Dr. Sharifa Batts
Head of Environment & Sustainability at Ports America, Inc.Dr. Sharifa Batts has worked at Ports America for 25 years and has decades of experience leading safety on the waterfront. She has overseen all operations, including containers, breakbulk, logs, etc. Dr. Batts will lead the Best Practices to Prevent Common Injuries session, where we will learn from managers' key lessons as they share their best practices.
Wylie Davidson
Legacy Safety SolutionsWylie Davidson is a motivational speaker and safety culture specialist from Buffalo NY. His ability to energize audiences while getting them to rethink their own personal safety values has been an effective resource with hundreds of companies at facilities all over the US, Canada and Mexico. His unique ability to add fun and humor to a safety message have made him a desired speaker with companies looking to reset their own safety culture or to give a charge to an existing one.
Robert Henkel
Regional Vice President Cruise at SSA Marine Cruise DivisionAn award-winning leader driven by a commitment for creating, communicating and implementing exceptional operational structure and development. Focused on safety, efficiency, profitability, while exceeding demands for constant improvement in the interest of all stakeholders.
Nick Jumonville
Vice President, Labor Relations - New Orleans at WGMA
Alex Montoya
Health, Safety, & Environmental (HSE) Manager at SSA MarineA dedicated husband and father of five, I have over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, including a decade in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management. I take pride in my career journey, having started from the ground up and worked diligently to achieve my current position.
Bill Nelson
Health and Safety at Husky Terminal and Stevedoring, LLCAs the Director of Health and Safety at Husky Terminal, Bill's primary role is leading the safety culture to ensure safe and sustainable operation by partnering with the workforce, management and contractors.
Bill offers over 22 years of experience within the Maritime Industry; he has maintained several leadership positions in various capacities to include maritime operations, Intermodal drayage, labor relations and safety in multiple ports to include Los Angeles, Tacoma, Vancouver, WA and Seattle.
Bill's experiences include container terminals, logs, break-bulk, passenger, autos, and Ro-Ro operations. Additionally, Bill maintains various industry positions - he is a member of the Joint Coast Safety Committee representing Employers on US West Coast through the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and is a Signal Mutual Indemnity Association (SMIA) Marine Terminal Safety Committee member.
Stephen Peranich
Principal at Blank Rome Government Relations LLCStephen C. Peranich is a seasoned government affairs strategist and thought leader with more than 25 years of experience in advocacy, lobbying, policy development, and communications. His expertise has consistently produced positive results for his clients in the defense, maritime, transportation, and healthcare sectors. Renowned for his ability to forge strong alliances and
advance advocacy agendas at both federal and state levels, Stephen has a notable history of
cultivating high-performing teams. His strengths lie in consensus building, conveying the business
impact of public policies, and engaging effectively with senior executives, members of Congress and their staff, Executive branch officials, and industry professionals.
Stephen's dynamic approach and proven track record make him a valuable asset in any strategic
endeavor. Previously, Stephen served as chief of staff and primary advisor to the Office of Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) and as the legislative director for Congressman Taylor. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the House of Representatives, including assisting Congressman Taylor in his capacity as a member of the House Committee on Armed Services and Merchant Marine and Fisheries, the Coast Guard Caucus, the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus, and the Shipbuilding Caucus.
Stephen received his master’s degree in national security and strategic studies at the Naval War
College in Rhode Island.