Mathew McGee

TeksMed Services

With over 10 years of experience in client- and people-facing roles including four years specializing in disability management, I am passionate about building safer workplaces and fostering meaningful client relationships. I take pride in acting as an extension of our clients' organizations, ensuring both TeksMed’s clients and their employees feel supported and empowered. After three years as a Senior Client Relationship Manager, I transitioned into an Account Executive role, driven by a desire to share the difference TeksMed can make.

Malcolm Staves

Global Vice President Health & Safety, L'Oreal

L'Oreal Global Vice President Health & Safety, Malcolm Staves is co-founder of Safety On the Edge Forums and People Sustainability Global Summit. A Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Malcolm graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He also has an MSc in Integrated Environmental Management from Bath University. Considered a futuristic thought leader in Health & Safety, Malcolm's background was in site engineering technology and plant management as well as corporate environment, health, and safety. At L’Oréal, Malcolm has developed strategies for the globalization of health & safety with a focus on risk management, visible felt leadership, and putting people in the centre. He is the Occupational Health & Safety expert partner to the Capitals Coalition where he is driving putting occupational health and safety firmly into the Human Capital and ESG agendas and a co-founder of OneWISH that aims to promote Diversity and Inclusion within the Health & Safety profession. He is also a member of the IOSH Business Leaders Forum. He is known for his networking and sharing as well as his hummingbird approach which was the subject of his 2022 TEDx talk. He is married and lives in France with his three children and enjoys anything to do with space, science fiction and following Chelsea football club.

Meghan Watson

Vice President Culture and Strategy Execution, Kicking Horse Coffee

Meghan Watson is vice president of culture and strategy execution for Kicking Horse Coffee—the organic, fair trade, kick ass, international coffee roaster based in the Canadian Rockies, and a Best Place to Work in Canada since 2015. A Certified Human Resources Professional, she has 15 years of experience in people and culture and a passion for psychologically safe leadership.

Wayne Arondus

CEO, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Chief Executive Officer of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, Wayne is an experienced leader in all areas of operations, manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain. A proven sales and marketing leader, Wayne has led multiple businesses serving the manufacturing, retail, and wholesale channels. He joined the Alliance as Chief Operating Officer in 2018. A teacher, mentor, and community supporter, Wayne is a member of the Canadian Mental Health Association board of directors and an instructor in the BCIT Operations Management Degree program. Past Chair of the Habitat for Humanity Canada board of directors, Wayne also served on the board of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters and was a member of the 8th Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference of Canada.

Andrea Weimar

Secretary General, ISSA Section Machine Safety

Andrea Weimar is Secretary General of ISSA | Section Machine and System Safety, one of 14 international prevention sections of the Special Commission on Prevention of the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

Doris Bentley

CPHR, President, Center Point Learning

Doris Bentley has built her career helping leaders unlock the full potential of their people. As founder of Centrepoint, a talent management consultancy, she has worked with hundreds of owners and executives in small to mid-market enterprises, guiding them through the challenges of growth, restructuring, and leadership transition. She brings a practical, real-world perspective to how organizations can align people with strategy—ensuring the right talent is in the right place at the right time. Her expertise spans talent development, organizational design, and workplace innovation, with a strong focus on helping teams build the skills they need to thrive in today’s changing environment. In addition to consulting, Doris is the author of Basic to Brilliant: The Definitive Guide to Transforming Your People Practices. She also designed and launched the online course Align. Grow. Prosper., created for leaders who want to strengthen their people practices and prepare their organizations for the future of work. Her passion for learning extends to her own development as well. She completed a Microcredential in Designing Hybrid Learning Experiences in a Changing Workplace through the University of Victoria, deepening her expertise in how people learn and adapt in dynamic work environments. Friendly, insightful, and future-focused, Doris brings both deep experience and fresh thinking to conversations about upskilling and talent development.

Steve Conway

Director of Leadership and Psychological Safety

Dr. Steve Conway brings more than 30 years experience providing mental health services and leadership to his role as Director of Leadership and Psychological Safety at the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC. Drawing his background as an educator and expertise in delivering mental health services to diverse populations and clinical issues in a wide range of settings, Steve delivers personalized workshops, leadership consulting, and coaching on workplace mental health issues. Steve is also a post secondary educator and former senior leader at the director and vice president level in a private, not-for-profit university. He has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and an MBA with a focus on leadership and teams. Steve is a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor and has coach training in an ICF accredited program. For the previous 12 years, in addition to being a senior level leader, Steve has been a counselling therapist, leadership coach and consultant, workshop facilitator focusing on workplace mental health and leadership issues and a leadership fit to position assessment specialist.

Hassan Nedadahandeh

OHS (OSSE) Audit Manager, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949 Lead Auditor, Six Sigma Black Belt

Hossein Sinaei

Director of Occupational Health and Safety

Hossein is a Mechanical Engineer (P.Eng. in BC and AB) with more than 14 years of extensive experience in safety, quality, project management, research engineering, technical training, and auditing. His deep expertise in engineering, safety and quality regulations across Western Canada are a tremendous asset to all growing companies and manufacturing industries.

John Dony

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, What Works Institute

John is the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of the What Works Institute. Before launching What Works in November of 2024, John served as Director at the Phylmar Group, a US west coast-focused EHS network organization that covers critical and emerging safety, health, environmental, and regulatory issues. John and the What Works team continue to manage and direct Phylmar membership in their new capacities. Prior to this, John had a 16-year career at the National Safety Council, and last served as the organization’s Vice President of Workplace Strategy. In that capacity, he led vision and strategic direction for the NSC Workplace Practice, including for thought leadership programs and offerings including the Campbell Institute, Work to Zero, SAFER, the MSD Solutions Lab, NSC Networks, and the Council’s deep array of training, survey, and consultative services. John also led a variety of research and impact initiatives around emerging topics and issues of interest to safety & health leaders. John has previously held quality management, project management, and coalition-building positions in the communication and educational fields. He graduated from Northwestern University with a dual bachelor's degree in Sociology and Creative Writing.

Trevor Mayoh

Equity & Diversity Consultant, Next Gen Men

Trevor Mayoh is a trusted consultant, keynote speaker, and cultural strategist who works at the intersection of leadership, workplace culture, and the role of men in equity. He is widely recognized for his expertise in engaging men in male-dominant industries to reflect on traditional norms, navigate resistance, and take meaningful action in support of safer, more inclusive workplaces. Rather than relying on standard diversity training, Trevor leads disruptive, values-based conversations that resonate with men. His work supports psychological safety, authentic leadership, and sustainable culture change - from the job site to the boardroom. Trevor has partnered with national and global organizations across sectors including construction, energy, technology, finance, professional sports, and the armed forces. He regularly delivers keynotes, facilitates leadership development, and advises senior teams on navigating equity and inclusion in a way that fits their context. He is also a frequent media contributor, featured in national publications, on podcasts, and as a recurring commentator on Newstalk 1010. His work is grounded in empathy, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead cultural transformation in male-dominant environments.

Janet Mannella

Vice President of Operations, CCOHS

Janet Mannella is Vice President of Operations at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. She is a certified Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and brings to CCOHS a wealth of expertise in safety leadership, compliance, employee relations, workplace investigations, and much more. Prior to joining CCOHS, Janet worked at McMaster University as the Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Manager, where she was responsible for delivery and audit of occupational health and safety programs and management of support services for more than 8,000 employees across the multiple Health Sciences locations. She was also Manager of Occupational Safety, Security and Parking Services at Conestoga College, and taught in their health and safety certificate program. Janet holds an MBA with a speciality focus in Health and Safety Leadership from the University of Fredericton as well as an Occupational Health and Safety certificate from Ryerson University.

Natasha Ozybko

Co-Founder, Moxy: The Voice of Women in Infrastructure

Natasha Ozybko is the co-founder of MOXY: The Voice of Women in Infrastructure and Principal at Ozybko Consulting Group. With over 20 years of experience developing emerging markets, building businesses, and branding and communications across diverse verticals, Natasha is keenly aware of the power of the underdog competitor and is an expert at Sustaining and Disruptive Innovation. Natasha graduated from Arizona State University with both an Executive MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business as well as a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Throughout her career, she has been 'one of the only' ' the few women with a seat at the table. Never one to shy away from a tough conversation, she works with industry leaders and their organizations to uncover blind spots and biases when it comes to recruiting women and more importantly how to create an inclusive culture that affords women equal opportunities for advancement to optimize their retention rate. A founding member and past president of the nonprofit Women of Asphalt, in 2021 Natasha was honored by Construction Dive Business Journal as a Construction Champion: Tradeswoman Leader, which spotlights top female leaders who exemplify the female-driven intuition, dedication, and intelligence shaping the industry. In 2021 she launched MOXY, an online multilingual platform that empowers women to have bigger roles in industries that offer rewarding, well-paying careers and tackles workplace issues that commonly arise as women are navigating historically male-dominated interview processes, job sites, and board rooms. Natasha is a frequent speaker and media commentator specializing in how men can be allies and advocates in the workplace, overcoming biases in hiring and career advancement opportunities, and women vs. women workforce discrimination. A 5x Ironman triathlete, Natasha currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kelly Nicoll

President, IOSH

IOSH President Kelly Nicoll is a Chartered Fellow with more than 15 years’ experience in safety, health and environment, mental health and wellbeing, and impactful training. She has served a wide range of organization's and industry sectors, working nationally and internationally throughout her career. Her key driver is the belief that everyone should get to go home at the end of every day of work, no matter where they are in the world.

Martin Sheridan

Safety Advisor - Occupational Hygienist, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Martin is a highly skilled and dedicated industrial hygienist, holding both CIH and CRSP designations. He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BSc. Degree in Environmental Science. He is committed to enhancing worker well-being and minimizing occupational hazards by applying his expertise in hazardous material assessment, air monitoring, and regulatory compliance. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Martin uses his strong focus on proactive support, along with his extensive knowledge, to drive continuous improvement in health and safety practices in the manufacturing industry.

Kim Cooper

President and CEO, Youth Culture Inc.

Kim Cooper is President and CEO of Youth Culture Inc., a consultant and strategist driving innovation in youth empowerment, education, and communications. She also serves as Director of Communications at Space Canada, supporting collaboration and promoting Canadian innovation. With a diverse background in business, Japanese studies, robotics, education, ethics in AI, and media, Kim brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work. She is a Certified Career Strategist and author of Girls in Science: Voices for Change, committed to building inclusive, forward-thinking solutions.

Sandra Reder

President and Founder, Vertical Bridge HR

For over 20 years, Sandra has been a driving force within the human resource community. Her understanding of current HR best practices and trends is extensive, and her desire to ensure that Vertical Bridge HR is providing innovative programs and services to their clients is what drives her and the business forward. She has worked within a wide range of industries including healthcare, private sector, not-for-profit and public sector. In 2005 Sandra founded Vertical Bridge HR a full-service HR and recruitment consulting practice. Then, in late 2014 Sandra identified a need for HR support within the health care sector. She founded Health Bridge HR, specifically focused on health care practitioners providing them with HR expertise that they would not otherwise have access to. Sandra is a well-regarded facilitator and speaker on a variety of subjects, including HR Best Practices and Inter-Generational Communication within the Workplace. She is a sought-after key-note speaker on the topic of human resources and has presented at numerous association and industry conferences.

Lars Hoffmann

Head of EHS Expert Center, Siemens

With more than 20 years of environmental, health, and safety experience across multiple industries, Lars Hoffman heads the EHS Expert Center for Siemens in Munich.

Kate Lamble

Freelance Radio Producer (former BBC + Grenfell podcast)

Former BBC senior journalist, Kate Lamble works as a freelance journalist and audio producer—currently producing a new 10-part narrative series for BBC Radio 4 about HS2 with Whistledown Productions. Kate was previously the Science & Technology Correspondent for BBC Newsnight, leading coverage of scientific and environmental issues, including topics such as health and climate change. A senior journalist in Radio Current Affairs (now Long Form Audio) at the BBC, she produced and presented various factual programmes for Radio 4, the World Service, and BBC Sounds—most notably, The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Podcast—winner of the Best Factual Series at the ARIAS 2025—and More or Less.

renee safrata

CEO and Founder, Vivo Team

An entertaining and personable speaker, Renée brings her expertise and deep passion for teams to every audience. Over the past 30+ years she has worked with more than 300 companies and 3,000 executives throughout North America and Europe, helping them to connect, adopt new behaviors, and become confident members of highly functioning teams. Human-connection and talent development are at the core of everything Renée touches. From one-on-one and team training, to speaking engagements, she clearly demonstrates how this philosophy of connection is what ultimately drives productivity and directly contributes to company results. Early on, Renée recognized the ongoing shift and future demand for digital workplace learning and now has over 10 years experience leading a remote team and creating and delivering educating, entertaining, and unique virtual learning experiences.

Steffen Ganders

Head of Global Public Affairs, German Bionic

With over two decades shaping the business landscape, Steffen has honed his expertise in overcoming complex challenges and driving strategic growth. His career has been dedicated to fostering impactful partnerships between government, industry and society, particularly in the dynamic sectors of digital education, health and government. As a proven leader with a deep-rooted passion for technology, Steffen thrives on developing innovative solutions that address societal needs. His experience includes designing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, building strong stakeholder relationships and leading organization's to sustainable success. At an operational level, he has a strong background in managing and implementing projects around ESG and trade compliance.

Christopher Skipper

Head of Customer Solutions, Voxel

Chris Skipper, known simply as Skipper, serves as the Head of Customer Solutions at Voxel, a leading computer vision AI company dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and operational efficiency. With two decades of experience in safety consulting and risk management, Skipper leads a cross-functional team of subject matter experts who empower safety professionals to deploy advanced AI technologies. By leveraging computer vision AI, Skipper and the Customer Solutions team help organizations move beyond reactive safety practices, enabling them to proactively detect and address the root causes of risk through smarter, tech-driven programs.

Oscar Garcia

Principal Consultant, Bosch

Oscar Garcia is Principal Consultant for Sustainability, Lean Management and Industry 4.0 at Bosch Software and Digital Solutions Europe. Oscar Garcia has over two decades of experience in industry and has worked in various Bosch business units around the globe. His extensive background includes leading various transformation projects in culturally diverse environments such as Germany, Russia, Mexico, USA, Spain, Portugal, Italy and India. Through these experiences, Oscar has developed a comprehensive understanding of use cases, best practices and cutting-edge technologies. This enables him to act as a knowledgeable digital advisor and consultant to guide companies on their journey to transform into a sustainable and lean Industry 4.0.

Andrew Pike

Manager, Made Safe NL (Moderator)

Andrew Pike manages Made Safe NL, a sector-based safety program and initiative of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador (CME NL)—committed to promoting and protecting the health and safety of workers and employers in the manufacturing and processing sectors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Will Thomas

Safety Advisor, Ergonomist, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Will is a passionate and proven Health & Safety Advisor, specializing in Ergonomics and Human Factors. He focuses on delivering practical strategies for implementing ergonomic programs that align workplace demands with the diverse capabilities and needs of frontline teams. Will holds a BSc in Kinesiology and an MSc in Ergonomics & Human Factors. His academic foundation is complemented by extensive industry experience, including his role as Corporate Ergonomist for PepsiCo North America. There, he led the strategic design and execution of ergonomics programming across a network of more than 300 manufacturing and distribution sites, helping deliver significant reductions in musculoskeletal injury rates. Will also brings first-hand innovation experience, having served as the Lead Ergonomist in the development, testing, and commercial deployment of multi-point sensor systems that digitize ergonomic risk assessments and validate control measures.

Dr. Rammohan Maikala

Subject Matter Expert–Program Technical Consultant, National Safety Council MSD Solutions Lab

Dr. Rammohan (Ram) Maikala joined the National Safety Council, USA, in November 2021 as a Subject Matter Expert and Program Technical Consultant for the MSD Solutions Lab. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Ergonomics by Design. Previously, he worked as a Senior Injury Prevention and Ergonomics Program Specialist at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington, for seven years. At Providence, Ram taught and trained hospital staff on safe patient handling and mobility. Before he arrived at Providence in October 2014, Ram was a Research Scientist for more than 12 years at the Center for Physical Ergonomics, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Ram has a Doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, Masters in Industrial Engineering with special emphasis on Ergonomics and Safety Engineering from West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University, Telengana, India. He is a Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Dan MacQueen

Change Management I Resilience I Motivation

At 28, Dan was leading a healthy, active life. After an optometrist appointment to identify the cause of his persistent headaches was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to the hospital. What followed, was emergency brain surgery. On June 21, 2014, Dan's reality was shattered by a devastating brain hemorrhage. With no map to guide him on the grueling path to recovery, Dan had to rely on his grit, perseverance, and resilience to relearn everything he once knew: how to walk, talk and even smile. Dan has survived two emergency brain surgeries, weeks in a coma, and months in a rehab hospital. What he found out along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind! Driven by a positive mindset, Dan battled through excruciating rehab exercises to rebuild his life and return to a job he loved. He’s grateful for the doctors who saved him and the friends and family who supported him. Now he wants to pay it forward. The tools Dan used to build back his life can be used by anyone facing challenges. He will reveal strategies to help you or your team be #BetterThanYesterday and achieve your goals, one step at a time. His action-oriented life hacks will help you tackle anything you face. Take away practical approaches to triumph over adversity. Join Dan to learn how changing your perspective can activate your resilience.

Rick Sikora

CEO & President, Cranemasters

Rick has been in the overhead crane and rigging industry for more than 30 years, as an Overhead Crane Technician, Red Seal Journeyman Welder, Electrician, and Millwright. Rick is on the CSAB167 technical committee. Rick is dedicated to ensuring information relayed to customers is documented and supportable. Rick has changed the culture and empowered many large organizations with their Hoisting and Rigging Programs. Through this passion, he development the RiggingResouceCenter.com—a free resource for industry to use.

Frankie Fuchs

Vice President of Global EH&S, Finning

Frankie is a senior leader in Environmental Health and Safety and is the Vice President of Global EH&S at Finning. With over 25 years of success in the mining, construction and oil and gas industries worldwide, he has a wealth of experience in serious injury and fatality prevention, complimented by extensive hands-on experience enhancing complex management systems.

Jessee Regnier

HR Manager, Freeport Industries Ltd.

Jessee Regnier is a results-driven Human Resources professional with a sharp focus on occupational health and safety. With a proven track record of creating safer, more engaged workplaces, Jessee blends strategic HR leadership with practical safety expertise to drive both employee well-being and organizational performance. At Freeport Industries, Jessee leads the OSSE Certified safety program while fostering a positive workplace culture through proactive employee relations. As the HR & Safety Manager at BC Tree Fruits, Jessee led the charge in achieving COR certification—becoming the first fruit packing facility in Western Canada to do so. Her leadership resulted in a 50% reduction in recordable injuries. Jessee holds an Occupational Health & Safety Certificate and is certified as an OSSE Internal Auditor. Her approach combines compliance, coaching, and continuous improvement, making safety not just a priority—but a shared value across the organization.

Sandra Tanemura

Food Safety & Health and Safety Coordinator- Western Canada, Andrew Peller

2025 Apex Award Finalist Sandra Tanemura of Andrew Peller Estates has a clear vision for safer operations. She's led meaningful upgrades to lockout tag out processes and inspired a stronger safety mindset across her team. Sandra's collaborative leadership fosters trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to keeping everyone safe. Sandra's background in safety spans a range of industries—from corrections to food manufacturing—and is dedicated to ensuring that her team gets the training and education needed to build a safer workplace. Sandra Tanemura is also uses her skills as a 5S Lean Agile Green Belt to review current processes, understand the gaps, and implement continual improvement strategies. Under her leadership and guidance, organizations have moved from paying surcharges to getting WorkSafeBC rebates by eliminating risks.

Alex Rowntree

Senior Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety, Winpak Division and American Biaxis Inc.

With 25 years of experience in health and safety, Alex is Senior Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety for packaging machinery manufacturer Winpak. He has experience in many industries: pharmaceuticals, furniture, military, academic, aerospace/satellites, foundries, construction, malting and currently in plastic manufacturing. Each of these have their own unique challenges for safety and environment impact. Alex enjoys the challenges and is always looking for new ways to promote safety and best practices.

Bruce Ennis

Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt & Process Improvement Guru, BE Quality Inc.

Bruce is a Quality Management Professional with thirty years experience in the field of Quality, Process Improvement, and Lean. he's been recognized for his accomplishments in Lean by being invited to present at the American Society for Quality's (ASQ) Global Lean Summit and has published a white paper through the ASQ as well. Bruce is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Senior Member of the American Society of Quality. He has created Lean programs that have dramatically improved the speed, quality, and profitability of numerous businesses from a wide variety of sectors—aeronautics, manufacturing, petroleum, administration... and even professional sports management. Bruce has consulted for multi-million dollar conglomerates down to small family owned businesses and is passionate about supporting local manufacturers in process improvement.

Amy Roosa

Founder, The Safety Rack and Host, Breaking Safety Glass

Amy Roosa is the founder of The Safety Rack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the personal protective equipment (PPE) equity gap for women through education, research, and advocacy. With more than 20 years of experience as a safety professional across industries such as construction and general industry, Amy has become a recognized leader in advancing safety standards and fostering inclusivity. In addition to her work with The Safety Rack, Amy co-founded the Midwest Women in Safety Conference, providing women in the safety profession with valuable educational and networking opportunities. She is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on topics ranging from training strategies to leadership. Amy’s unwavering dedication to women’s safety and equity continues to inspire meaningful change in workplaces across the country.

Mark Gamble

Capital projects, AIRPLUS Industrial Corp

Mark Gamble is a capital projects sales engineer at AIRPLUS Systems with extensive experience in the mining and oil and gas industries.

Dr. Nippin Anand

Founder, Novellus Solutions Ltd.

Nippin is a former master mariner with a master’s degree in economics, a PhD in Social Sciences and Anthropology and a desire for life-long learning in the wider disciplines of humanities, social psychology and philosophy. After a near collision at sea, he took up a passion for investigating accidents and helping leaders understand the importance of perspective in human failures. As a former subject matter expert at DNV, Nippin also developed an interest in making compliance meaningful for achieving business goals. Founder of Novellus Solutions Ltd. in London, he is the author of two books, host of the podcast Embracing Differences. Nippin blogs regularly, and is recognised both in the research community and across safety critical industries for his ability to make research accessible to businesses and people at work.

Julia Matiash

Hand & Arm Safety Specialist, Superior Glove

With over three decades of experience in sales, logistics, and business development, Julia Matiash is a seasoned Territory Manager and Hand & Arm Safety Specialist with Superior Glove, serving British Columbia since 2021. She helps companies improve workplace safety through hazard assessment, PPE training, and practical protective solutions that reduce hand and arm injuries. Previously, Julia held leadership roles including Regional Sales Manager at Fabory for over 20 years and Manager of Business Development at Peninsula Freight Services. Passionate about advocating for women’s PPE needs, she is dedicated to closing safety gaps and ensuring inclusive protection for all workers.

Erica Zeffiro

Senior Business Development Manager at Veriforce SafeContractor

As a senior sales executive at Veriforce SafeContractor, Erica Zeffiro works with organizations to build tailored contractor compliance programs that make workplaces safer, more efficient, and more connected. She’s passionate about helping businesses turn compliance into a strategic advantage: simplifying complex processes, reducing risk, and driving stronger performance across their contractor network. With a collaborative approach and deep industry insight, Erica partners with clients to create programs that don’t just meet standards, they raise them.

Sakina Bamba

Solutions Engineer, Veriforce SafeContractor

Sakina Bamba helps organizations strengthen the way they manage and support their contractors. As a Solution Engineer at Veriforce SafeContractor, she focuses on understanding each client’s environment and turning complex compliance requirements into clear, workable solutions. With experience spanning systems engineering, cybersecurity, and SaaS integration, Sakina bridges the gap between technical detail and business value. She’s passionate about helping teams simplify their processes, gain visibility across their contractor network, and build safer, more efficient workplaces.

Sylain Ricard

Director of E-Learning Services

Sylvain Ricard is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of expertise in IT, digital learning, and operational management. At Veriforce SafeContractor, he drives the creation and delivery of accessible, multilingual courses designed to meet the needs of both contractors and clients. His work empowers organizations to build strong foundations of knowledge, helping teams stay compliant while fostering safer, more resilient workplaces.

Francois St-Amour

E-Learning Business Development Specialist

François St-Amour is a curious individual with a deep passion for learning. After exploring various fields, he chose to dedicate himself to eLearning business development at Veriforce SafeContractor. His commitment stems from a strong belief in the importance of workforce training, a relentless thirst for knowledge, and a genuine love for communication. Through his work, François strives to make learning more accessible, engaging, and impactful.

Melanie Wilk

Founder, Thrive Recruitment

Melanie is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Professional, who began her career in Human Resources in the early 2000s. With over 20 years of recruitment experience in both corporate and agency recruitment, she has sourced and filled roles throughout Canada and the U.S. Melanie has worked for large, well known brands such as Starbucks, Best Buy and Nature’s Path Foods, so she understands the needs of large businesses and how they operate. She has also worked with small to medium size businesses in B.C. that may require a more hands on approach to recruitment. Throughout the years, she has developed strong relationships and operates on a robust referral network that generates repeat business. In 2021, Melanie decided it was time to start her own business and Thrive Recruitment Inc. was born! Thrive Recruitment Inc. specializes in Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Logistics salaried recruitment in British Columbia

Travis Haynam

VP of Segments, Nederman

VP of Segments, Nederman

Ron deBruyne

CEO, Founder of Wombat Safety Software

Ron deBruyne is the CEO and Founder of Wombat Safety Software, bringing 25 years of expertise in designing, building, and implementing safety software solutions. After founding Helm Operations in 1999 and successfully leading it for two decades, where he developed industry-leading operations, safety, and compliance software for the maritime sector, Ron leveraged his experience to create Wombat. His mission is to simplify safety management for organizations by providing intuitive, effective digital solutions. With deep knowledge of scaling organizations from concept to growth, Ron blends technical innovation with a customer-centric approach. Beyond software, his creativity extends to hands-on projects—whether building a giant trebuchet for pumpkin-tossing experiments or tinkering with electronics. Always driven by curiosity, Ron continues to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in safety technology.

Kim Stubbs

Industry and Program Specialist, WorkSafeBC

Kim joined WorkSafeBC in 2000, developing and maintaining software to support prevention activities while working in the Information Technology Division and studying occupational health and safety at BCIT. In 2007, she redirected her career to health and safety and was promoted to corporate safety advisor, where she implemented and maintained the occupational health and safety management system for WorkSafeBC. Kim is currently an OHS consultant for the manufacturing and transportation industry. She is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).

Sasha Brown

Occupational Audiologist in OHS Technical Advisory Services, Prevention Practices Quality and Engineering, WorkSafeBC

Sasha obtained her M.Sc. in Audiology from UBC in 2000, and has worked as an audiologist at WorkSafeBC, specializing in noise and hearing loss prevention since then. She is now the Occupational Audiologist in OHS Technical Advisory Services, Prevention Practices Quality and Engineering where she strives to reduce or prevent hearing loss and noise-related health conditions. She also teaches future audiologists at UBC, and is the chair of the Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) noise and hearing Conservation technical committees.

Brittany Ray-Wilks

Vertical Bridge HR

Brittany is a dynamic business and Human Resource Leader with a decade of experience spanning public and private sectors, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, health and recreation. As a member of CPHR BC & Yukon since 2014, she earned her CPHR designation in 2020. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on HR and Leadership from Camosun College, Brittany is committed to empowering teams and driving organizational success. With expertise in full-cycle workforce planning, performance management, and organizational development, she excels in coaching and developing talent while strategically aligning HR initiatives with overarching business goals. She is passionate about unlocking individuals’ capabilities through meaningful engagement, visionary leadership, and goal-oriented strategies, all aimed at cultivating high-performing teams united by common values. Known for her innovative approach, Brittany is adept at implementing HR solutions that drive growth and enhance organizational effectiveness, while also nurturing inclusion, diversity, and human connections. Brittany currently lives in Victoria, she embodies the West Coast spirit, finding joy in exploring local beaches and parks with her family and friends. During her spare time, you will find her baking, cooking, reading, and crafting with her two children.

Nicola McGovern

Director of Environment, Health and Safety, Grainger Canada

Nicola McGovern is the Director of Environment, Health and Safety for Grainger Canada and WFS, subsidiaries of W.W. Grainger, Inc., a $16.5 billion leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. Nicola is responsible for the occupational health and safety program and environmental initiatives and leads a team of health and safety professionals across Canada. Today, Nicola also serves as Chair of the Board of Women in Occupational Health and Safety Society. With proven success in risk management and regulatory compliance, Nicola provides solutions and delivers programs that contribute to the safety culture and overall business strategy. In 2023, Grainger Canada was recognized by Canadian Occupational Safety as a 5-Star Safety Culture. Nicola is also on the corporate Emergency Preparedness and Response Council and the Business Continuity Management champion. She is a member of the corporate Disability Business Resource Group and Women’s Business Resource Group. Prior to leading EHS, Nicola was the Manager of Legal Affairs and was also responsible for the Corporate Social Responsibility Program. Nicola has been involved with Ontario based Workplace Safety & Prevention Services since 2017 as a member of the WSPS Retail, Wholesale & Office Advisory Committee and as a Board Director since 2018. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and is a member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario. Nicola is currently on the PGA of Canada Women’s Golf Advisory Group and previously on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce. She is a certified national competition coach, volunteer head golf coach with Special Olympics, and the recipient of the Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence award.

Dan Monteiro

President, Catalyst Training Services Inc

Dan Monteiro is the President of Catalyst Training Services Inc. For over 30 years, he has helped more than 250 companies develop leadership and management talent across all levels. In addition to delivering proven leadership development programs, Dan has supported organizations with executive selection by interviewing candidates for senior roles including President, VP, GM, and department leaders in operations, finance, sales, and more. Catalyst Training Services is a trusted training provideer of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, BC Food and Beverage Group, and many other Associations.

Ali Mirkarimi

CEO, Kearns Technology Inc.

Ali Mirkarimi is a seasoned business professional currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kearns Technology Inc. (KTI), a managed IT services provider based in Toronto, Canada. With a background in business advisory and real estate finance, Mirkarimi has extensive experience in providing structured finance solutions. As CEO of KTI, Mirkarimi leads a company that offers a wide range of IT solutions, including network support, IT security, and consulting services. Under his leadership, KTI has grown to become a prominent managed IT services provider, serving businesses across Canada, the USA and Europe since 2010. Mirkarimi's approach to IT infrastructure and web security emphasizes the importance of understanding the human element in technology implementation. He believes that effective IT solutions depend on people comprehending and appreciating the systems put in place

Guillaume Nepveu

Founder and CEO of Chaac Technologies

Guillaume Nepveu is the Founder and CEO of Chaac Technologies. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Applied Mathematics from Polytechnique Montréal. With extensive experience in data management for major oil spill interventions across North America, he has also taught mathematics for eight years. Under his leadership, Chaac has become a pioneer in emerging technologies such as virtual reality, drones, and artificial intelligence.

Ali Samji

Business Development Executive, Konstant

Ali Samji has been with Konstant for over seven years, specializing in material handling solutions and supporting customers across a wide range of industries. With a strong focus on warehouse optimization, Ali works closely with clients to identify the right solutions for their unique needs. Backed by a team of experts in engineering design, automation, inspections, and safety, Ali ensures every project is approached with precision and care. Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, implement new systems, or explore automation, Ali is your go-to resource for comprehensive material handling support.