical (E&T) Working Groups for the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, since 2012. She also represents the U.S. at the IMO’s Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) Sub-Committee as the Alternate Head of Delegation. Dr. Parker earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. |
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Rachel Piecknick Dangerous Goods, A Division of Berlin Packaging
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As the Process Engineer for Berlin Packaging, Rachel Piecknick works with the sales team and production to develop and implement new package designs, maintain existing test reports, and expand capacity in the production room. While at Berlin Packaging, Rachel designed special permit, single-bottle, multiple-bottle, and cold-chain packaging. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, lifting, and cooking. Rachel received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. |
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Ryan Rigdon Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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In February 2023, Ryan Rigdon became the new AXH-320 Branch Manager. He manages the field operations of the Hazardous Materials Aviation Safety Inspectors (HM ASIs) in this Branch and oversees complicated oversight and investigation activities performed in support of the AXH mission. Ryan had previously served as a Hazardous Materials Compliance Investigator with the U.S. Department of Transportation - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He began his career with PHMSA in October 2015. In this role, Ryan conducted hundreds of highly complex hazmat inspections/investigations involving shippers across various modes via air, rail, highway, and vessel. Mr. Rigdon has also conducted numerous hazmat compliance outreach and engagement presentations for various industry groups. Before working for PHMSA, Ryan was the Lead Transportation Security Specialist, Explosives (TSS-E) with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX. While employed with TSA, he was responsible for clearing all explosive alarms discovered during passenger screening operations. Prior to working for TSA, he was a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) “Bomb Squad” Technician in the U.S. Navy for over nine years. During this time, Ryan deployed three times overseas, with two of the three to Iraq in 2007 and 2008, where his team was assigned to support the U.S. Army. He personally conducted over 200 EOD/combat missions during the two deployments in Iraq. |
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Hillary Sadoff United States Coast Guard (USCG)
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Hillary Sadoff is a civilian Chemical Engineer in the Hazardous Materials Division within the Office of Design and Engineering Standards of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Her primary responsibilities revolve around transportation of packaged hazardous material via vessels. She serves as the USCG subject matter expert for rulemaking projects harmonizing international and domestic packaged hazardous materials regulations. She has a background working in food manufacturing processing and the fire safety products manufacturing. She has worked as an Environmental, Health and Safety/Security professional. She earned her B.S. and Master of Engineering degrees in chemical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, and has a graduate certificate in project management from Boston University. Additionally, she has over fifteen years in the response community as a volunteer firefighter/EMT in her community. In her free time, she enjoys playing European style board-games, brewing and judging beer. |
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Ivan Schmelczer, CDGP, DGSA Trans-DGT
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Medical Doctor, Molecular Biologist, Geneticist and English-Hungarian Professional Translator Instructor in multimodal transport of dangerous goods (ADR, RID, ADN, ICAO, IATA, IMDG) Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP, IHMM) Certified Training Professional and Air Cargo Professional (IATA) General Manager of Trans-DGT International in Hungary and Czechia. The company deals with training and consultancy in ADR, RID, ADN (incl. Classes 1 and 7), IATA-DGR, IMDG; training drivers for ADR and CPC. The company has been a COSTHA member since 2017, and Platinum Sponsor since 2018. ADR and CPC expert and instructor of IRU (International Road Transport Union) Representative of COSTHA on dangerous goods meetings of the United Nations. Chairman of Hungarian Association of Instructors and Safety Advisers on Transport of Dangerous Goods Committee Member and RID expert of BADGP (British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals) |
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William S. Schoonover The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
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William S. "Bill" Schoonover has served as the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration since 2016, serving as the senior career official for hazardous materials safety oversight in support of the safe transportation of more than 3.3 billion tons of regulated hazardous products valued at more than $1.9 trillion, annually. He guides the management of the hazardous materials program’s $105 million budget and the more than 230 people who work to promote safe transportation of hazardous materials. Previously, Bill served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations, leading PHMSA's comprehensive outreach and enforcement oversight program. Mr. Schoonover has over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry and brings a wealth of experience having worked in several modes. Prior to joining PHMSA, Bill served with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for more than 20 years. He served in several progressive positions from a field inspector to the Staff Director of FRA's Hazardous Materials Division, within the Office of Railroad Safety where he served as the chief advisor to the agency on railroad hazardous materials safety issues. He began his career in 1980 with the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Schoonover also served with the Coast Guard Reserve from his active-duty departure until retiring from military service in 2003. |
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Paul Serafin Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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Paul Serafin is the Division Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Carrier Safety Assurance Division in the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety - Office of Hazardous Materials Safety. The Safety Assurance Division consists of 5 Branches focusing on inspection and investigation activity along with Part 135 manual reviews, and the Safety Assurance Program, comprised of the Principal Hazardous Materials Inspectors (PHI). The Division handles certificated and non-certificated oversight activities and investigations on a national level. In addition, the PHI program manages all Part 121 certificate holder hazardous materials operations. The Division maintains responsibility for policies, procedures and guidance in implementing FAA’s compliance and enforcement program consistent with applicable FAA policies and Orders and serves as a primary interface with FAA’s Flight Standards Service and other lines of business. Paul joined the FAA straight out of college in November of 2001 as part of the post 9/11 Assistant Security Inspector Program. He went on to work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the organizational split between FAA and TSA. In 2009, he was promoted to a Supervisory Inspector, managing security based regulatory oversight. In 2011, Paul returned to the FAA as a Section Manager for the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety in the Great Lakes Region. Before taking on the role of Division Manager, he supported the Program’s functional realignment in October 2017, with developing and implementing operational policies and procedures. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies and Creative Writing, Paul resides in Chicago, Illinois. |
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L'Gena Shaffer COSTHA
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L’Gena has over 25 years of transport experience with emphasis managing regulatory compliance programs. Her extensive background includes:
L’Gena has also served as Vice Chair of the IATA Reservations Committee, Chair of the DOT Resource Group and Co-Chair of the Disability Working Group focusing on regulatory compliance programs. L’Gena has successful experience managing cross divisional corporate compliance programs, dangerous goods/hazardous material management and industry standards. She has presented at the COSTHA Annual Forum on transportation issues and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Seminar “Ensuring The Safe Transport of Electric Mobility Aids”. She has extensive experience in customer service, consumer protection, and non-discrimination in air travel. L’Gena holds a Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) Credential and is an approved Dangerous Goods Instructor by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). She received her Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Human Services degree from Mercer University. |
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James O. Simmons Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
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James O. Simmons is the Senior Transportation Specialist within the Hazardous Materials Division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). He was the Hazardous Materials Program Manager for the FMCSA's Western Service Center. James has been in public service for over 29 years. Within those 29 years, James has been in management and advisement roles for more than 25 years advocating the safe and secure practices of hazardous materials transportation. James held several positions within the United States Department of Transportation. Those positions are but are not limited to Chief of FMCSA's HM Division, Chief of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Research and Development Office, Acting Chief of PHMSA's Risk, Data and Program Office, Policy Analyst within the Office of the Secretary, Transportation Specialist of FMCSA's HM Division, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Safety Investigator, Computer Specialist, and Interim Federal and State Program Specialist. James started his career with the US Department of Transportation as a Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Recipient. Under the fellowship, James researched and prepared a comprehensive study of the safe movement and disposal of certain types of radioactive waste. James has received numerous accolades and recognition for his contribution to public safety. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. |
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Stephen Sowa Dangerous Goods, A Division of Berlin Packaging |
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Steve Sowa is the Director of Berlin Packaging’s Dangerous Goods Division. He has over 23 years of experience working in the field of UN packaging. His main areas of focus are chemical and biological packagings. Steve earned his M.S. in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA and B.S. in Environmental Science from Allegheny College Meadville, PA |
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Erik Steinbeck, CDGP DGSA Parker Hannifin Corporation
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Erik is the Logistics manager for the LORD division of Parker Hannifin- a global manufacturer of specialty adhesives, coatings, paints and encapsulants. Erik has nearly 20 years of experience in the dangerous goods transportation compliance industry, with a focused interest on UN packaging compliance and classification methodologies. Erik resides in Meadville Pennsylvania along with his wife of 15 years and two children Ryan (12) and Raegan (9).
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Richard Trester J. J. Keller
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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
Credentials
Professional Education/Experience
“Connect, communicate, and cultivate — these are my three Cs to successful relationships with clients and people in general.” |
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Steve Webb US Department of Transportation
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Mr. Webb is the Assistant Coordinator in PHMSA’s International Program. Mr. Webb’s responsibilities at PHMSA include being a member of the U.S. delegation to the UN TDG Sub-Committee and a member of the U.S. delegation to the IMO CCC Sub-Committee, where he also chairs the Editorial & Technical Group. In these international forums he helps draft position papers soliciting various international bodies for changes in dangerous goods regulations, incorporates changes made at the international level into domestic hazardous materials regulations, and acts as a subject matter expert on vessel transportation of dangerous goods within the agency. |
