Biographies
*These were the speaker biographies for the 2022 Leading Reliability Conference. We will add content for the 2023 Leading Reliability Conference, May 16-18, speaker biographies when it becomes available.
Lee is a 5-star Innovation Catalyst, Keynote Speaker, Workshop Leader, Culture Change Agent, Design Thinking Trainer, Avengers and Stars Wars fanboy, and overall MAGICAL DUDE! Lee brings a wealth of experience as a Certified Master Facilitator and long-term innovation agent.
During his 32 years at The Walt Disney Company, he helped create some of their most impactful marketing campaigns, memorable guest experiences, and real-time operational efficiencies.
Now he offers his magic and wisdom in a mix of training, interactive workshops, facilitated idea sessions and inspiring keynotes both in person and virtually, around the world.
Education & Expertise:
· Bachelor’s degree, Mechanical Engineering (Alexandria University).
· More than 8 years’ Experience in the field of Condition Monitoring and Reliability.
· Have more than 7 years’ experience in Steel industries.
Certifications:
· Airborne/Structure borne Ultrasound ISO Category II
· Airborne/Structure borne Ultrasound ISO Category I
· Thermal Imaging ISO Cat II
· Thermal Imaging ISO Cat I
· MLA Machinery Lubrication Cat I
· Vibration Analyst ISO Category III and ASNT Level II candidate – Reliability Improvement and Condition Monitoring
· Attended CMRP Course only
Rick Bueltel has been actively involved in providing energy service or energy-related services to commercial and industrial accounts in the upper Midwest for the past eleven years. Mr. Bueltel has provided consulting in the electric distribution industry and the maintenance industry. For the past eleven years, Mr. Bueltel has provided infrared maintenance services to Missouri River Energy Services’ 61 Member utilities, 22 Associates, and their commercial/industrial accounts, along with numerous unrelated regional facilities.
Education:
2 year Associate Degree in Construction Electrician-MN West Technical College-1994
Current Certificates held:
Certified Level II Thermographer – Infrared Training Center – 2018
Certified Level I Airborne Ultrasound – UE Systems – 2011
Journeyman A Electrician Licensure, Minnesota – 2000
Scott is in charge of delivering RDI customer training and Proof of Concept (POC) visits as well as supporting training material content and updates.
Scott has over 30 years of rotating equipment and condition monitoring experience, with an emphasis on vibration analysis, most recently with SKF, where as a regional service/sales manager, he worked with a team to support customers with reliability services, technology, solutions and training.
Scott received a technical degree in Electromechanical Technology from the Center of Robotic Technology in Chicago, IL. Scott is Vibration Analysis certified ISO Category III, Thermography Level II and Applied Modal & Operating Deflection Shape Analysis trained.
I began my industrial career in 1997-2005 working at an independent auto parts stamping and sub assembly plant. While there I worked in production of parts for GM, Freightliner and Mercedes Benz. I eventually was chosen to travel to Mercedes and GM as a quality representative. This is where my attention to detail was fostered.
In 2005 I moved to the current plant I work at. It has had a few different owners over the years currently we are Constellium Rolled Products. I first worked on the Hot Rolling line as a production operator. Then I moved to our storeroom. In 2008 I was laid off for 10 months. During that time, I was fortunate to have a training opportunity. I attended WVU-Parkersburg where I obtained an Industrial Maintenance Certification. In 2009 I was recalled to work and at this point I knew I wanted to pursue a career in maintenance.
In 2010 the plant was Alcan Rolled Products. The opportunity to enter the joint company, USWA and Department of Labor Apprenticeship came available. It was a 4-year program in conjunction with WVU-Parkersburg. Upon completion of this program I received and Associate in applied science with a concentration in Industrial Maintenance. I am a General Millwright in the Casting Department of Constellium Rolled Products. The Casting Department consists of 5 DC furnace complexes with capacities ranging from 40 to 100 tons.
In 2017 Constellium implemented a focus on Maintenance Reliability. I was offered the opportunity to join this team as the Millwright focused on Combustion Reliability in Casting. During this time one of my primary goals was better lubrication practices of the fans and blowers in our combustion systems. Previously we would have many unplanned breakdowns as our bearings would fail. This caused major losses in production due to downtime. With the use of UE Systems Ultrasonic greasing practices, I now have a history of recorded data and a better understanding of what is happening within the bearings I maintain.
Education:
Associate Degree Industrial Maintenance—WVU-Parkersburg
Certificates:
US Department of Labor Millwright Apprenticeship
Airborne Ultrasound Level 1—UE Systems
MLT 1—Noria
Category 1 Vibration Analysis—Mobius Institute
OSHA 10 Hour—USWA
Industrial Maintenance Certificate-WVU-Parkersburg
Lubrication Theory—WVU-Parkersburg
Rick started his 27-year career in maintenance on board the submarine USS Baltimore SSN-704 in 1991. He discovered an ability to repair equipment and had a knack for figuring out why things were broken. After his time in the Navy was over, he began a career in Industrial Maintenance where he grew his skill set even more. After being promoted to Maintenance Technologist and attending RMC Bootcamp at the University of Tennessee, Rick obtained his CMRP certification. He has since held positions as Planner, Scheduler, and Maintenance Supervisor. Rick has also been a CMMS Administrator and was the lead consultant on the development of that project.
He earned his RMIC certification from UT based upon quantifiable improvements made at his facility due to the successful implementation of that system. He has served or is currently serving on several committees within SMRP, including the SMRP Conference committee, the Best Practices Committee where he now serves as Chair, and the Maintenance and Reliability Knowledge Committee. He currently serves as the chapter Treasurer for the SMRP Middle Tennessee Chapter. Rick has been married for 23 years to his wife, Chandra. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, mountain biking, and golfing with his daughter.
Terry Harris is a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), certified through The Society of Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). Having worked in the manufacturing/process industry for 26 years for a fortune 100 company. During this time he was devoted to maintenance area efforts, with most of his career being focused on improving the reliability of the plant as well as other U.S. and European locations.
Along with working as the facility Maintenance and Reliability leader, Terry was involved with many corporate wide projects to cut costs and improve equipment reliability. For many years Terry’s focused efforts in applying knowledge to critical pieces of equipment and processes in a wide variety of industries with excellent results. Terry has performed training in the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, Egypt, Europe, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South America, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, as well as many other worldwide locations.
Jeff is the CEO of RDI Technologies. He thrives on creating innovative products that disrupt industries and help customers see things in a whole new way. He believes that cameras are the sensor of the future.
Jeff’s background is in Applied Optical Physics. Before founding RDI, Jeff held a Research Scientist position at the University of Louisville where he developed and patented a method to measure motion remotely with the use of a video camera. His roles focused on data acquisition, signal processing, software development, and data analysis. In addition to these technical roles, Jeff was responsible for overseeing the commercialization aspect of the grants he was involved in.
Since starting RDI, he has created and patented multiple methods for using camera technology to measure and visualize motion that is integral to RDI’s products. In addition to research, Jeff also manages the development team at RDI and oversees all product development. He is also actively involved in customer demos, training, and site implementation because he believes that customer feedback and success drive better products.
Jeff has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Louisville.
Milan is the Head of Commissioning for Enel North Americas Engineering and Construction unit. His teams are responsible for startup, commissioning, and early operation for all of Enels new Solar, Wind and Battery Storage projects in the US and Canada. He is a renewable power industry professional with experience ranging from greenfield design through plant operations across numerous technologies and disciplines, including mechanical design, construction & commissioning, failure analysis, and various asset management disciplines. His current work focuses on developing strong systems to drive positive organizational behaviors, and studying how the balance of People, Business Process, and Product Performance is manifested in organizations, and what we can do to manage imbalances when they occur. Milan and his wife Marjanae live in Reno, Nevada where they enjoy the mountains, sports and the outdoors with their two children, Soraya and Marek.
I am Kenneth Hunt with PACCAR Engine Company in Columbus, Mississippi and I have been in the industrial maintenance arena for over 40 years. My career started as an industrial
electrician and I have held roles many different roles i.e. Electrical Supervisor, Project Manager, Process Improvement Engineer, Maintenance Manager, Electrical Engineering Resource, and my current role as Reliability Team Coordinator.
I have been with PACCAR for over 6 years starting as Maintenance Team Coordinator and moving into my most resent role as Maintenance Reliability Area Manager in2021.
I attended Fort Valley State University studying Electronic Engineering Technology, Bethel University studying Organizational Leadership and Bethel University MBA with an emphasis on Management.
I am a CMRP and hold certifications in IR, Level I Ultrasound, PdMA Motor Circuit Analysis, MLA, and Precision Alignment.
Shon specializes in Adult Learning, Leadership, Asset Management, and Reliability Engineering and has lead improvement initiatives for industries such as pharmaceuticals, metals, petrochemical, automotive, paper, power generation, among others. Shon has spoken at numerous professional conferences on these topics in the US as well as Europe, South America, and the Middle East.
Shon is an engineering graduate of North Carolina State University and has become an expert in the implementation of holistic reliability solutions using tools such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), as well as Six Sigma and Lean to drive significant bottom-line results.
Shon is a Past Chairman of the National Board and past Director of Education for the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals and is a past committee vice chairman in the area of benchmarking. Shon also serves on the boards of other global asset management and education organizations including the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM), Association for Talent Development (ATD), and World Partners in Asset Management (WPiAM). Shon is a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA) and has been certified by Prosci and Colorado State University as a Change Management Professional (CMP).
Shon is a Plant Engineering Future 30 honoree and a USA Science and Engineering Festival Nifty 50 Speaker as well as being the recipient of the Solutions Magazine Best Article Award.
Shon currently writes and manages one of the most visited industry-specific blogs: www.ReliabilityNow.com. The blog is viewed monthly by over 6,000 visitors and contains over 200 posts on topics ranging from manufacturing to leadership, reliability, and education.
When away from the asset management world, Shon lives reliability as a helicopter and airplane pilot and an avid fisherman. Nobody likes to be stranded in the air or on the water.
Tony has nearly 30 years’ combined experience, mostly in maintenance or process-related roles. Tony started his journey with 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. Tony was performing reliability-based functions before it was even recognized as such through his role “Marine Corps Integrated Maintenance Management Systems” (MIMMS).. After his time in service, Tony worked at various Alcoa Aluminum plants. Tony held multiple roles including production and maintenance supervisor, maintenance planner, forging process engineer, and tooling engineer. The past 10+ years have been with Consolidated Nuclear Security (Y12) in Oak Ridge, TN, with the Reliability Engineering organization. His current role is UPF/Projects Reliability Manager in which Tony leads a team of reliability engineers focused on asset management from the design and installation phase of a project with continued support after project completion.
Tony has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and has held numerous reliability certifications over the span of his career, including the Reliability and Maintainability Implementation Certifications (RMIC) through the University of Tennessee and the Certified Reliability and Maintainability Professional (CMRP) through the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP).
On a personal note, Tony is recently married (2nd round, later in life!), with now four (4) grown children who Tony enjoys spending time with when possible. Tony also enjoys playing golf and watching NCAA football.
Thomas is the Reliability Planner for Constellium Rolled Products and he’s made planning and scheduling a priority throughout his career. During his seven years with Constellium, Thomas has made it his goal to see any outage completed on time without safety incidents and under fiscal budget. Thomas manages the daily responsibility of planning and syncing of all maintenance, including five onsite furnace complexes. In addition to scheduling craft employees, Thomas is also the lead trainer for all other Constellium planners and schedulers. His training subjects include SAP, Microsoft Projects, Outage planning/Scheduling, and KIP tracking.
Thomas values education and holds various degrees and certifications including an Associate of Science, a Bachelor of Engineering, RMIC-PS, MLT Level 1, and Fall protection competent person certification.
Away from work, Thomas enjoys hunting and golfing.
Jenna is the COO of RDI and devotes most of her day ensuring that the customers get the best product, support, and experience possible. She believes in the technology behind RDI’s products and was willing to stake her career on it.
She brings a strong financial and operational background to the team. Jenna started out her career working for two Fortune 500 companies where her responsibilities included finance, accounting, and government contract management. For the 4 years prior to joining RDI she was actively involved with entrepreneurial startup company management teams conducting market studies and building business plans and financial models. She has also engaged with the NIHS commercialization team in conducting research for industry assessments and project-based market assessments. Jenna has also reviewed numerous business plans and financial models for angel and venture capital firms.
Jenna graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors degree in Finance, Logistics, and International Business in 3 years.
Marleen Kanagawa recently started a new role at Divert, which focuses on solutions for eliminating waste from the retail industry. Previously, Marleen spent nine years in the food and beverage industry, in roles spanning Operations, Research and Development, Quality, and Reliability. She completed her Inspired Blended Learning (iBL) project as a Maintenance Engineer for her previous employer, where she was also heavily involved with their World Class Maintenance implementation. Marleen recently completed her Maintenance Lubrication Engineer (MLE) certification and looks forward to continuously building her reliability toolkit. She holds degrees in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
As RDI’s Event Marketing Manager, Dawn devotes her days to ensuring everything is “just right.” She operates under the Goldilocks Theory; user conferences, trade shows, webinars, internal events – any interactions with prospects & customers should not be over the top or lackluster but appropriate to the audience.
Prior to joining RDI, Dawn held sales and service roles at Gartner, the leading technology research and consulting company globally. That role taught her the value of collecting information prior to making monumental decisions and the effect on an organization. At Fluke Reliability, she had the opportunity to see maintenance and reliability from a whole new perspective. Getting to the root cause sounds simple, but there is not a one size fits all solution! Put it together, and it’s all about the goals and outcomes for the client.
Dawn brings over 27 years of strategic event planning, sales, and service experience to RDI She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI.
Living in SW Florida, you can find Dawn spending time outdoors at the beach, camping, fishing, boating & kayaking when she is not working. Indoors she will be cooking, crafting, and always making time for family and friends!
I have been a Regional Manager in the Southeast territory for 7 years. I am level 1 ultrasound certified.
I attended the University of Alabama as a Marketing major.
Outside of day-to-day operations as a Regional Manager, I like to spend my time outdoors Golfing, Fishing, and hunting.
As Product Manager, Mason is responsible for product planning and execution throughout the Product Life Cycle. Mason is responsible for both new product planning and product marketing. He gathers and prioritizes product and customer requirements, defines the product vision, and works closely with RDI’s departments to ensure customer satisfaction.
Mason holds an MA in Coaching and Athletics Administration. He was a collegiate soccer coach for nearly a decade before making a career shift. You can still find him on the soccer field coaching younger athletes in Soccer and Futsal.
I graduated from WVU with an Industrial Engineering (IMSE) degree. While in this program, I did an internship at Constellium in Ravenswood, WV in the Central Maintenance group. In this internship, I performed process audits on our planned work in the plant to determine the sources of loss/time waste.
After graduating I worked at Gaskets, Packings, and Seals in Parkersburg, WV. During my time there, I was responsible for the setup of the Fastener side of the business, the setup of all the inventory, and in-house fabrication. I then moved into the gasket fabrication side of the business for custom applications. I moved to an Application Specialist / Outside Sales Rep. In this role, I was responsible for supplying application-specific gaskets, fasteners, centrifugal pumps, mechanical seals, and other custom fabricated parts to many different chemical plants and industrial manufacturing facilities.
I was hired into Constellium Ravenswood full-time in 2019 as the Reliability Engineer in the Casting Department. In my time here, I have had many learning experiences and have been able to obtain many certifications. I am responsible for the planning and scheduling, predictive/preventive maintenance, and equipment reliability projects in the Casting Department. I really enjoy working with the craftsmen in the area to improve the equipment state and learn the equipment function and maintenance practices from their experience.
Industrial (IMSE) Engineering – Bachelor’s Degree
CMRP
MLT 1
Vibration Analyst Cat 2
Ultrasound Cat 1
IR Thermography Cat 1
ARP Cat 1
Chase Sasser is a Southeast Regional Manager, a graduate of the University of Alabama, and has achieved his Ultrasound Level 1 and Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certifications. He currently is the Communications Director for the SMRP Alabama Chapter and volunteers with the SMRP Symposium committee.
Thomas Wilk is the award-winning chief editor of Plant Services, a Putman Media publication that focuses on smart solutions for maintenance and reliability. Tom joined the Putman editorial team in 2014, and previously was Content Strategist / Mobile Media Manager at Panduit, breaking new ground for that company in the areas of digital content strategy and mobile app development. Tom holds a BA from the University of Illinois and an MA from Ohio State University, and is an avid hiker and runner. He may be reached at twilk@putman.net