Todd Becker
Manager (Emergency Management and Mission Continuity) at N.C. State UniversityMike Behm, Ph.D, CSP
ECU Professor at East Carolina UniversityMichael Behm, Ph.D., CSP, is a professor of occupational safety at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC, and coordinator of the Working Commission on Safety and Health in Construction for the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB W099) in the Netherlands. He has spent the past 18 years in academia facilitating the education of future safety professionals in ECU’s ABET-accredited graduate program. He was a safety and health professional for 10 years with Lenox China and Saint-Gobain, and has been a CSP since 1995. Mike holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from Oregon State, an M.S. in Environmental Health from Temple and a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Hygiene from Millersville.
Mike is a member of the NIOSH Board of Scientific Counselors and NIOSH's NORA Construction Sector Council. As an academic he has consulted and engaged in applied research projects domestically and internationally in Singapore, Australia and the U.K. Mike was awarded a Research Fellowship at the Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology in Singapore focusing on safe design aspects of skyrise greenery systems and was a Visiting Research Fellow at RMIT University’s Centre for Construction Work Health and Safety in Melbourne, Australia. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has been awarded over $350,000 in research and grant funding. His research products are impactful as evidenced by Google Scholar which shows over 1,750 citations of his work.
Chris Bissette, CFI
Fire Marshal & Town Safety Coordinator at Town of ZebulonRobert Carruth
Manager, Risk Control Services at North Carolina Association of County CommissionersAndrea Des Marias
Senior Manager of Health Programs at North Carolina Association of County CommissionersAndrea Des Marais is a Senior Manager of Health Programs on the North Carolina Association of County Commissioner’s Opioid Settlements Technical Assistance Team (OSTAT). OSTAT strives to support local governments in utilizing opioid settlement funds to maximize resources and impact through technical assistance, outreach and training, and collaboration. Andrea has a particular interest in identifying and implementing effective programs to address the overdose crisis and related issues. She received her Master of Public Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior.
Adee Feinstein
CEO of CompaticaAdee is the CEO of Compatica, a NC based company. Area has enjoyed a successful career as an entrepreneur specializing in healthcare information technology, logistics management, and corporate purchasing. With his broad experience and understanding of customer needs, he is now using his expertise to help private and public organizations improve their operations through the use of technology
Justin Graney
Chief of External Affairs and Communication for NC Emergency Management at North Carolina Emergency ManagementJustin Graney is the Chief of External Affairs and Communications for North Carolina Emergency Management and has served as a firefighter, EMT, and emergency manager for nearly 25 years, having served in various state emergency response team roles through Hurricane Matthew, Florence, and Helene, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brooke Hathaway, CHST
Director of Safety at Paragon Safety Group, LLCBrooke Hathaway has dedicated her professional life to ensuring safety in the construction industry. With over 24 years of experience in construction safety, she is passionate about creating secure, compliant, and efficient environments for all workers and stakeholders.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Safety & Environmental Engineering Technology from Fairmont State College. To further validate her expertise, she obtained the BCSP CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician) certification, which underscores her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in construction safety.
Currently, she serves as the Director of Safety at Paragon Safety Group, a leading safety consulting firm. In this role, she oversees the development and execution of comprehensive safety programs, mentors a team of dedicated safety professionals, and works closely with clients to ensure their projects meet all regulatory and safety requirements. Her leadership at Paragon Safety Group reflects her unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Erik Heden
Warning Coordination Meteorologist at National Weather Service - Weather Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City, NCErik Heden is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Morehead City, NC, which covers Eastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks. In this position he is the liaison between the National Weather Service and the community, working closely with emergency managers, television broadcasters and the general public. Erik has been in the National Weather Service for 18 years, working previously at local weather service offices in Binghamton, NY and Wilmington, NC. Prior to his career with the weather service, Erik was a broadcast meteorologist for 5 years for various cities in Upstate New York. Erik received his degree in meteorology from SUNY-Oswego (Os-We-go) in Upstate New York. Erik and his wife Rebekah reside in Cape Carteret, NC and have three kids. Outside of weather and family life, Erik is an avid rose grower and competes in rose shows and even has his own YouTube Channel for growing roses.
Julie Hooten
Partner at Teague CampbellJulie focuses her practice on workers’ compensation and employment law. She has been representing counties and municipalities for over 20 years. She opened Teague Campbell’s second office in 2008 and is the past President of the North Carolina Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section Council. She regularly presents continuing education programs for peers and speaks at industry conferences and client seminars. Julie and her husband, Joe, have three teenagers. In their copious spare time, they enjoy hiking and the vibrant music scene in Asheville.
Tracey Jones
Teague CampbellFor over two decades, Tracey has represented insurance carriers, third-party administrators and employers in a variety of workers’ compensation matters. During that time, she has developed an expertise in defending asbestosis and other occupational disease claims. Furthermore, with significant trial experience at the NC Industrial Commission and appellate practice before the NC Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court, Tracey brings institutional knowledge to every workers’ compensation matter she handles. Tracey is an active member of the NC Association of Healthcare Risk Managers and the NC Public Risk Management Association. She also serves as the legal advisor for the North Carolina Association of Self-Insureds and is on the Board of Directors for the NC Trucking Association.
Boris Kiprovski, ASP, CHST, SSTM, C-MESH
EHS Director of SkanskaBoris Kiprovski, ASP, CHST, SSTM, C-MESH, is an EHS Professional ensuring EHS compliance with Skanska. He collaborates with Skanska leaders to implement EHS standards, conducts audits, and leads training initiatives. He is involved with industry organizations, supports accident prevention goals, and uses advanced technology to analyze project data for risks. Collaborating with suppliers, he identifies innovative products that enhance project production, safety, and quality. With over 14 years of experience, he has demonstrated exemplary safety leadership on over 40 projects.
Scott Mabry
OSH Director of NC Department of Laborcott Mabry serves as chief of staff for the N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL). Mabry is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Commissioner’s policies and departmental operations.
Mabry initially joined the N.C. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Director’s office in December 2016 as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for OSH prior to becoming chief of staff in August 2022. His previous experience includes 30+ years in both private industry and public service in the health and safety field. During Mabry’s career, he has worked in safety and health consulting, construction safety, compliance and consultative services at NCDOL; safety and health at N.C. State University; and as director of safety and risk management with the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Mabry is a native of Norwood, NC and moved to Raleigh to attend N.C. State University.
Jiles Manning, CIH, CSP
Industrial Hygiene Consultant at NC DOL/OSHA Consultative ServicesLance McClure
Safety and Health Specialist at NC State University OTILance D. McClure is a safety and health specialist who assists North Carolina industries in OSHA compliance, workplace safety and health program development and training. An authorized OSHA Outreach trainer for both construction and general industry, Lance conducts customized safety and health training for IES clients and customers across North Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States. Prior to joining IES, Lance was the founding executive director of Virginia Technical Institute and an assistant professor and director of technical studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. With a focus on training skilled craftsmen using the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, Lance has been an NCCER master trainer for eight years and has trained others to become NCCER instructors. Additionally, Lance was the safety trainer for Southside Community College’s Power Line Worker School in Blackstone, Virginia. He has experience working in construction for Fluor, Crawford Drywall and Hayes Contractors. Lance holds both B.S and M.A. degrees from Liberty University and has earned his C-MESH (Construction Manager of Environmental Safety and Health) certificate and MESH (Manager of Environmental Safety and Health) certificate from NC State University.
Lea Mills, MBA, PHR, IPMA-SCP, PS-MESH
Risk Management/Safety Coordinator at Craven CountyDr. Sarah Mouser, Au.D., CCC-A, CPS/A
Owner at Occupation Sound SolutionsDr. Mouser is a Dr. of Audiology and the owner of Occupational Sound Solutions. Although she is based in North Carolina, she manages Hearing Conservation Programs for companies all over the United States and serves as a CAOHC Course Director. Dr. Mouser is currently licensed in 27 states.
In addition, Dr. Mouser owns and oeprates an Opthalmology and Clinical Audiology practice, Southeastern Eye Care, PA, with her husband who is an Ophthamologist.
Amy O'Regan, MPH
Manager of Health Programs on the Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Team at North Carolina Association of County CommissionersAmy is a Manager of Health Programs on the Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Team at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Amy is a public health professional with over 10 years of experience working in the government, nonprofit, and academic sectors. She has expertise in overdose prevention, opioid abatement strategies, and safer substance use. She is a skilled program manager and evaluator. Before coming to NCACC, Amy was a researcher focused on systems level strategies to prevent overdose and promote safety. Amy obtained her Master of Public Health from Columbia University in 2016 with concentrations in epidemiology and global health.
Wendy Padgett MPPA/MSSEM/GSP
Director of Workplace Safety & Health at National Safety Council - Southeastern ChapterWendy Padgett is the Director of Workplace Safety and Health for the Southeastern Chapter of the National Safety Council. She has more than 20 years of experience in Occupational Safety and Health and has designed, developed, implemented and maintained numerous safety training programs and policies in the private and public sectors. Wendy holds two master’s degrees - one in Public Policy Administration and the other in Safety, Security and Emergency Management. Additionally, Wendy is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer in General Industry and Construction.
Chief David Pease
Chief/Instructor at REDS TeamChief David Pease has been a REDS Team instructor for almost 40 years, handling all operations for technical rescue response and training in a multitude of industries. The Chief started his career working for the Wake County EMS and spent 26 years as a paramedic, crew leader and board member. He also owned and operated his own general contracting company for more than 20 years. He has a wealth of knowledge and certifications ranging in all types of rescue instructing from water, tower, trenches, and everything in between.
Anastasia Settle, RN, CCM
Carlisle MedicalAnastasia has over 25 years of experience in the Workers Compensation arena working primarily in the Case Management space. She has had the honor and privilege of speaking at many conferences about medical, ethical, and return to work solutions. Currently, Anastasia works for Carlisle Medical interacting with their multidisciplinary team, including Case Managers, Durable Medical Equipment Specialists, and Pharmacists to ensure that the care provided to our customers and their employees is exceptional. Anastasia also has a strong passion for her community, having previously served on an Ethics board for a hospital during her early nursing career, Anastasia further pursued this topic of study and currently works with the local homeless coalition. She hopes that you will find her presentation both interesting and informative.
Aaron Stryker
Emergency Management Coordinator at Carteret County Emergency ServicesFormer Marine Corps Sergeant that used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to obtain a degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Campbell University.
Started in Emergency Management in 2019 in Wayne County before moving to Carteret County in 2022 in the same role.
As a County Emergency Manager I respond to support emergency response agencies during emergencies, conduct public outreach and education, and coordinate with State and Federal agencies for emergency and non-emergency events.
Ryan Weston
Safety Compliance Coordinator at Carteret Craven Electric CooperativeRyan Weston Safety Compliance Coordinator for Carteret Craven Electric Cooperative. Started his career in 1990 – 2013 as Distribution lineman then transitioned to Safety roles to support Electric Cooperative across the state for three years then 2016 started work with CCEC. Ryan is Certified Loss Control Professional (CLPC) at the University of Wisconsin school of Business, Manager of Environmental Safety And Health Program (MESH) and NC General Contractor.