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SUMMIT SPEAKERS

A Holistic Approach To Job-Site Safety



BRANDON ANDERSON

BRANDON ANDERSON
Vice President of Safety, AGC of Missouri 


JUSTIN AZBILL
Director of  National Environmental Health and Safety, Milwaukee Tool

Mr. Azbill has been in the Safety Profession for nearly 30 years. He has a diverse background in safety management processes and has a reputation of being a Leader that cares for those he works with. He shares a common interest as a Mental Health Advocate for in the Construction Industry as he is currently a sitting member of the Board of Trustees for the Construction Industry Alliance of Suicide Prevention as a Director at Large. Justin is also a founding member of the Peer-to-Peer groups; Psychological Safety - Safety for Safety Professionals and Vets in Safety. Justin is recognized for sharing his story focusing on Leadership Burnout and the importance of an Proactive Approach for Mental Wellness.  


Jose Ballejo

SFC (Retired) JOSE BALLEJO
US Army Veteran, Fort Carson UA VIP Instructor, LU58

I am retired from the US Army after 22 years of service, currently teaching the Veterans In Piping program on Fort Carson, and a Pipefitter journeyman for LU 58.   


ROBERT BARRETT
Saunders


JOEL BENNETT, PH.D.
CEO of Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, Author

Developer of this program, Joel has trained over 1,000 facilitators in workplace mental health strategies. He is CEO of Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (www.organizationalwellness.com), author of seven books, and over thirty peer-reviewed scientific articles. Joel received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the field of wellness from the National Wellness Institute.


Sonya Bohmann

SONYA BOHMANN
Executive Director, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director for the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention a 501 c (3), started in 2018. Our mission is to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction with the goal of creating a zero-suicide industry. 

Sonya comes from a reconstruction background having spent over a decade in the commercial remodel and refresh and facilities maintenance space. Giving her the unique understanding of how the industry works as well as the mental health challenges faced daily by construction workers. This experience has given her insight into how companies both large and small are tackling this worker crisis and what work still needs to be done. 

As a loss survivor, the topic of suicide prevention and awareness is always top of mind. Sitting on several non-profit boards, herself such as the TKD Foundation, the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Task Force and The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Sonya is keenly aware of the work that we still must do to erase the stigma around creating a culture that is smart about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Having given over 50 presentations on the topic, it has become a personal mission to educate and bring awareness and a voice to those who may be silent. The simple act of Starting the Conversation and creating a safe and open space for dialogue really does save lives 


CHRIS TRAHAN CAIN

CHRIS TRAHAN CAIN
Executive Director, The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR)

Chris Trahan Cain is the Executive Director at CPWR and leads its construction research, training, and service programs. She also serves as the director of safety and health for North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), which is comprised of 14 national and international unions collectively representing over three million workers.


DR. CHARLIE CARTWRIGHT
Market Leader, Pioneer iQ

Dr. Charlie Cartwright, a Market Leader at Pioneer iQ, specializes in company culture, safety, and leadership consulting. Known as "The Company Culture Doctor," he developed the "Employee Excellence Equation" after three decades of meta-analysis, illuminating the path to unlocking human potential.  He enjoys sharing this knowledge with leaders and teams.


JOHN DAHUNSI, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-BC
Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Dr. John Dahunsi is a highly dedicated and experienced healthcare professional who specializes in providing comprehensive care to individuals grappling with mental health issues and workplace violence. With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Dahunsi has developed a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding mental health, substance use, and workplace violence, and their profound impact on individuals and organizations. 

Dr. Dahunsi embarked on his nursing journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, followed by a Master of Science in Public Health (MPH) degree with a specialization in health policy and management. Fueled by a deep passion for mental health advocacy and a strong desire to make a positive impact on patients' lives, he pursued further education and achieved a Doctor of Nursing in Mental Health (DNP) degree. As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Dahunsi possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to address the unique challenges associated with mental health, substance use, and workplace violence.

Dr. Dahunsi currently serves as a Mental Health Nurse Consultant at Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) where he leverages his specialized knowledge and expertise in mental health to support the agency's programs, policies, and initiatives. He actively contributes to the development and implementation of mental health policies and guidelines, ensuring their alignment with federal regulations and best practices. Dr. Dahunsi's extensive professional background underscores his exceptional proficiency in mental health nursing, clinical research, crisis response coordination, and policy development. Dr. Dahunsi previously served as a Senior Forensic Psychiatric Charge Nurse, where he demonstrated expertise in formulating, evaluating, and revising comprehensive treatment plans for patients and their families. He adeptly educated patients on behavior management, fostering the development and enhancement of adaptive behaviors and skills. In 2017 he joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where in his capacity as a mental health clinical educator, Dr. Dahunsi assumed the role of an associated investigator for the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Clinical Management Screening and Research Program protocol. He skillfully planned, executed, and evaluated nursing administration, practice, education, and research initiatives across multiple specialized nursing programs. Within the NIH, Dr. Dahunsi assumed the crucial role of overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) members during crisis situations. Through comprehensive training programs, he equipped participants with effective crisis prevention and intervention techniques, enabling them to de-escalate potentially volatile situations, manage aggressive behavior, and foster a safe environment for all involved.

Throughout his career, Dr. Dahunsi has gained invaluable experience working in diverse healthcare settings, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practices. His expertise lies in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. Dr. Dahunsi has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive strategies for preventing and managing workplace violence incidents. He is highly skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care, enabling him to effectively manage volatile situations and support individuals in their journey towards recovery.

In addition to providing direct patient care, Dr. Dahunsi is deeply committed to advancing the field of psychiatric mental health nursing through research and education. He actively engages in research and education initiatives focused on mental health and workplace violence, and has presented his findings at conferences, contributing to the overall advancement of knowledge in the field.


ANN MARIE DALE, PHD, OTR/L

ANN MARIE DALE, PHD, OTR/L
Professor of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis


JONATHAN DAVIS, PHD
Research Assistant Professor


Brenda Doern

BRENDA DOERN
National Safety Director, Onyx Fire Group


Melissa Doman

MELISSA DOMAN, MA
Organizational Psychologist & Author

Melissa Doman, MA is an Organizational Psychologist & the Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why And How To Do It Really Well). She equips companies, individuals, and leaders to have constructive conversations about mental health, team dynamics, and communication at work.


Cathy Emerson

CATHY EMERSON
Encore Electric


BRADLEY A. EVANOFF, MD, MPH

BRADLEY A. EVANOFF, MD, MPH
Chief of the Division of General Medical Sciences


Albert Flores

ALBERT FLORES
Training & Development Manager, Zachry Construction


JOHN GAAL, EDD
Director of AFL-CIO’s Missouri Works Initiative’s Worker Wellness Program

John is the Director of AFL-CIO’s Missouri Works Initiative’s Worker Wellness Program and a certified R2T facilitator. As a labor representative, he serves on the St. Louis County Workforce Development Board, and the International Vocational Education and Training Association’s Board of Directors. He has published numerous articles related to workforce development.


NEIL S. GAER, MPA

Neil S. Gaer is a deeply experienced behavioral health executive whose clinical acumen is his hallmark over a two-decade career. Recognized for navigating complex challenges, Neil's breadth of knowledge has significantly impacted behavioral health and addiction treatment outcomes.

Throughout his career, Neil has seamlessly blended clinical expertise with managerial, executive, and consulting roles within both for-profit and not-for-profit rehabilitation arenas. As the President of SEG Consulting, he's been instrumental in crafting and guiding evidence-based clinical protocols across diverse regions, showcasing a keen understanding of patient needs and treatment modalities. 

While Neil’s strategic vision has led to operational successes, his core remains deeply rooted in clinical knowledge, always emphasizing patient welfare. With an extensive understanding of the spectrum of care, from the nuances of start-up initiatives to compliance intricacies, Neil consistently prioritizes the quality of care and therapeutic outcomes.

Merging the strategic insights of an industry expert with the compassionate heart of a clinician, Neil’s career is a testament to patient-centered care. Holding a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven and a bachelor’s in human services, his credentials as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor further emphasize his dedication to the field.

Outside of his professional realm, Neil lives in Connecticut with his wife, Sarah, and their three Bernese Mountain dogs. Passionate about the outdoors, his hobbies include camping, hiking, and motorcycling, grounding him in nature and adventure. Neil remains a trusted voice in behavioral health, seamlessly integrating clinical excellence with genuine patient care.


SARAH GAER, MA
Clinician, Master Trainer

Sarah Gaer holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has 24 years of experience in the field of mental health care. Sarah has been an outpatient clinician, crisis clinician, and member of trauma response teams responding to homicides, suicides, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.

Sarah was the Senior Team Leader for MassSupport Network, the FEMA-funded Crisis Counseling Program responding to COVID-19 in Massachusetts. She is a Master Trainer for the QPR Institute and has trained over 1000 first responders in Massachusetts. Sarah currently works as a consultant in suicide prevention and trauma recovery and is spearheading long-term recovery efforts at Holyoke Soldier’s Home, which experienced a mass causality event during COVID-19. Sarah also holds a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health creating and providing training for Law Enforcement on topics such as suicide prevention, toxic stress, and resilience building.


Sarah Grace

SARAH GRACE
Managing Director of Medical Innovation and Strategy, Travelers

Sarah Grace, RN is the Managing Director of Medical Innovation and Strategy at Travelers. Upon graduating from the University of Connecticut and Goodwin University in Connecticut she worked at a local hospital both in mental health and orthopedics as a nurse.

Having now spent nearly 14 years in the workers’ compensation industry she carries her deep passion for supporting and caring for people directly into her work at Travelers. She specializes in implementing countrywide initiatives and pushing for innovative and industry-leading strategies that are focused on improving the recovery experience for an injured employee.


TONY GUAGLIARDO
Executive Director of Expansion, Marketplace Chaplains

Since 2008, Tony Guagliardo has served as the Midwest Executive Director of Expansion for Marketplace Chaplains. He is passionate about helping C-suite and HR leaders align their vision of supporting and caring for employees with the proven reality of workplace chaplaincy. Tony and his wife Rebecca have two wonderful boys Lucas (21) & Marco (18) and live outside Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois.

Since 1984, Marketplace Chaplains provides a nationwide, professional Employee Care Service utilizing Chaplain Care Teams serving in more than 6,000 workplaces every week, extending care and support to over 1.3 million employees and family members. Marketplace Chaplains specializes in providing care for employees in a personalized and proactive way, demonstrating company leadership values and cares for them. Strengthening company culture, addressing mental health issues and employee wellbeing are hallmark benefits of our service.  


MICHEAL HAZARD
Manager, Veterans in Piping Program

Micheal Hazard is a member of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders, and HVAC Technicians (UA). Micheal is a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served for 12 years as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.

From 2008 to 2012 Micheal held the position of Executive Director of the Southern California Apprentice & Journeyman Training Trust Fund where he managed a 12-million-dollar annual budget and oversaw the apprenticeship and journeymen training of over 10,000 UA members.

Micheal currently works as the Program Administrator for the UA’s Veterans in Piping (VIP) program which consists of nine training sites on seven military bases across the country providing transitioning service members job skills training that leads to direct entry and employment in one the UA’s 240 DOL registered apprenticeship programs.


MARSHALL DAVIS JONES
Founder, MindBodySpeak

Marshall Davis Jones, the founder of MindBodySpeak and the author of Tonal Influence - A Guide to Listen Better Speak Clearer and Set the Tone.

Marshall has helped numerous companies and brands, including Adobe, Microsoft, and SAP. 

His communication techniques have been used across multiple industries to win negotiations, deescalate conflicts, and acquire business relationships. 

Marshall is an expert in human vocal performance and affective presence, serving on multiple advisory boards. 

He has played a narrative consultant role for two documentary films, contributes to industry strategy via think tanks, and has been recognized by the UN. 

He writes, speaks globally, and has had his poems flown by NASA into space.

You can find him playing himself in Ray Romano’s Somewhere in Queens.


Richard Jones

RICHARD JONES, MA, MBA, LCAS, CCS, CCDP, CAI
Chief Clinical Officer, Youturn Health

Richard Jones is an experienced therapist, clinician, and healthcare entrepreneur operating primarily in the behavioral health space. Richard has wide-ranging professional experience across nearly all behavioral health domains, including mental health, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

He has over 20 years of management experience and has been instrumental in the launch and rebuild of multiple programs nationwide. Richard is passionate about providing quality care and supporting people in need. He has been the founding CEO of 2 non-profit organizations and two for-profit business dedicated to disrupting the behavioral-health space for the betterment of people in need.


PHILLIP KELLEY

PHILLIP KELLEY
Founder, Purpose-Driven Coaching


SGT RACHEL L. LABLANCE
USMC Veteran, Camp Lejeune UA VIP Welding Instructor

A Marine Corps Veteran, LaBlance has served 8 years aboard Cherry Point, North Carolina. She did one tour to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is currently, a welding Instructor for the Veterans In Piping program at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.


CHRIS LALEVEE
IUOE Local 825 - MAP Coordinator 

Chris Lalevee is a Business Agent for IUOE Local 825 that services all of New Jersey and New York’s Hudson Valley with a workforce of heavy equipment operators. 

As an accomplished crane operator, Chris spent years in the industry on numerous projects running cranes in various fields and operations.

Chris was then brought into Local 825’s referral hall where he worked as a dispatcher. This role consisted of coordinating workforce to companies to meet their heavy equipment operator needs. During this time, he developed IUOE 825’s Member Assistance Program. This peer program is designed to assist members and their families getting help with issues like substance misuse as well as mental health. 

Chris now serves as a business agent for Local 825 and maintains and coordinates a thriving assistance program. He also shares his skills as an instructor for the IUOE in teaching crane operation classes and MAP peer classes. In addition to MAP peer classes Chris holds many certifications as well as facilitates various trainings regarding these topics. 

His lived experiences, his constant development and empathy have transformed him into an expert in the construction industry with a deep understanding of a misunderstood workforce.

Chris has taken his knowledge of substance misuse, mental illness and suicide ideation to another level by blending these topics into construction safety. He is involved nationally, collaborating with like minded individuals to raise awareness,  break stigma and make the construction industry a safer place. Chances are you have or will run into him or someone that knows of his work.


KABRI LEHRMAN-SCHMID
Project Superintendent, Hensel Phelps

Kabri Lehrman-Schmid (she/her) is an award-winning project leader for Hensel Phelps where her expertise spans across project phases from precon advisor to lead superintendent. Her integrated project delivery approach on aviation and higher education campuses has been the foundation for her passionate advocacy of industry initiatives aimed at enhancing workforce well-being at the jobsite level.


MAX MARGOLIS


Alanna Marklund

ALANNA MARKLUND
Special Representative for Youth, Diversity and Indigenous Relations, United Association Canada

Alanna Marklund is a Special Representative with the United Association, Canadian office where she works to expand opportunities to underrepresented groups, increase inclusivity within with piping industry and encourage the recruitment and retention of skilled trades workers through training and innovative programs. She started her career with the UA as a welder in Edmonton AB Canada in 2012.


JEN MASSEY, CSP, ARM, CRIS, MLIS, CHST, OHST, STSC, BCD‑2181 CLASS 5​​​​
Safety, Health and Environmental Administrator 


Marcus Mattox

MARCUS MATTOX
BuilderFax (formerly Skanska)


ALI MATUSZAK

ALI MATUSZAK
Training + Development Manager, MTech


BOJANA MIRKOVIC
Assistant Benefits Manager, Encore Electric, Inc

Bojana Mirkovic has worked in various HR positions throughout her career with Encore Electric and briefly at Ball Corporation before returning to Encore as assistant benefits manager. Mirkovic has a PHR certification.

Mirkovic is a resource for all benefits, including mental health-related benefits and resources at Encore Electric. She is currently leading a team working toward H.O.P.E Certification.


DAVID MOODY
Owner/CEO, C.D. Moody Construction Co.

C. David Moody Jr. created C.D Moody Construction Co. in 1988 with just three employees. His first project was the concrete package for Underground Atlanta--a JV with Otis Bellamy of Bellamy Brothers. Since then, CDM has grown exponentially with respects to both revenue and project volume. With over fifty full time employees, CDM specializes in a wide rage of construction services including design/build, new construction, renovations—historical & nonhistorical, aviation, collegiate, data centers, mission critical and construction management at-risk. 

CDM has worked with many high-profile clients and on many high-profile projects including but not limited to the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Turner Baseball Field, Philips Arena, The Atlanta History Museum, The Atlanta United Training Facility, The World of Coca-Cola, Disney World, Mercedes Benz, Home Depot, and the new Maynard H. Jackson International Concourse. CDM has recently expanded their profile to include Mission Critical, with three current projects for private clients. 

C. D. Moody Construction Company, Inc., now one of the largest African- American-owned construction companies in America. For more than three decades, Moody’s company has appeared every year on Black Enterprise magazine’s “Top 100” list of the nation’s largest Black-owned industrial/services companies. The Atlanta Business Chronicle has ranked his firm as one of Atlanta’s top 25 commercial contractors and top 100 private companies. Over more than 35 years, his firm has safely built and delivered more than 150 commercial projects valued at more than $3 billion. 

David also has a keen sense of community service. He founded the C.D. Moody Foundation to provide financial assistance for students with a passion for construction and entrepreneurship, and to date has awarded more than 80 individual scholarships. He has funded endowed scholarships at Morehouse College, Howard University, Georgia State University and Central State University. Besides money, Moody devotes time with students, where he personally instills in students the endless possibilities that are directly associated with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. Moody has served on numerous for profit and nonprofit boards. Moody was the 1st African American President for the Associated General Contractors for the state of Georgia. 


Chris Pilutik

CHRISTI PILUTIK
CEO & President, BuilderFax


DANA PISCOPO
Director, Sales Operations Oracle Global Industries / Recovery Coach
Oracle Corporation / Color Your Life, LLC

Dana Piscopo is the Director of Sales Operations for Oracle’s Global Industries as well as a recovery coach under her Reclaim Your Moxie® brand.

Dana has various certifications for recovery coaching and addiction awareness corporate facilitation. Dana is married and has three bonus kids. Dana believes no-one should struggle with stigma or shame. People need support and empathy now more than ever, something that she understands having been there herself. Dana is also the cohost of the 4SoberChicks podcast that airs every two weeks on all things sobriety. Dana has also brought peer support to her organization and is a passion that helps support others in the corporate space.


RICKY REAMS

RICKY REAMS
Vice President Safety and Quality, Murphy Company Mechanical Contractors & Engineers


DIANE S. ROHLMAN, PHD
Associate Dean for Research


ELIS ROYBAL
Safety Director, Saunders


Joe Schultz

JOE SCHULTZ
Vice President - Mission Critical, JE Dunn Construction Company


Sam Smith

SAM SMITH
Suicide Prevention Manager, Central U.S., LivingWorks Education Inc.


Zeke Smith

ZEKE SMITH
Director, Leadership & Workforce Development, Apache Industrial


Jeffrey Spatz

JEFFREY SPATZ
Vice President Safety Services, Graham Company


DR. SALLY SPENCER-THOMAS
Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Advocate

Sally is a clinical psychologist and award-winning mental health advocate with her own personal experience of losing her beloved brother to suicide. Her mission is to give voice to people who’ve lived through depression, addiction, and even suicidal despair and leverage their insights to develop bold, gap-filling strategies and programs - approaches that empower cultural and systems change in companies, unions, and professional associations. Changes that support people into recovery and a life worth living. For this work, she was recognized as one of ENR’s top 25 Newsmakers in construction in 2021. Sally is the lead author on the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention and president of United Suicide Survivors International. She is an accomplished speaker with a popular TEDx talk and a White House address to her credits.


JOEY TOMINOVICH

JOEY TOMINOVICH
Director Of Business Development, Aldridge Electric

IBEW Local 26 electrical apprecticeship 1978-1882, graduating as a journeyman electrician. In 1993, co-founded and co-owner of Chesapeake Electrical Systems, Inc.(CES)  in Maryland. Became sole owner of CES in 2001 through a partner buyout. Sold CES to Aldridge Electric, Inc. in 2018. Presently Director of Business Development with Aldridge assisting with growing and managing the Mid Atlantic Region.


Katie Urtnowski

KATIE URTNOWSKI
Vice President, People & Culture, CNY


EDUARDO VEGA, M.Psy
CEO & Founder, Humannovations

Eduardo Vega is Humannovations CEO & Founder.  Eduardo is an internationally recognized thought leader in mental health systems, peer support programs and policy, workforce development, human rights, and suicide prevention. Vega has developed and provided mental health skills training to construction industry leaders, tradespeople, and site supervisors internationally. He serves on the Steering Committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Executive Committee of the US National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.


DR. ANDY WALMSLEY
Clinical Psychologist, Specialising in Suicide Prevention in Male-Dominated Industries

I’m a Clinical Psychologist specializing in suicide prevention within male-dominated industries. My current role involves researching, designing, and implementing mental health workshops within male-dominated industries. From several years of clinical and research experience in suicide prevention, I believe the workplace is a platform where we can reduce suicide. 


ALEX YANNACONE
Director of Education and Community Programs, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center

Alex has an extensive background in implementation and training for the prevention and intervention of mental health services and education. As the Director of Education and Community Programs at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, Alex provides programs and trainings addressing mental well-being for workplaces, schools, and communities across the United States. She is also a master trainer in suicide prevention trainings including QPR & VitalCog.