2023 Accelerate User Conference
Learn, Connect, and Turn Up Your EHS & ESG Performance in Nashville, TN.
May 16 to 18, 2023
Network with hundreds of VelocityEHS users to learn & grow.
VelocityEHS welcomes you to the 2023 Accelerate User Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, this May! It’s an unequaled opportunity to share and gain insights side-by-side with the exceptional VelocityEHS community, including EHS & ESG leaders from the most admired companies in the world. Don’t miss this chance to take your EHS and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance to the next level.
This year’s theme centers on Innovation and ActiveEHS® — the proprietary VelocityEHS methodology which combines deep domain expertise with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
Understanding that effective ESG management starts with effective EHS management, the Accelerate User Conference is designed to help you and your business navigate your journey from EHS management to ESG maturity. Come discover all the ways VelocityEHS can help you accomplish key ESG tasks like materiality assessments, green chemistry, tracking of all three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), reporting key metrics, and more!
During this three-day event, you’ll also get an insider’s view from VelocityEHS experts on the enhancements in software technology that our research scientists are developing for future applications, as well as practical solutions that you can use today to achieve operational excellence, maintain regulatory compliance and pursue ESG maturity.
But that’s not all!
You’ll also have onsite access to VelocityEHS partners and exposure to a wide-range of industry best practices in conference sessions and throughout the exposition hall. Better still, you’ll hear real-world examples from customers (like you!) about the ways they have used VelocityEHS solutions to overcome tough business challenges.
And if that’s not enough…
You’ll also:
- See AI at work during hands-on experiences on the expo floor
- Earn continuing education unit credits (CEUs)
- Hear from The Rolling Stones pianist Chuck Leavell about his commitment to music and his passion and work in forest conservation
- Learn more about Accelerate Platform activations from our customer success team
- Network and connect with other EHS professionals like you
- Enjoy music and have fun!
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
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Schedule
Agenda subject to change.
Day 1: Tuesday, May 16
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central
Registration Open | Presidential Lobby
We’ll be excited to greet you when you arrive and ensure that you have everything you need for a successful conference. So check-in, get settled, and let the festivities begin.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central
Welcome Remarks and Reception | Partner Pavilion Expo Hall
What better way to start the end of the day than to mingle and network with your friends and colleagues, the VelocityEHS team and partners over heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the exposition area.
Day 2: Wednesday, May 17
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Central
Breakfast with Partners | Partner Pavilion Exhibit Hall
Start the conference right by joining your fellow attendees and a cadre of VelocityEHS Partners for breakfast, networking, and the exciting kickoff of our Partner Expo.
8:00 AM – 8:20 AM Central
Official Welcome | Presidential Ballroom D
Speaker: Matt Airhart, President, VelocityEHS
Speaker: Winnie Ip, SVP & Chief Operations Officer, VelocityEHS
Kick off your Accelerate Conference right with a message of inspiration, innovation and community from VelocityEHS President, Matt Airhart and COO, Winnie Ip. Welcoming the VelocityEHS community of health, safety and sustainability experts to the Accelerate Conference is a much-anticipated homecoming for both Winnie and Matt. Matt started his career as a plant chemist in the chemicals industry where he was quickly pulled into quality management, EHS, and ISO 9001 certification. Winnie is a board certified professional ergonomist (CPE) with over 20 years of experience managing and implementing large-scale EHS initiatives at Fortune 1000 companies. You’ll know you made the right choice to join us in Nashville before Matt and Winnie pass the mic.
8:20 AM – 8:30 AM Central
Accelerating into the Future
Speaker: Roger Bottum, Senior Vice President of Product, VelocityEHS
As an EHS & ESG professional, you operate in a rapidly evolving environment. In this thought-provoking session, Roger Bottum will explore how VelocityEHS is combining deep-domain expertise with machine learning and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) to equip you with the capabilities necessary to transcend your business challenges. You will leave this session empowered to seize the opportunities of a volatile marketplace through innovation. You’ll also gain confidence in the continuous improvement cycle of prediction, intervention, and outcomes called ActiveEHS® to deliver Operational Excellence & ESG to scale on-demand.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Central
VelocityEHS Today | The Value in VelocityEHS Solutions
Speakers:
Blake McGowan (CPE), VelocityEHS Solution Executive, Industrial Ergonomics
Dave Risi (CIH, CSP), VelocityEHS Solution Executive, Health & Control of Work
Julian Moffatt, VelocityEHS Solution Executive, ESG & Environmental Compliance
Marc Juaire (CPSA), VelocityEHS Solution Executive, Safety & Operational Risk
You’ll hear from the VelocityEHS Solutions Executives team during this panel discussion. The conversation centers on their learned experiences of nearly 100 years of combined experience. You’ll learn how the VelocityEHS solutions deliver valuable outcomes, how to start your process, what world-class looks like, and where these fields are headed.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Central
The Roadmap to Accelerate
Speakers:
Jason Weiss, Chief Technology Officer, VelocityEHS
Andrew Holmes, Associate Vice President of Product, VelocityEHS
Ken Lupo, Associate Vice President of Software Development, VelocityEHS
“Making workplaces safer and more sustainable” is more than a mission statement at VelocityEHS; it is a promise from our Product Development team to yours. Attend this session to learn more about how market research informs the VeloctiyEHS roadmap, why you should be excited about our approach to technical architecture, and how you’ll be activated on the Accelerate Platform.
It’s time to get excited about the VelocityEHS Product Roadmap, and after this session, you’ll know why.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Central
Morning Break
Take a moment to let it all soak in, then come back refreshed to see how ActiveEHS is poised to rock your world.
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Central
Changing the Game with ActiveEHS®
Speaker: Jason Weiss, Chief Technology Officer, VelocityEHS
VelocityEHS’ investment in ActiveEHS includes bringing together the EHS industry’s largest and most skilled team of AI experts from academia and industry, providing them with the right resources, and enabling the kind of research that leads to solutions that help you and your team achieve better outcomes at scale. Please join VelocityEHS’ CTO, Jason Weiss, for a session of fun and magic that proves you have every reason to be optimistic about the next generation of EHS & ESG solutions.
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM Central
Lunch + Partner Expo + Accelerate Activation Meetings
The morning’s learning and connecting is sure to work up an appetite. Break bread and compare notes with your fellow attendees. Discover new perspectives at the Partner Expo and engage with the VelocityEHS team to discuss your activation on the Accelerate Platform.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Central
Topic: Customer Spotlight | Real World Applications
Moderator: Greg Cresswell, AVP, Customer Success, VelocityEHS
Customers:Toyota, Sims Metals
Thousands of companies rely on VelocityEHS. In this 60-minute panel presentation, you’ll hear from Toyota and Sims Metals as they share insights from their implementation of solutions from the Accelerate Platform.
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Central
Flash Sessions | 3 Hot Takes on EHS & ESG
Flash Session 1: Continuous Compliance Powered by STP: An Essential Delivery within VelocityEHS
Speaker: Gail Ankiewicz, President, STP ComplianceEHS
This presentation will give an overview of the factors driving organizations to move from reactive to proactive compliance management programs. You’ll learn how your peers are evolving from reactive to proactive compliance management with VelocityEHS and STP’s integrated regulatory content, and how easy it can be for you to join them.
Flash Session 2: Paving the Path for Proactive MSD Prevention through World-Class Health, Safety & Ergonomics Program Support
Speaker: Matt Weber, MBA – Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Fit For Work
Would you like to increase compliance and utilization of your worker health, safety and ergonomics programs? Would you like at least a 50% reduction in injuries and recordables? Attend this session to learn how services and software combine to provide businesses with an integrated solution for significantly reducing employee injuries and related costs and actionable steps you can take to make a difference in your organization.
Flash Session 3: Sustainable Supply Chain – The ESG Risks and Opportunities
Speaker: Andrea Korney, Vice President – Sustainability, J.S. Held LLC
As more and more companies turn their attention toward ensuring greater sustainability practices, it’s imperative they understand the significant ESG risks and opportunities throughout the supply chain. Attend this session to learn about the opportunities inherent in both the supplier- and purchasing-company functions and their importance; what makes a sustainable supply chain; what risks to manage, including those tied to scope 3 reporting; how to better measure success, as well as improve compliance and transparency; and what opportunities and benefits exist both upstream and downstream– from a competitive, and sustainability perspective.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Central
Afternoon Break
Rehydrate, check your email, grab a snack – then make certain you’re back in your seat for the next session – because it is sure to be standing room only.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Central
Keynote Session: Chuck Leavell | Rock ‘n Roll and the Environment
Speaker: Chuck Leavell, Rock & Roll God and Author of Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong and Sustainable
What does a Grammy Award winning musician famous for his time in the Allman Brothers Band and four decades touring with The Rolling Stones know about sustainability? A whole heck of a lot as it turns out.
Don’t miss this 60-minute keynote session with one of the greatest pianists in rock ‘n roll, Chuck Leavell. He’ll entertain with stories from his 50-year career playing with artists like Eric Clapton, John Mayer, The Black Crowes, The Indigo Girls, Blues Traveler, Train, and many, many more. He will also inspire with insights from his work on forestry, environmental issues, and climate change. Named an Honorary Ranger by the US Forest Service, Chuck was featured in the 2020 documentary Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man. He is the co-founder of the Mother Nature Network, now known as Treehugger.com and author of four books on sustainability and forestry.
Come sit at the cool kids’ table. Sustainability rocks, and Chuck’s going to prove it!
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Central
Networking + Partner Expo + Accelerate Activation Meetings
Keep the good feeling going with a little extra time and space to talk shop with new friends, follow up with one of our Partners, or dig in on the Accelerate Platform with the VelocityEHS Team.
6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Central
Group “Audit” of the Wildhorse Saloon
The Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville opened in 1994 with Reba McEntire famously herding a stampede of cattle past its front doors. At 66,000 square feet, it boasts the largest dance floor and restaurant in Tennessee. So, we’ll need all boots on ground to help us explore and enjoy the food, drink, music, and dancing available at this iconic venue!
Of course, we recommend that you bring the proper PPE: cowboy boots, belts, buckles, and your best cowboy hat. Or you can simply come as you are…either way, it promises to be an unforgettable night out on the town with lots of music and laughter. Be there or be square. Busses leave at 6.
Day 3: Thursday, May 18
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM Central
Breakfast | Partner Pavilion Expo Hall
There’s no let up at the Accelerate Conference. Day 3 is an action packed, so make sure you are fueled and caffeinated
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Central
CEO Address | Partner Pavilion Exhibit Hall
Speaker: John Damgaard, CEO, VelocityEHS
Join John for a brief but fun recap of conference highlights and some parting thoughts as you head into your final presentations.
Concurrent Sessions | Locations TBD
Session 1 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Central | Select 1 breakout during this time.
Session 1, Breakout 1
Topic: CEU Course | Ergonomics & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): It’s One and the Same
Room: Jackson AB
Presenter: Blake McGowan, CPE, Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
As investor demand for environmental, social and governance (ESG) information rises, organizations expect business leaders to develop a strategic approach to corporate sustainability and integrate ESG risk management into their financial and operational models. This includes improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.
So, how does ergonomics relate to DE&I? Well, ergonomics is defined as “designing the workplace to match human performance capabilities for the general working population.” A diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DE&I) workplace makes all workers feel a sense of belonging and that they have the support of organization leaders. The connection between ergonomics and DEI is this: Ergonomics designs for both males and females; people of all generations, shapes and sizes, and people of different races, ethnicities, and cultures. As ergonomics professionals, we have failed to educate business leaders on this connection. Until now.
During this session, participants will learn about the connection between ergonomics and DEI and how ergonomics can accommodate all:
- • Genders
- • Ages
- • Fitness Levels
- • Capabilities
- • Generations
- • Races
- • Ethnicities
- • Cultures
- • Others in the workplace
Session 1, Breakout 2
Topic: Control of Work Systems | Real-World Best Practices to Optimize Your Process
Room: Jackson CD
Presenter: Karl Ryan, Global Enterprise Account Manager, VelocityEHS
Employers need to be proactive when it comes to managing contractor and temporary workers. Still, many are relying on paper-based systems or basic spreadsheets to manage functions like contractor prequalification, onboarding, permit-to-work processes, site access, and performance tracking. These outdated systems introduce unnecessary administrative burdens, productivity bottlenecks, and unacceptable safety risks.
In this session, Karl will walk through several case studies, including one on AbbVie that talks about initial problems and challenges they faced, why they needed to move to an electronic Control of Work solution, benefits and efficiencies they achieved, and what the future holds for them as more sites globally start using the system.
Attendees will learn how Control of Work:
- • Drives consistent enforcement & compliance related to contractor management
- • Boosts internal and external Audit performance
- • Provides real time visibility into site visitors and permitted work
- • Helps reduce administration time by up to 90%
- • Reduces risks in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries
Session 1, Breakout 3
Topic: Executive Session| Managing a Global EHS Program: Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities
Room: Jackson EF
Presenter: Kent Hatcher, CPE, Senior Global Executive, VelocityEHS
A facilitated discussion where the audience will be asked to share and prioritize best practices for managing a global EHS program.
Session 2 | 9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Central | Select 1 breakout during this time.
Session 2, Breakout 1
Topic: CEU Course | Bowtie Analysis Tools: How Successful Companies Manage Risk
Room: Jackson AB
Presenter: Marc Juaire, Solution Executive, VelocityEHS
Bowtie analysis alone does not reduce operational risk, but it offers an effective way to synthesize information about risk pathways and related preventative and mitigative controls into one easily understood diagram. They aid in efficiency, provide focus for risk managers, and, when done right, they have the power to prepare workers to take action to prevent incidents and their consequences.
In this session, we’ll examine a real-world incident within a risk bowtie, illustrating how the tool helps to identify, define and prioritize controls – for the most effective operational management process across your organization.
Attendees will learn how risk bowties:
- • Help identify critical controls and implement management systems to ensure control effectiveness
- • Help train employees about workplace risks
- • Contribute to incident prevention and improve engagement with safety programs
- • Pull together information from many types of risk assessments
- • Enable employees and facility management personnel to visualize and manage risk controls
- • Help organizations manage risks across multiple facilities
- • Contribute to a more holistic framework for risk management that easily evolves with your processes and strategies
Session 2, Breakout 2
Topic: CEU Course | Breaking Down the SEC’s Proposed ESG Disclosure Rule
Room: Jackson CD
Presenter: Julian Moffatt, Principal Solutions Strategist, ESG, VelocityEHS
The SEC has proposed mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements for all public companies; from disclosing the material impact climate risk will have on the business to publicly setting climate-related targets, businesses are seeking solutions to help navigate the new requirements.
In this presentation, Julian Moffatt, Principal Solutions Strategist for ESG at VelocityEHS will provide an in-depth look at the SEC disclosure requirements and share how organizations of all sizes and maturity levels can start or adapt your ESG programs to align with the SEC disclosure requirements. Julian will also dive into the role of carbon management software and how solutions like the ESG Solution from VelocityEHS can help your business report and disclose your carbon-related activities with ease.
Participants will gain:
- • A high level overview of the SEC’s Proposed Disclosure Rule
- • Insight into the business impact of SEC’s proposal
- • Knowledge of the steps they can take to align ESG programs to SEC requirements
- • An understanding of the resources and technology available to support carbon reporting and disclosure
Session 2, Breakout 3
Topic: Executive Session | Best Practices for Utilizing EHS Software + Emerging Trends in EHS: What’s Your Concern?
Room: Jackson EF
Presenter: Blake McGowan, CPE, Solution Executive, VelocityEHS
A facilitated discussion where the audience will be asked to share and prioritize best practices for deploying and utilizing EHS software and to discuss their priorities and concerns related the future of EHS.
Session 3 |10:50 AM – 11:50 PM Central | Select 1 breakout during this time.
Session 3, Breakout 1
Topic: CEU Course | Building the Foundation: How Mastering the EHS Essentials Helps You Ensure Compliance and Pursue ESG Maturity
Room: Jackson AB
Presenter: Marc Juaire, Solutions Executive, Safety, VelocityEHS
An EHS manager’s job is never done. You have many safety and environmental compliance obligations to track related to widely applicable regulations. These challenges compound during times of fast regulatory change and expanding responsibilities.
To move beyond compliance, you must develop programs and management systems that establish leading indicators and embed EHS into existing programs such as operational excellence. You need a good handle on operational risk, including completion of risk assessments, and prioritization and control of risks, and to manage recurring tasks inspections, audits, emergency planning and response, management of meetings, EHS training, and tracking and follow-up on corrective actions.
This presentation will give you guidance to master essential EHS management so you can move toward a more proactive, best practice-centered approach. Marc Juaire, Solution Executive for Safety and Operational Risk with VelocityEHS, will cover some foundational elements of EHS management, drawing upon his many years of experience as a Corporate Director of EHS and Process Safety Manager. Along the way, he’ll discuss the benefits of following international safety standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 31000. You’ll also learn how the solutions in our VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform can help.
Participants will gain:
- • The foundational responsibilities and regulatory obligations of an EHS Manager
- • Updates on (and insights into) key regulatory changes underway
- • How to shift from regulatory-driven EHS management to one based on accepted best practices
- • Ways to sustain your EHS management systems by growing ESG maturity
- • The importance of developing programs and management systems that establish leading indicators
- • Tips on embedding EHS into existing programs (e.g., operational excellence)
- • Ideas on using technology to streamline management of your most important EHS tasks
- • The benefits of following international safety standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 31000.
Session 3, Breakout 2
Topic: Maximizing Your EHS & ESG Data Through Software
Room: Jackson CD
Presenter: Charlie Christie, Vice President Digital EHS & ESG Solutions, WSP
Presenter: Shannon Wegesser, Associate Vice President, WSP
As your EHS & ESG programs evolve, how do you ensure that you’re maximizing the use of your data for Environmental and Compliance programs? Environment and Compliance management requires large and complex data sets requiring specialty knowledge that fluctuates per location. In addition, the transactional data and results are required to be reported in various rules and regulatory submittals. Attend this session to find out— through stringent processes and deployment approaches— how EHS data can support your ESG efforts, how to bring standardization to your functional requirements, and how software can help you reach your EHS & ESG targets.
Session 3, Breakout 3
Topic: CEU Course | Effectively Completing and Utilizing Physical Demands Analysis
Room: Jackson EF
Presenter: Rick Barker, CPE, CSP, Principal Solutions Strategist, VelocityEHS
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), conditions relating to overexertion and repetitive actions, are the single largest cause of workplace injuries. Effectively addressing MSDs requires a multi-pronged approach. Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is a foundational tool in controlling the risk and costs of MSDs. The presenter will discuss:
- • 4 primary ways that PDAs are used to address workplace MSDs
- • Common challenges associated with PDAs
- • Tips for completing PDAs more efficiently and accurately
The session is geared towards those with previous experience completing or using the results of PDAs, while those new to the topic will learn the key concepts associated with PDAs.
12:00 PM Central – Depart
All good things must come to an end…just not in this case. As you leave Music City and the Accelerate Conference, you will be at the beginning of your next journey with a passion that has been renewed by fellowship, affirmed by evidence, and set aflame by purpose.
Pricing
Early-Bird | $895
Buy One Get One | $895 for 2 tickets
Virtual Only | Anytime | $495
(Please Note: Pricing excludes accommodation. To reserve your room and for pricing information, view the Travel and Venue tab.)
An individual registration ticket includes:
- All meals and beverages for the entire three-day conference
- Welcome reception
- 20+ conference sessions
- Access to the virtual platform
- Hands-on experiences using AI + machine learning
- Networking opportunities with your EHS peers
- After-hours party + transportation
- An incredible keynote session featuring Grammy Award winning musician Chuck Leavell
- much more!
Keynote | Chuck Leavell
Musician & Environmentalist
About the Musician
Chuck Leavell has been pleasing the ears of music fans for more than 40 years. His piano and keyboard work have been heard on the works of Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Train, John Mayer… and many other prominent artists.
In fact, you can hear stories from some of these musicians (and over 80 more!) about his talent, career, and environmental work in the cinematic documentary Chuck Leavell: The Treeman which began streaming in December 2020.
Chuck got the opportunity to see Ray Charles in concert when he was 13 years old. That’s when he decided what he wanted to do when he grew up. Two years later, he appeared at the legendary studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he played on several records, including Freddie North’s Soul Classic, “Don’t Take Her, She’s All I’ve Got.”
About the Environmentalist
Also, a respected author, he has authored four books. His most recent, “Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong and Sustainable” offers sustainable methods to help manage America’s growth pains in transportation, energy, and housing. He also co-founded The Mother Nature Network (now Treehugger.com). The site is now the world’s première website for environmental news, information and education.
In addition, he is a renowned environmentalist and tree farmer! He and his wife Rose Lane were given the ultimate honor for their outstanding stewardship of their own forest, Charlane Plantation, by being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999.
Leavell sits on several environmental boards, including The American Forest Foundation, the U.S. Endowment for Forests and Communities, The Georgia Land Conservation Council and others. His passion for forestry and the environment have elevated him to one of the most respected leaders in the field.
Meet the Speakers
Matt Airhart
President, VelocityEHS
Matt Airhart leads the teams that are responsible for the full customer journey, including marketing, sales, and operations across all VelocityEHS companies. Matt has been with VelocityEHS for over fourteen years. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Environmental Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Winnie IP, CPE
Chief Operations Officer, VelocityEHS
Winnie brings over 20 years of experience leading and growing customer-facing teams. In addition to a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from The University of Western Ontario (Ivey School of Business), Winnie is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and Certified Change Management Practitioner. As COO, Winnie is responsible for all Customer Experience and Operations teams, overseeing operational efficiencies and the overall post-sales customer journey, across all customer segments and products.
Gail Ankiewicz
President, STP ComplianceEHS
As President of STP ComplianceEHS, Gail Ankiewicz oversees the group’s environmental health, safety compliance and auditing division, and has managed STP’s transition from paper-based products to full online publishing, as well as software partner relationships and integrations. Gail has a qualification in Food & Clothing Technology from Durban University of Technology in South Africa.
Rick Barker, CPE, CSP
Principal Solutions Strategist, VelocityEHS
Rick Barker facilitates skill and knowledge-building activities relating to safety management systems, industrial ergonomics, human performance, and human factors. Rick holds a Master of Arts in Human Factors from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Rick is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and Certified Safety Professional.
Roger Bottum
Senior Vice President of Product, VelocityEHS
Roger Bottum leads product strategy, product planning and market intelligence for VelocityEHS. He has decades of experience in risk management software and in enterprise SaaS software. Roger holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics from Colorado College and attended the Kellogg School of Business.
Charlie Christie
Vice President, WSP
Charlie Christie is an accomplished executive with leadership, business, interpersonal, and technical strengths. He is a leader of numerous programs and internal teams that deliver major contributions to business operations, revenue, and profitability. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Cornell University.
John Damgaard
CEO, VelocityEHS
John Damgaard advises CVC Capital on private equity and growth investments across multiple industries. John served as CEO of MatrixCare, growing revenues and EBITDA nearly sixfold in seven years. He served as VP & GM and SVP & COO of Mediware Information Systems. He holds an MBA with Distinction from Bradley University, and a Bachelor of Arts of Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa as a Presidential Scholar.
Julia Penfield, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President of Machine Learning and Data Sciences, VelocityEHS
Dr. Julia Penfield leads Research in the R&D department of VelocityEHS, where she has worked on a range of machine learning and data science projects. Julia received her Ph.D. in the application of machine learning in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia in Canada.
Greg Cresswell, CPE
AVP, Customer Success, VelocityEHS
Greg Cresswell is a leader on the Customer Success team. He directs his team to help customers, in all enterprises and industries, maximize the value they get from VelocityEHS solutions. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Ergonomics from the University of Waterloo. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).
Kent Hatcher, CPE
Sr. Global Enterprise Account Manager, VelocityEHS
Kent Hatcher partners with companies to develop, manage, and sustain global EHS programs using software solutions. Kent holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Ergonomics from Loughborough University. He is a Certified Professional Ergonomist.
Kelsey Hitt, CPE
Ergonomics Engineer, Toyota NA
Kelsey Hitt is an Ergonomics Engineer for Toyota North America. Kelsey received a Master of Science in Kinesiology, Ergonomics from Indiana University Bloomington and Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Auburn University. Kelsey has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist.
Andrew Holmes
AVP, Product Management, VelocityEHS
Andrew Holmes is a product leader that is passionate about turning customer and user problems into solutions. Andrew has been with VelocityEHS for over twelve years, working in a variety of roles in Customer Experience and Product. In his current role, Andrew applies his experience and passion for problem solving to make workplaces safer and more sustainable. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Sciences from the University of Guelph.
Marc Juaire, CPSA
Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Marc Juaire combines his EHS, Operational Risk, and ESG experience to define vision and strategy to deliver best-in-class solutions and making workplaces safer and more sustainable. He has twenty-eight years of experience as an EHS and ESG professional, providing strategic direction and leadership in EHS auditing, compliance and training.
Andrea Korney
Vice President of Sustainability and Special Advisor, Frostbyte Consulting
Andrea Korney joined the ESG & EHS Digital Solutions group in November of 2022 as part of J.S. Held’s acquisition of Frostbyte Consulting. Recently, she has been focused on the positive impact to stakeholder value and financial performance through strong sustainability practices and ESG commitment. Andrea holds an MBA from Ivey Business School (Canada).
Christy Lotz
Sr. Global Account Executive, VelocityEHS
Christy Lotz, Senior Global Account Executive for VelocityEHS, partners with companies to develop and sustain global EHS programs using software solutions for Fortune 1000 clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Christy specializes in ergonomics, IH, and risk management.
Ken Lupo
AVP, Software Development, VelocityEHS
Ken Lupo leads multiple teams of software developers and engineers focused on developing software solutions that help organizations save lives, limbs, and the environment. Ken has over twenty-five years of experience in software development and technology. Ken holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Walsh College University in Troy, Michigan, and is a certified Project Management Professional.
Brian Maeck
Head of Global EHS, Sims Limited
Brian Maeck is the Head of Global EHS for Sims Limited. Brian’s role includes lead driving strategic direction and focus for the organization and EHS function, to achieve consistent deliverables and performance improvement. Brian received a Certificate in Health, Safety and Environmental Processes (CHSEP) from University of Fredericton.
Blake McGowan, CPE
Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Blake McGowan joined VelocityEHS in 1999. Blake holds a Certificate in Leading Sustainable Corporations from the University of Oxford, a Master of Science in Human Neuromechanics, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomechanics & Neurophysiology from the University of Waterloo in Canada. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist.
Julian Moffatt
Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Julian Moffatt contributes his expertise in ESG product creation for VelocityEHS. He also oversees the VelocityEHS ESG team. Julian studied Environmental Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario.
Danny Munoz
Ergonomics Program Manager, Toyota NA
Danny Munoz is an Ergonomics Program Manager for Toyota North America. Danny received a Masters Degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics Engineering and a Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering from Wright State University.
Ben Redd
EHS Global Systems Manager, Sims Limited
Ben Redd is the EHS Global EHS Systems Manager for Sims Limited. Ben’s role includes delivering digital solutions to the global Sims team that provide insight and actionable information from their EHS data and enables the company’s journey to EHS excellence. Ben received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, IH from Utah State University.
Dave Risi, CIH, CSP
Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Dave Risi is a board-certified industrial hygienist and safety professional, with over 30 years of EHS experience. Dave has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety & Health from Ferris State University and a Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Karl Ryan
Global Enterprise Account Manager, VelocityEHS
Karl Ryan has over 12 years of experience helping global companies solve problems, manage change, and to transition from paper-based systems to electronic solutions. He brings a huge level of enthusiasm and passion towards helping people and companies drive continuous improvement, and a love for engaging audiences to be great.
Matt Weber
Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Fit For Work
Matt Weber is an accomplished sales and business development executive with over 15 years of experience in building brand stories, establishing new markets, and driving exponential revenue growth. Matt holds an MBA degree from Mississippi State University and has a strong background in strategic account management, sales leadership, business development, and process improvements.
Shannon Wegesser
Associate Vice President, WSP
Shannon Wegesser has experience leading and delivering EHS solutions for clients across multiple sectors, specializing in the air domain. Her previous experience in Environmental Compliance and Reporting aids in her understanding of client business requirements and regulatory drivers. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Utah.
Jason Weiss
Chief Technology Officer, VelocityEHS
Jason has been developing software for over 30 years, coding in production in 10 different languages, and has taught embedded systems, systems architecture, and the C programming language at the University of Illinois. He lead R&D and Technology for Maestro Health, served as president of Serious Apps, and as Chief Technology Officer for PayFlex. Jason received a BS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois and has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Plan Your Trip
Hotel Information
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN, 37214
FAQs
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More information about our 2024 event will be announced soon. Stay tuned!