Conference Speakers

Robert J. Beck became President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America at the conclusion of the association’s Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, in March 2023. Robert is the CEO of the John W. Danforth Company, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Northeast United States. The company was founded in 1884 and operates five offices across New York State, Ohio, and Vermont. Danforth is proud to be a charter member of the MCAA as well as a 100% employee-owned company. Recognizing the importance of continued education and industry involvement, Danforth is part of several MCAA local affiliates. Robert is currently a New York State Pipe Trades Fund Trustee and has led other local labor-management initiatives.  Robert’s first experience with MCAA was at a Mid-Year Education Conference. He serves as Immediate Past Chair of the Project Managers Education Committee and has been both an instructor and a facilitator for MCAA’s Institute for Project Management (IPM) and Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM). He has also presented at MCAA’s Annual Convention and serves on the MCAA Audit Committee. He is a graduate of the IPM and AIPM as well as MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI). He was elected to the MCAA Board of Directors in 2015 and is a member of the UA-MCAA Strategic Planning Committee.   Outside of work, Robert volunteers his time to local community and charity organizations and his children’s various activities. Robert enjoys outdoor adventures and activities with family and friends.   

Ricky graduated from Clemson University 1980 B.S. Administrative Management Worked 36 years in the steel industry. Four years working for refractory companies as a service engineer and salesman. 32 Years for Nucor Steel and Steel Dynamics in various positions from clerk, leadman, supervisor, to the last 20 years as a Melting Department Manager. In 2016 Ricky realized that stories from his life and career could have a positive impact on people’s perspective of their health and safety and the people they love health and safety, so he retired from Steel Dynamics in January of 2017 and started Ricky Rollins Safety Speeches. National Safety Council 2019 Congress & Expo recognized as a Top Ten Speaker. National Safety Council 2020 Congress & Expo Keynote Speaker.

Alex provides TAUC members with expert guidance and analysis on all health and safety-related issues and coordinates with industry partners, stakeholders and regulatory agencies on EHS-related matters. He serves as the official TAUC liaison to the Environmental Health and Safety Committee, working with the chairperson to deliver timely, cutting-edge information to all committee members. In addition, Alex coordinates one of the industry’s most well-regarded safety recognition programs: TAUC’s Thomas J. Reynolds Awards. Prior to joining TAUC, Alex worked for Environmental Health & Safety Solutions Inc. as a safety professional supporting both owners and contractors on multiple projects throughout the United States. Residing in Pittsburgh, he has focused on providing safety excellence in the Utica and Marcellus Shale gas plays, particularly at the nation’s largest gas processing facility in West Virginia. Alex received his bachelor’s in safety management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He retains professional memberships with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).

Kirsten is a certified health coach through Duke University and a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), coaching part-time since 2019. She also is a Master of Science Candidate at Tulane University for Health and Wellness Management with emphasis in Corporate Wellness and Health Leadership. Kirsten has 8+ years of experience working for an industrial water treatment company in various operations roles. She is passionate about helping individuals find work-life balance and prioritize their health vision to maintain true quality of life.

Corey serves as Assistant Vice President of Risk Control Construction Segment for CNA. In this role he is responsible for leading the direction, management and oversight of the Risk Control function within the Construction segment business. Ensures effective implementation of strategic and operational objectives and policies for Risk Control, in accordance with the company’s strategic plans. Corey has been in the Insurance Industry for over 30 years and with CNA Insurance for 18 years. Corey holds a bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance from Temple University. Corey also holds an Associate in Risk Management designation, a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist designation from IRMI an is a Recognized Risk Engineer through UL.

Anuja Patil serves as the Director: Ergonomics for CNA Insurance. In this role, she is responsible for the overall assessment, evaluation, and delivery of all risk control ergonomics services. Anuja earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Health (Ergonomics) in 2011 from Colorado State University and has Bachelors in Physical Therapy (2005). She is a Board Certified Ergonomist (CPE), a Board Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Six Sigma Green Belt Certified (IISE). Anuja serves as the Administrator of the ASSP Ergonomics Practice Specialty Group and is a Board member of the Applied Ergonomics Society.

Kathleen Dobson is a 24+ year veteran of the construction industry. As Safety Director for Alberici Constructors, she has responsibility for and supports their automotive, heavy civil, mining and industrial processes divisions. Kathi has worked throughout North America and is engaged in project start up and provides sites with ongoing evaluations, audits and training when needed. Kathi is zealous regarding safety of workers and believes that everyone should be able to say they have the right PPE, the right training, and the right environment in which to work. She is a strong advocate for mental wellbeing for workers in the construction industry and speaks out on the issue of mental wellness. She has been a member of the National Association of Women In Construction for over 20 years and is involved with NAWIC’s Alliance with OSHA, the Construction Users Round Table and AISC’s Safety Committee as well as representing the industry as chair of the TAUC EHS Committee, Z359 – fall protection, the national A10 construction & demolition standards committee, NACOSH and ASSP, where she serves on the standards development committee and actively participates with WISE (Women in Safety Excellence common interest group).

Dr. Frantz Belot is president and co-founder of Tyfoom, helping organizations deliver relevant communication and training in a way that increases retention and transfer of knowledge at work. He is also a co-founder of Tech Trep Academy, a tuition-free, public school program tailored to the unique needs of each student. Prior to Tyfoom, Dr. Belot served in various executive positions at Studies Weekly, Imagine Learning, and RES Academy, among others. He also taught at Brigham Young University, the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University, and Westminster College. Dr. Belot is a native of Haiti and was raised in Montreal, Quebec. He obtained his Ph.D. from BYU in educational leadership with an emphasis in organizational behavior. His entrepreneurial spirit permeates all aspects of his life. He’s passionate about helping people access education and training so they can positively impact their lives, businesses and communities for good.

Ricky Reams serves as the Vice President of Safety and Quality for Murphy Company and has over 25 Years’ experience as a safety professional and consultant in a variety of industries in both the public and private Sectors. Mr. Reams was recently awarded 2022 Safety Professional of the Year award from the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and was given the 2022 Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Award from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). Mr. Reams was appointed to the National Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force through the AGC and regularly promotes and presents on Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention throughout the construction industry. He has served as the President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) St. Lous Chapter and is an active member of several other local and national safety boards and committees including the American General Contractors (AGC), the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3), the Association of Union Contractors (TAUC), the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers (NACBE), and The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA).

The construction industry is one of the best industries out there, with some of the best individuals making up the industry. Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at AGC of Missouri; has 27 years of experience in construction holding various positions from leadership to senior safety and senior employee development specialist. Mr. Anderson is a lifelong construction safety professional/advocate with a focus on total worker wellbeing; Mental Health, Suicide and Substance Misuse in construction. His passion and personal experience runs deep; while his impact is recognized locally throughout the Midwest and Nationally.

Jeremy Gruber is Founder of Rescue One Training For Life, a provider of life safety solutions, including automated external defibrillators and life safety training courses such as CPR/AED, First Aid, ACLS, PALS, and fire extinguisher classes. Jeremy is responsible for developing and generating new business as well as strategic planning and operations for the organization. Jeremy is a National speaker of things related to AEDs and Public Access AED Programs along with bleeding control programs Jeremy is also a certified instructor for CPR/AED, First Aid, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support courses. He has also conducted Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic training programs for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services while employed as a firefighter, paramedic, and captain from 1987 – 2007. Jeremy has also worked at Shock Trauma, George Washington University, and Georgetown University Hospitals as a Respiratory Therapist and has taught Respiratory Therapy and Emergency Medicine at various colleges. Jeremy has a BS in Respiratory Therapy and is a registered Respiratory Therapist and National Registered EMT/Paramedic. Jeremy has also opened Fire Station One Restaurant and Brewing company a full-service restaurant in a Historic 1910 Fire house that he has restored in Silver Spring Maryland.

Jennifer M. McNelly, CAE, has more than 30 years of association, government, regulatory and business experience. She has served as CEO of the American Society of Safety Professionals since Aug. 16, 2018. McNelly advances the organization’s mission to help its members and their employers create safe work environments worldwide through the prevention of injuries, illnesses and fatalities. She works with the Board of Directors and ASSP's professional staff to execute ASSP’s strategic plan for growth while addressing the evolving needs of 35,000 safety and health professionals around the globe. McNelly’s leadership strengthens ASSP’s position as a leading voice while fostering a culture that is diverse, inclusive and advances equity across all aspects of the Society. She strives to create safe and welcoming environments. McNelly previously served as president of The Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the national authority on attracting and developing world-class manufacturing talent. Over nine years with NAM, she was a national champion in changing the perception of manufacturing careers and re-establishing the United States as the global leader in technical education. McNelly launched the national STEP Ahead™ initiative to increase the engagement of women in manufacturing and co-founded National Manufacturing Day™ to engage the next generation workforce. McNelly served at the U.S. Department of Labor as director of the Business Relations Group and administrator of its Office of Regional Innovation and Transformation. She has testified before Congress on manufacturing and workforce training and is past chair of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on the Future of Manufacturing. A certified association executive and University of Maryland College Park graduate, McNelly earned the Secretary of Labor’s Exceptional Achievement Award and was named among the 100 Women Leaders in STEM. She is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach who dedicates her volunteer time to supporting women veterans and youth, igniting their unique passions and strengths to propel their career advancement.

John Brennan blends wisdom, experience, and candor in a cogent analysis of dynamic trends in national security. A consummate insider who worked his way up through the ranks to head the Central Intelligence Agency, John Brennan had a front row seat in the turbulent and tumultuous arena of world affairs for more than three decades. Serving six successive U.S. presidents, Brennan was deeply involved in the decision-making for an array of complex international issues, including Osama bin Laden, the Arab Spring, Benghazi, ISIS, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the Iran deal, and Russian election meddling. Before being tapped to head the CIA, Brennan served as the CIA’s daily intelligence briefer to President Bill Clinton, the founding director of the National Counterterrorism Center during President George Bush’s administration, and Assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Deputy National Security Advisor for President Barack Obama. Brennan teaches audiences how to think about and act quickly in response to global events, terrorism, and cybersecurity concerns. Pensive and articulate, he details his pragmatic take on global trends, while expertly exploring issues of national security, foreign policy, governance, and the rule of law. Offering an insider’s look at the shifting global landscape, Brennan reveals what it takes to remain an effective player in business, while keeping pace with the alarming proliferation of cyber threats. Drawing on his experience spearheading a comprehensive restructuring of the CIA, he discusses the importance of organizational agility and what it takes to implement major change.

Joey Krys is a Fall Protection Subject Matter Expert who consults, sells and teaches for Professional Contractor Supply throughout the nation. Joey has 40 years’ experience in all aspects of fall protection and is a highly respected trainer with the ability to con-vey information in a high energy, easy to understand way that resonates with both the beginner and expert. Joey has taught for organizations such as the UCSD-OSHA Institute, Associated General Contractors (AGC), NABCEP, SEIA, and currently teaches CAL-OSHA officers throughout the state of California. Joey has been recognized for his contribution and achievements training the United States Military NAVFAC and FEAD personnel under the EM385-1-1 guide-lines. Joey’s specialties include fall protection for residential and commercial solar, rooftop fall protection and Industrial manufacturing facilities. Joey has attended most major manufacturer’s Competent Person courses which include DBI Sala, 3M, Miller Fall Protection, Guardian Fall Protection, Spanco and Safewaze. In 2011 Joey and PCS (Formally Toolup) were featured on the cover of Contractor Supply Magazine with the title “Safety in Numbers”.

Dr. Babak Memarian is the Director of Safety Research at CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training. He currently leads a NIOSH-funded project titled "Prevention through Augmented Pre-Task Planning" that aims to enhance the quality of Job Hazard Analysis and Pre-task Planning in construction. He holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from Arizona State University and an M.S. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Engineering & Management from Oklahoma State University. His research interest involves development of high-reliability work systems with a focus on pre-task planning, risk management, and production improvement. He is an active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and a voting member of the ANSI/A10 Construction Safety and Health Standards Committee. Dr. Memarian is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) by the American Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Jessica Bunting, MPH, is the Director of the Research to Practice (r2p) Program at CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training. Jessica has a bachelor's degree in psychology from The George Washington University and a Master of Public Health in Community and Behavioral Health from the University of Maryland. She has almost two decades of experience working in the field of public health, with more than 12 years focused on construction occupational safety and health at CPWR. She and her team work to encourage widespread adoption of evidence-based solutions by construction contractors and workers through improving partnerships between researchers and stakeholders, increasing r2p capacity of intermediary organizations, helping stakeholders influence future research, and developing tools, strategies, and resources to translate and disseminate research findings.

Mike Gillette is NFPA's Territory Sales Manager in the US and has a background in electrical safety, Mike is also MCAA's main point of contact at NFPA.

Adele L. Abrams, Esq., ASP, CMSP, is an attorney, safety professional and trainer who is president of the Law Office of Adele L. Abrams P.C., a national firm focusing on safety, health and employment law. Adele is an ASP and certified mine safety professional and she also provides consultation, safety audits and training services. Adele is co-author of several books related to mining, construction, employment law, and occupational safety and health. She is a member of multiple state bars and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. She is a graduate of the George Washington University’s National Law Center. Her professional memberships include the American Society of Safety Professionals, and National Safety Council, and in 2017, she received the NSC’s Distinguished Service to Safety Award. She is a multiple recipient of the ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year Award. She was named an Avetta Fellow in 2022.

Justin Azbill – Director National EHS, Milwaukee Tool: Mr. Azbill was appointed Director - National EHS at Milwaukee Tool in July 2021. He has over 27 years’ experience in Safety and Risk Management, having held key leadership positions with several top 40 ENR construction organizations. Mr. Azbill holds several accredited safety certifications and licenses and attended Johnson County Community College, University of Kansas, and Thomas Edison University. Mr. Azbill is a sitting member on numerous safety advisory boards and a member of the Construction Industry Alliance Suicide Prevention (CIASP) Board of Trustees.

Rebecca Klein loves teaching. She loves helping people and being on stage. Rebecca is a nerd. She loves safety and grammar and has spent most of her life learning or teaching one or the other. As a former 9th grade English teacher at an-all boys military boarding school, it seemed obvious that my next career should be in the safety of construction!