Speakers

Dynamic utility professional with over three decades of experience in operations, safety, training, storm restoration, and workforce development. As Director of Field Operations, at Principle Services, LLC, my contributions include enhancing electric utility processes, optimizing field operations, maintaining client relations, QA/QC oversight, and fostering technical training programs that prioritize safety and efficiency. Previous experiences refined a focus on operational excellence and comprehensive training solutions for distribution, transmission, substation, major underground, and primary metering departments. I will always consider myself a lineman and take great pride in the industry. I am truly passionate and have the upmost respect for all those in the craft and their commitment to advancing industry standards.

Kody Morris brings more than two decades of experience in the utility industry and is currently serving as the Transmission & Distribution Manager at Lubbock Power & Light. His career spans from hands-on work as a Journeyman Lineman to overseeing diverse teams and managing large-scale operations critical to system reliability, compliance, and safety. Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), Kody is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and team performance in the electric utility sector.

Mike Starner is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) with over 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of Outside Line Safety for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), where he leads efforts to advance safety, health, and operational excellence for NECA’s members. In this role, Mike works closely with contractors, labor organizations, and industry stakeholders to improve safety practices, compliance, and workforce development.

William N. Martin (Billy), CUSP, RN, NRP, DIMM Certified Utility Safety Professional, 40+ Years in the Electrical Utility Industry, 30+ Years in Medicine. The Application of Knowledge is Power. Experience: High Voltage Lineman, Helicopter Flight Nurse/Paramedic, Diploma in Mountain Medicine, Project Manager, Safety Director, Cardiology Nurse, Orthopedic Nurse, Home Infusion Nurse, Past Emergency Squad President/CEO, National Ski Patrol Instructor Trainer, Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Writer, Author, Podcaster, Speaker, High Altitude Adventurer, Pilot Current President/CEO Think Tank Project LLC, Thinkprojectllc.com/speaking President/CEO of SAFR, Simplify Advanced First Response

Kenneth is Vice President and General Manager for T&D PowerSkills, LLC and is a Director of SMI, LLC. Responsible for daily management and operations of T&D PowerSkills, Kenneth’s 15 years of service has allowed him to create and maintain the most effective lineworker training program in the industry. He also oversees the different delivery models for the training materials, including high definition delivery through the Learning Management System. Kenneth is a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist.

Brent Jeffries has been with Bierer Meters for 11 years as the VP of Field Operations and Safety and Training. He's also the founder and facilitator of the nationally recognized Electrical Culture of Safety (ECO's) Linemen Safety Webinars. ECO's, now 9,500 members strong, is a monthly national Linemen Safety Webinar consisting of a grass roots nationwide coalition of Safety Professionals, freely giving back their expertise, knowledge, understanding, and experiences, all at no cost.

Jerry is the Director of Sales for T&D PowerSkills, LLC and works with utilities, contractors and colleges on helping to establish lineworker training programs using the T&D PowerSkills program. Jerry is also instrumental in developing and updating the video-based components of the units, using his background in broadcast media. Jerry is a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist.

Mack is Executive Director of ISPC and a Director of both SMI, LLC and T&D PowerSkills, LLC. Mack is a past Chairman of the Board for USOLN and helped to create the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) program and credential, earning him the distinction. He has been actively involved in training and safety, on-staff for investor-owned utilities, and in safety management for a large powerline contractor. Mack recently received the John McRae Safety Leadership award by USOLN. For the past several years, through ISPC, Mack has helped hundreds of utilities and contractors become more effective in lineworker safety.

Chris Beach is an Operations Supervisor with CenterPoint Energy, who’s spent more than a decade working in the Utility Industry. Before stepping into his current role, he served as a Head Lineman Skills Trainer, helping crews sharpen their skills and stay safe on the job. He’s passionate about leading by example, building strong teams, and always looking for ways to make operations run smoother.

Outside of work, Chris is a husband and dad to three awesome kids, which he says is the most rewarding (and humbling) leadership role he’s ever had.

He is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of lineworkers, believing that knowledge transfer and mentorship are critical to the future of the trade. Ensuring safety and reliability, and the importance maintaining communication across all sectors of the company. 

Dan Hannon is a journeyman lineman with 29 years of experience in the high-voltage distribution industry. He spent 18 of those years as a foreman before shifting into a role focused on system inspections, training, and contributing to the development of Kootenai Electric Cooperative’s new training facility. Dan also serves as an apprentice instructor with the NWJATC, where he has spent the past three years mentoring and preparing the next generation of lineman through hands-on instruction.

At the upcoming conference, Dan will present on the new training facility at Kootenai Electric Cooperative, highlighting its role in advancing lineman education, safety, and workforce development.

Eric Garza has twenty years of experience in the electric industry, specializing in construction, maintenance, and training of transmission and distribution systems personnel. Currently serving as an Electric Utility Trainer at Lubbock Power & Light, Eric has advanced through the ranks of field employees to lead comprehensive technical training programs for apprentices, journeymen, and management. His expertise includes building and maintaining transmission and distribution power lines, developing standardized procedures, enhancing safety culture, and providing targeted training to enhance skills and promote consistent high-quality workmanship. Eric is committed to equipping personnel with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to perform in the ever-evolving electric utility field and holds both the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) certifications.

Mark Savage is a seasoned utility infrastructure professional with over two decades of hands-on field experience, leadership, and instructional expertise in cable splicing, underground utility installation, underground projects, building underground departments and emergency storm response. Mark has held pivotal roles across major utility providers such as NStar, National Grid, Florida Power and Light and was an Underground Advisor for Quanta Services where he worked as a Journeyman Cable Splicer, Crew Leader, Apprentice and Switching Instructor, and union representative, demonstrating both technical mastery and commitment to workforce development. Mark is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who owns a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business DeadBreak. The Marine Corps helped sharpen his crisis management, logistics, and leadership skills—attributes he now brings to civilian emergency and utility operations. Mark holds numerous industry certifications, including Journeyman Cable Splicer and Lineman credentials from IBEW. He is also a certified trainer on MV Splices from 2KV-69KV systems and holds OSHA and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.

With over 25 years of experience in the Flame-Resistant (FR) clothing industry, Derek Sang has been a pivotal figure in advancing safety standards and education worldwide. As Senior Technical Training Manager at Bulwark Protection and Workrite Fire Service, Derek spearheads Bulwark and Workrite’s training initiatives, developing comprehensive programs that address the selection, use, and maintenance of Flame Resistant/Arc Rated (AR) clothing and Stationwear. His work ensures that workers across industries are equipped to stay safe in hazardous environments. In 2024, Derek continued to make a significant impact by hosting over 50 educational presentation and webinars, reaching over 4000 attendees. He also expanded the reach of Bulwark’s technical training through the online series “What in the FR,” “NFPA 70E made Easy” and “What you wear under your turnout gear matters”. Derek holds professional certifications as a Qualified Safety Sales Professional (QSSP) and Safety, Health, Environmental Professional (CSHEP) with IASHEP. With a dedication to innovation and education, Derek remains a trusted expert and advocate for safety in the FR/AR clothing industry.

David is the Director of Education and Professional Development at the Incident Prevention Institute (iPi) of Utility Business Media, a leading producer and publisher of safety focused leadership content. Their mission is to provide information, education and networking opportunities to utility safety and operations leaders. David passionately facilitates learning centered around human and organizational performance, incident prevention, leadership and safety along with certification preparation. His entertaining and engaging style has encouraged and motivated tens of thousands during classes, conference presentations, forums and keynote speeches. He is a Certified Instructional Trainer with multiple certifications who has been recognized by the Department of Labor for outstanding contributions to apprenticeship and nominated for an appointment to the North Carolina Apprenticeship Council by the Commissioner of Labor. He served as Chairman of Task Team One of the OSHA Electrical Transmission and Distribution Partnership and was a member of the Executive Board of Utility Safety and Operations Leadership Network. David resides in North Carolina with his wife and son. He is an active member of his church and enjoys spending time with his family, often on the basketball court, golf course (he plays golf but is not a golfer) or upside down on a roller coaster. To find out more about David or engage him for training or speaking opportunities at your next event, contact him through the iPi at ip-institute.com

Kevin Marshall’s career spans over 38 years in the Electric Utility Industry. Kevin’s first years were with local contractors as an apprentice working for REA’s and Lubbock Power & Light as an apprentice service man. Kevin received his Journeyman Certificate with the DOL in 1995 while working for SPS/ Excel Energy. In 2003 Kevin joined Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC) doing safety and training for cooperatives across the state and later moved to Colorado where he joined Colorado Rural Electric Association as their JT&S Instructor. He is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and participated with the Electrical Transmission & Distribution Partnership (ET&D) Task team 3 in the development of the OSHA ET&D 10hr and 20hr outreach training programs. Kevin specializes in lineman technical development and has been an instructor at the MESA hotline school as well as TEC schools in the state of Texas along with 10 years of lineman rodeo participation. Kevin joined Compere in 2024 as a safety and training manager to help bolster the safety department and aid in the development of training and apprenticeship.

Thomas Maddalone is the Safety Director of Kootenai Electric Cooperative (KEC) in Hayden, Idaho a position he has held for the past 9 years. Thomas is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s extensive safety training and emergency preparedness programs, as well as serving as the co-op’s primary incident investigator. He recently spearheaded the creation and design of an 80,00 square foot indoor training facility for Kootenai Electric’s new headquarters, a first in the Northwest. He is the lead for KEC’s three safety committees as well as RESAP area administrator for the State of Idaho. Thomas also assists cooperatives in the State of Washington with their RESAP programs and serves as a safety resource for cooperatives throughout the Northwest. He liaises with the local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as well as fire and law enforcement agencies and private entities. He is an instructor at the North Idaho Safety Fest, focusing on arc flash training and basic electrical safety.

Prior to joining KEC, Thomas served as the Safety Director for Holy Cross Energy in Colorado where he began his career as a lineman in 2002. Thomas is also the assistant chief of his community’s volunteer fire department, and in the winter spends many hours on the local mountains as a member of Ski Patrol.

Mark Ross brings over 30 years of experience in heavy industry, with a specialized focus on electrical management and maintenance. His extensive background has equipped him to meaningfully contribute to the performance and safety of today’s electrical service providers.

Throughout his career, Mark has led and participated in numerous successful projects involving medium voltage distribution systems, switchgear, and transformer installations. His commitment to workforce development is evident in his nearly 20 years of service on the local community college advisory board, where he has helped shape technical training programs in electrical and mechanical disciplines. In addition, he spent 10 years consulting with Grant County PUD as a member of their Large Industrial User Group.

Mark’s work with electricity, energetic compounds, and molten metals has sharpened his safety awareness and informed his strong advocacy for proactive training and safe work practices. He believes that training, prevention, and consistent execution are essential to ensuring every worker returns home safely. Mark and his wife now reside in Louisiana.

Tony Boyd’s career spans over 46 years in the Electric Utility Industry. Tony has specialized in the technical side of the business with extensive experience in Transmission, Overhead Distribution and Underground Distribution systems. Tony’s experience includes the safety and training side of the electric utility business focusing on best practices in the industry and concentrating on promoting safety in every aspect of the work. Tony is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and a Project Manager for Safety Management International.

Originally from Russia and calling Alaska home for over 27 years, Sabina is an experienced Outside SalesRepresentative who most recently worked with WESCO Distribution’s Utility Branch, where she servedAlaskan utility companies. During her time with WESCO, Sabina honed an understanding of utilityproducts and services, focusing on building relationships, solving challenges, and providing tailoredsolutions for clients across the state.

With a passion for exceptional customer service and a growing expertise in the utility sector, Sabina islooking forward to new opportunities to apply her skills and contribute to the success of businesses inAlaska’s utility industry. Dedicated, resourceful, and adaptable, Sabina is eager to bring her experience andunique global perspective to a new role.

Ron Schenk’s career in the Utility Industry spans 27 years and includes 14 years on staff with a large powerline contractor, serving as Director of Training for 1,800 lineworkers. Through ISPC, Ron has helped dozens of contractors and smaller utilities develop and implement internal lineworker apprenticeship programs, helping many to also Certify their programs through the U.S. Department of Labor. Ron’s expertise includes supervisory development training for field supervisors and safety training for powerline crews. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in business, Ron is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and he is an Executive Board Member of USOLN, the founding organization for the CUSP Credential. In 2004 Ron created and is President of the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction (ISPC), based in Alexandria, LA. ISPC is an Electric Utility Industry Association focusing on safety and training for lineworkers throughout North America and the Caribbean.