2017 Speakers

Joe Annotti manages Gladstein, Neandross & Associate’s (GNA) Funding 360 Program, which provides a comprehensive suite of incentives tracking, grant writing, and reporting assistance for air quality-focused funding opportunities, such as alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure deployments. The Funding 360 Program has successfully won over $350 million on behalf of clients at a success rate of 92%. His team has also actively engaged leading state agencies on their Volkswagen settlement funding plans, which will enable GNA’s clients to most efficiently take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity. Previously, Mr. Annotti led a team of air quality specialists the Environmental Protection Agency, where he was responsible for the financial, environmental, and health benefits data created by $500 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants. Building on his experience in the oil and gas industry in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, Mr. Annotti provides project management, data analysis, and strategy development expertise for GNA’s broad client base.

Bobby Bailey supports liquefied natural gas (LNG) logistics for Pivotal LNG. Prior to this position, he served as an LNG plant operator at the company’s Trussville, Alabama facility. He is responsible for the management of the Pivotal LNG fleet of equipment which includes LNG tankers. He manages the contracts for transportation support, regulatory compliance, and maintenance. Mr. Bailey is also the point of contact for all transportation contractors who provide delivery services to our customers and serves as the primary contact for scheduling. He brings extensive experience in operational, regulatory compliance and technical functions to the team in both transportation and LNG Plant operations. In his previous roles for the company, Mr. Bailey supported routine regulatory audits, compliance planning, and procedural documentation origination. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bailey spent more than seven years working for a military contractor in a high-profile facility known for operational excellence and high regulatory compliance requirements in various operation and management positions. He facilitated the hazardous energy isolation program and made routine compliance visits to other facilities to ensure compliance of all standards. Prior to and during his tenure at the military facility, Mr. Bailey was co-owner of a family-owned trucking and logistics company.

Travis Balaski is vice president of Ferus’ Natural Gas Fuels Canadian business unit. In this role, Mr. Balaski is responsible for maximizing utilization of Ferus Natural Gas Fuels assets and developing Ferus’ offering across Canada. Mr. Balaski first joined Ferus in 2006 as a co-op student. He subsequently joined Ferus after graduation, spending his first six years with the company in the engineering department supporting operations. In this role, Mr. Balaski designed equipment and managed key capital projects including the Elmworth CO2 plant expansion, Fort Saskatchewan plant construction, and the Utah CO2 plant purchase. Mr. Balaski expanded his role into business development by helping launch some of the first LNG fueling jobs in North America, supporting the Encana joint venture, and initiating the ENN joint venture. Mr. Balaski holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta and a professional designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

Travis Balaski is vice president of Ferus’ Natural Gas Fuels Canadian business unit. In this role, Mr. Balaski is responsible for maximizing utilization of Ferus Natural Gas Fuels assets and developing Ferus’ offering across Canada. Mr. Balaski first joined Ferus in 2006 as a co-op student. He subsequently joined Ferus after graduation, spending his first six years with the company in the engineering department supporting operations. In this role, Mr. Balaski designed equipment and managed key capital projects including the Elmworth CO2 plant expansion, Fort Saskatchewan plant construction, and the Utah CO2 plant purchase. Mr. Balaski expanded his role into business development by helping launch some of the first LNG fueling jobs in North America, supporting the Encana joint venture, and initiating the ENN joint venture. Mr. Balaski holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta and a professional designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

Aziz Bamik joined Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), the leading engineering company in the shipping and storage of LNG and other liquefied gases, in 1999 and has served as general manager of wholly-owned subsidiary GTT North America (GTT NA) in Houston since its formation in 2013. Mr. Bamik is based in Houston, where he manages all the activities in the American continents. Before assuming this position, Mr. Bamik occupied various positions at GTT South America (GTT SA) in France, including research and development engineer, project manager, and director of business development. As project manager for nine years, he was in charge of relationships with shipbuilding yards in China, Korea, and Japan and the delivery of approximately 100 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, including the Regas-LNGCs and large and very large LNGCs for Qatari Projects. As director of business development for almost four years, Mr. Bamik was in charge of relationships with ship owners, charterers, gas companies, EPCs, engineering companies, and classification societies. Mr. Bamik is currently a member of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the North American Marine Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA), and the Program Committee of LNG X events, the largest international LNG event. He is a frequent speaker and contributor to the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), US Coast Guard Senior Executive Forums, and other prominent industry events around the world. In early 2017 Mr. Bamik was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award for his advocacy of the safe, clean, and secure transport and use of liquefied gases within the maritime industry. Mr. Bamik received his degree in engineering from Ecole Supérieure de l’Energie et des Matériaux in France.

Ted Barnes is an engineer, principal investigator, and project manager on advanced clean energy projects for Gas Technology Institute. He has worked on a variety of projects including the design and installation of fueling stations for compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen vehicles, renewable natural gas (RNG) cleanup and use, advanced natural gas engine developments, and advanced storage of natural gas using adsorbent materials. Additional recent projects include managing a $40,000,000 clean vehicle and fueling station project in the Chicago area that deployed over 400 vehicles and 15 fueling stations, creating education/training materials for the use of alternative vehicles and fueling stations, as well as performing research on advanced gaseous fueling techniques and CNG fuel quality. Mr. Barnes also manages a group of engineers working on advanced clean energy R&D projects. Mr. Barnes is a Registered P.E. and has a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering and materials science from Duke University and a Master’s in mechanical engineering from Yale University.

David Barr is the executive director – North American operations for CIMC Enric, the leader in LNG and CNG products in China. He joined CIMC Enric in 2016 to help them bring their vast experience and energy technology to North and South America. Mr. Barr began his career in LNG and cryogenics industry way back in 1998 when the use of LNG as a fuel for trucks and buses was just being pioneered. He formed and was president of Chart’s NexGen Fueling division where many of today’s LNG products were designed. Over the past several years he formed an LNG distribution company for LubeTech and was vice president and general manager of Taylor Wharton’s LNG division prior to joining CIMC Enric. Mr. Barr holds a BS in Geology and has two executive MBA’s in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Mark Bell is the general manager for the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), having joined this new NGO when it was formed in 2013. Mr. Bell has a wide range of experience in the marine LNG industry, mostly from a new-build and in-service inspection perspective. As a chartered marine and mechanical engineer, Mr. Bell brings with him a wealth of maritime experience since coming ashore. His work experience includes a substantial time spent with two of the leading Class Societies, LR and DNV. He has also spent three years with the UK Ministry of Defense and also has experience working for commercial ship owners and managers. Posts held during these periods have ranged from ship and engineer surveyor, area manager, business manager and director. Some of these roles were based outside of the UK. Mr. Bell has seagoing experience on VLCC’s and various tankers including gas ships and both the steam and motor variants.

David Benner holds a degree in civil engineering, and he has been involved with technical & mechanical sales since 1988. He started Mainstay in January 2006. One of Mainstay Fuel Tech’s main focus areas over the past few years has been compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling systems for vehicles in the heavy-duty trucking market throughout North America. Mr. Benner and his team began to pursue opportunities to carry this knowledge into high-horsepower on-board applications, specifically CNG for rail. Mr. Benner has worked in an executive role as well as managed business development. He and his team have been close to the CNG market throughout North America for the past several years, and they share expansive knowledge of how the alternative fuel market has been moving as well as the possible directions it may take in the future.

Beau Berthelot joined Conrad Industries in 2016 as business development manager of the Conrad LNG business unit—just in time for Conrad’s delivery of the first LNG Bunker barge ever built and operated in North America. In leading business development efforts, Mr. Berthelot is actively engaged in the development of LNG as a marine fuel, and he, along with LNG team, continue to pursue LNG opportunities, including developing additional designs for transport and bunker vessels, dual-fuel powered towboats, and other research and development projects. Prior to joining Conrad LNG, he led Waller Marine Inc.’s market development and industry education initiatives to drive the application of LNG in the US inland waterways and blue-water markets. Working with operators to identify the economic, operational and environmental benefits of LNG, Mr. Berthelot worked with LNG design and engineering team to formulate right-sized marine solutions to successfully achieve the transition to LNG as an alternative bunker fuel. He continues to build upon his keen understanding of relevant inland waterway operations and extensive working knowledge of the pertinent permitting issues cultivated while working in the small scale and marine LNG arenas; a skill set previously established during his role as legislative counsel for former U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor while working with the T&I, Maritime Transportation subcommittee. Mr. Berthelot is a licensed attorney. Prior to receiving his JD from Tulane University Law School, he was a R&D technician for DuPont-Dow Elastomers and an internal auditor for an insurance underwriter. He also holds an MBA and a BS in microbiology with a chemistry minor from LSU and currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dan Bowerson is the director of technology and development at NGVAmerica. His roles include leading NGVAmerica programs related to industry technology, research priorities, best practices, and codes and standards development for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and fueling infrastructure. Mr. Bowerson leads the NGVAmerica Technology & Development Committee, which is focused on removing technical barriers to advance natural gas as a transportation fuel. Prior to joining NGVAmerica, he was the technical specialist for CNG Fuel Systems at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and held a variety of alternative fuel engineering positions at Roush Industries. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University and a Master’s of Science in engineering management from the University of Michigan.

Tim Boyle has over 40 years of experience in the compression and alternative fuels industries. He is primarily responsible for the business development of the compressed/liquefied natural gas (CNG/LNG) international business plan. Mr. Boyle has developed CNG technology since 1976 as president of B&M Compressor, apposition he held until 1997. In this role he designed and built CNG stations in the Midwest and Mexico. Mr. Boyle has worked as a manufactures representative and consultant for CP Industries, Xebec, Ultra Filter, and Grimmer Industries, mainly in the China, Mexico and USA markets. He joined the ANGI International team in 1999 as sales manager, leaving for Hanover/Exterran in January of 2006. Mr. Boyle rejoined ANGI Energy Systems in 2009. Mr. Boyle is a graduate of Cleveland State University.

Greg Buffington is the vice president of Carib Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowley Marine. Mr. Buffington is a 33-year veteran of the gas industry with past experience in the LPG and currently in the LNG business. He was the founding partner and president of Carib Energy which was purchased by Crowley in 2013. Carib Energy was the first company to receive a small scale LNG export license for FTA counties for 25 years. The license gives Carib Energy the ability to export 250,000 MT per year and the company is currently awaiting a 25-year NFTA license for 438,000 MT. Mr. Buffington is currently developing multi-year contracts in the Caribbean, as the Carib team builds the logistics and distribution of LNG as an instant pipeline.

Stephen Cadden began his work with SEA\LNG upon its launch in 2016 after leading the team from Xynteo, Ltd. that successfully developed SEA\LNG. He is based in the US and is responsible for the development and operations of SEA\LNG on behalf of its membership. Mr. Cadden has over 25 years of experience in the international shipping and logistics industry, having held a variety of management and executive leadership positions beginning with the US subsidiary of Wallenius Redernierna of Sweden. Following a merger between Wallenius Redernierna and Wilhelmsen Lines of Norway, Mr. Cadden lead the development of the logistics business for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, based in London and Oslo. In 2005, he relocated to Seoul, South Korea, to take up the role of international development director for GLOVIS, a Korean logistics business and Hyundai Motor Group affiliate. Subsequently, he was recruited to the position of group vice president, logistics, for Wilh Wilhelmsen ASA, based in Oslo, where he was responsible for the company’s global logistics investment portfolio.

Timothy J. Callahan, a staff engineer in the powertrain engineering division at Southwest Research Institute, has over 25 years of experience developing high-efficiency, low-emission natural-gas and dual-fuel engines for stationary and mobile applications. He improves the performance and lowers emissions of high horsepower, natural-gas engines using various combustion and control system technologies.

Francis (Fran) Chinnici joined Florida East Coast Rail (FECR) in 2013 after a 29 year career with CSX Transportation where he held positions in operations and finance. As an engineering graduate of Penn State University, Mr. Chinnici began his railroad career in 1984 with the Chessie System Railroad as metallurgical engineer in the Research and Test Department at Huntington, WV. He held positions of increasing responsibility in Mechanical and Transportation, and served as vice president purchasing and materials in Jacksonville, FL for the nine years prior to his departure. As senior vice president – engineering and mechanical, he is responsible for ensuring service excellence with track, design and construction projects, signaling, locomotives and rolling equipment. He also oversees the Purchasing and Materials team who ensure that this service level is achieved at the lowest total cost of ownership.
In addition to his undergraduate from Penn State, Mr. Chinnici received an MBA from Jacksonville University in 1997. He served for several years as a board member and chairman of RailMarketplace, Inc., a consortium purchasing organization funded by the Class 1 Railroads.

Thomas DeLay is general manager and owner of Cimarron Composites, located in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. DeLay started his career at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in 1989 in the materials and processes laboratory. He became an agency subject matter expert for composite pressure vessels and all-composite tanks for new rocket propulsion systems. Mr. DeLay developed unique capabilities in the development and evaluation of composite materials for cryogenic applications. Mr. DeLay has six patents in composite tank technology. He started Cimarron Composites in the summer of 2008 as a consulting company; however, the company grew to become a developer and producer of composite tanks for niche applications. He has many customers in the commercial rocket development industries and with government agencies. He has recently developed large-scaled type 4 composite tubes for gas transport and high pressure type 3 cylinders for hydrogen fuel cell applications. Mr. DeLay has a bachelor’s degree in Physics from S.W. Oklahoma State University and did some postgraduate work at the University of Arizona. He also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Oklahoma State University.

Michael DelBovo, president of Saddle Creek Transportation Inc., has been a part of the leadership team since 1997. Saddle Creek Transportation provides asset & non-asset based supply chain solutions, including dedicated fleets, transportation management, and brokerage services. Mr. DelBovo is responsible for the trucking company, logistics/brokerage company, and cross-docks located in nine facilities stretching nationwide and over 500 drivers. In 2012, Mr. DelBovo spear-headed a $50 million CNG project that today is a fleet in excess of 200 Freightliner tractor-trailers, along with multiple fueling stations. With Mr. DelBovo’s leadership, Saddle Creek became the first freight company in Florida to introduce natural gas to it’s over the road trucking fleet which has exceeded 40 million miles. Mr. DelBovo began his career in logistics in 1985 with Schneider National and has held a variety of positions for companies such as Dart Transit and CH Robinson. Each year DC Velocity carefully selects Rainmakers –individuals that make outstanding contributions to the logistics field and advance their profession. Mr. DelBovo was one of the 11 selected 2014 Rainmakers. He has been recognized by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine as one of its 2014 “Pros to Know.” Mr. DelBovo earned his bachelor’s degree from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin and received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.

Greg Denton has spent his career in the oil & gas Industry, developing international upstream assets and LNG transport and infrastructure projects. He joined GTT Gaztransport & Technigaz, the leading engineering company in the shipping and storage of LNG and other liquefied gases, in 2012 and has served as business development manager for subsidiary GTT North America (GTT NA) since its formation in 2013. In addition to GTT’s core activities of very large ethane carriers, multi-gas carriers, FLNGs, and FSRUs, he focuses on the deployment of GTT’s onshore tank technology and the development of the LNG as fuel value chain.
As business development manager he is in charge of the relationships with project developers, gas companies, EPCs, engineering companies, end users, and regulatory bodies. Mr. Denton represents GTT NA in industry and standards groups such as NFPA, CSA, and API. He is a frequent speaker and contributor to prominent industry events across the Americas. Mr. Denton began his career with ExxonMobil Development Company in Offshore Fabrication and then Onshore Construction, executing brownfield projects offshore West Africa and greenfield projects in northern Alberta, Canada. He subsequently joined Hilcorp Energy Company, based in Houston, TX, developing unconventional assets and optimizing production of both oil and gas plays in the Central Texas region, before joining GTT. Mr. Denton graduated with honors from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a Minor in Germanic languages.

Jose Fernandez started his career in power at Rolls Power Ventures in charge of developing projects in the Caribbean and Central America Market. Being part of Aggreko since 2005, working in the international projects primarily in Latin America where the company has led the application of multi MW power plant in small, medium and large scale temporary power plants for several customers in different sectors such as utilities, manufacturing, mining, and oil & gas. In addition, he has been general manager for Mexico and Colombia where Aggreko has been focus in developing gas applications using CNG as a primary source and gas pipeline. Today he leads the alternative fuels efforts for Aggreko North America as the future of the rental industry.

Les Gingell began his career at Avco Lycoming, where he was in charge of gas turbine engine installations for applications from world transatlantic record holders, to the U.S. Navy’s Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), as well as many mega-yacht and commercial ferry projects. In 1994, he joined MAN B&W as director of business development, and has been involved in many of the most advanced applications of large diesel engines, including the first two-stroke powered liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, the first alternate fueled vessels, and numerous other advanced projects. During Les’s tenure at MAN, all ocean going ships built in the US have been powered by MAN B&W main engines.

Hernan Henriquez, executive director of sales and marketing, has spent over 12 years in the commercialization of gaseous fuels and high pressure storage vessels. Prior to his appointment as executive director of sales and marketing, Mr. Henriquez served as director of sales and marketing, business development manager, and sales manager. Prior to joining Quantum in 2005, Mr. Henriquez served as the OEM sales manager at IMPCO Technologies. He was responsible for leading domestic and international sales and strategic marketing programs for IMPCO‘s global commercialization of fuel systems for transportation and industrial applications through OEM’s (Caterpillar, Cummins, IVECO, etc.). Before entering the fuels systems business, Mr. Henriquez held several managerial roles in high-technology hardware and software companies for Global 500 companies. Mr. Henriquez received an Associates Science degree in engineering technology

Randall Hull joined Prometheus Energy in May 2012 as director of business development. He is responsible for sales, marketing, and commercial development activities for application of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to targeted industrial sectors, including oilfield exploration and production, remote power and process heat generation, and fuelling of ultra-high-horsepower engines for marine and locomotive applications. Mr. Hull has three decades of energy industry experience, primarily working in the industrial gas industry with a focus on power generation, hydrogen production and marketing, and downstream hydrocarbons’ processing. He has international experience and led the development and closure of several large on-site hydrogen supply awards for clean fuels petroleum refining projects in Asia and Latin America. Prior to joining Prometheus Energy, he founded Petrochem Outsourcing Consulting Services LLC, a global consulting practice helping global oil, energy, and chemical companies manage strategic outsourcing of critical products and services. Mr. Hull’s experience includes several senior sales, business development, and general management roles at General Electric, Air Products, BOC/Linde, and recently as senior commercial vice president at Marsulex, a North American firm in the specialty chemicals and refining services businesses. Marsulex was acquired by Chemtrade Logistics, another Canadian firm in June 2011. Additionally, he has serviced as president and chief operating officer of a small, public, renewable energy firm in 2006. Mr. Hull is a member of both the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) professional organizations.

Bill Hutchins has worked within the LNG industry for more than fifteen years. Soon after graduating from Maine Maritime Academy, he was sailing on LNG vessels trading within the Asia-Pacific basin, achieving roles as a senior officer. He subsequently moved into office roles where he worked in LNG vessel design and construction of both large and small scale vessels. Mr. Hutchins has been involved in many projects within the industry requiring development and application of novel technologies onboard large and small LNG vessels. He is currently working as project manager for Shell developing infrastructure for LNG as a marine fuel in the America.

Steve Igoe is the commercial manager for the Large Power Systems gas engine business, which serves as the engine product group for all the high horsepower segments for Caterpillar. In his role he has leadership responsibility for product strategy and development and market development for Caterpillar’s dual fuel mining truck program. Mr. Igoe has been actively involved in making dual fuel mining truck projects a reality. Mr. Igoe has 22 years with Caterpillar. He joined in 1995 in the Electric Power business field representative covering the Northeast. In his career he has held various commercial and product roles in Caterpillar’s energy and transportation businesses in technical marketing & sales, product group, engineering and field validation, and regulatory in both the engine and mining segments. He holds a MBA from Bradley University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University.

Richard P. Insull is the director of business development for external engineering at Matrix PDM Engineering Inc., a subsidiary of Matrix Service Company (Nasdaq: MTRX). Mr. Insull is a Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Insull has over 30 years of experience with the development, engineering and construction of industrial facilities with a focus on liquid natural gas (LNG) / cryogenic storage tanks and associated facilities for industrial, fertilizer, peak shavers, bunkering, import and export terminals. Before joining Matrix PDM, Mr. Insull worked for Air Products and Chemicals and CB&I. He possesses expertise in field inspection, design engineering, project engineering and business development. Example projects with which Mr. Insull has been involved include: front-end engineering design (FEED) for LNG tanks, cryogenic tanks and balance of plant facilities; detailed engineering for various engineering-only and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects; and engineering studies for project development, existing tank and facility upgrades, and existing tank and facility troubleshooting and repairs.

Matthew Jackson is the vice president of LNG business development at Crowley Maritime Corporation, leading Crowley’s global LNG initiatives across all business sectors. Some of these initiatives include LNG export, supply distribution, bunkering, and bulk transportation. He joined Crowley Maritime in 2002 and has worked in several areas of the company including liner shipping, logistics, and petroleum transportation. Before his move to Crowley, Mr. Jackson worked for a major consulting firm and was a US Air Force captain. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas.

Louis James is director of business development at UGI Energy Services LLC (UGIES). In this position, Mr. James is responsible for the development of a variety of conventional and alternative energy-related opportunities. He has been involved in several key efforts and projects including organization of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) marketing group, construction of a one-billion-cubic-foot LNG storage tank and liquefaction expansion at UGIES’ existing LNG plant in Temple, Pennsylvania, development of the newly commissioned greenfield liquefier in the Marcellus Shale region of north-central Pennsylvania, repowering of the Hunlock generating plant from coal to natural gas, development of the Broad Mountain landfill gas to power project, and development of several photovoltaic solar power facilities. Prior to joining UGIES, Mr. James held various business development related positions at Sunoco Logistics Partners, Sithe Energies, and Williams Energy & Trading. Louis James has a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Long Island University and a Master of Science degree in energy economics and finance from West Virginia University.

CDR Randy Jenkins reported as the Chief of the Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise in June 2015 with over 17 years of Coast Guard, Marine Safety experience. During his time at the Marine Safety Center, CDR Jenkins was lead on several cruise ship new construction and refurbishment plan review projects and participated in dozens of initial certificate of compliance exams for vessels bound for the U.S market. He currently oversees the training of all Coast Guard cruise ship examiners, assists in the development of national and international standards and Coast Guard policy, and continues to participate in exams both domestically and globally. CDR Jenkins is also responsible for ensuring a consistent national approach to conducting cruise ship exams and the direct liaison with the cruise ship industry. As the Prevention Chief in the Nation’s energy epicenter, he was responsible for overseeing and shepherding in over $100 Billion in growth in the oil and gas industry ahead of the “energy renaissance” including construction oversight of the Nation’s first LNG bunker barge. Other notable accomplishments include: the salvage and safe offload of sulfur from the grounded freighter JIAN QIANG, serving as adviser to the Office of Naval Intelligence analyzing multiple terrorist attack scenarios on tankers in the Gulf of Aden, and leading prevention efforts for the arrival and safe destruction of precursors to Syrian chemical weapons of mass destruction. CDR Jenkins holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point (1998) and a Masters in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2008). His areas of emphasis on passenger vessels are on fire safety, evacuation and performance-based designs.

Ray Kroll began his career at Shell focused on the day-to-day operations of compressor stations and well sites, where he learned a great deal about natural gas. In 1996, he transferred to Shell’s Downstream Business, providing HSSE and operations support for Retail/ Aviation/ Commercial Fuels/ Bulk Fuels Terminals across Canada. This involved the operations and safe handling of hydrocarbons in large storage tanks, load racks, and pipelines supporting this vast network. During this time, Mr. Kroll managed emergency response, including the Crisis Management Centre and Crisis Management Team for both Upstream and Downstream businesses. In late 2011, Mr. Kroll moved into the newly formed liquefied natural gas (LNG) business in Canada focused on developing Shell’s first LNG fuel station for commercial vehicles. With help from other LNG companies and the Calgary fire department, Mr. Kroll started conducting what were coined LNG “Burn & Learn” sessions to demystify LNG and encourage industry growth. Mr. Kroll conducted these sessions with the Houston and surrounding area HAZMAT teams, and subsequent sessions with various Louisiana first responders in Little Calliou and Golden Meadows. As LNG in North America started to grow, Mr. Kroll’s role evolved, and he began to help develop the LNG Road transport sector in the USA and Europe for Shell. Marine interest also started to pick up, and Mr. Kroll was involved in the first LNG fuel transfer to an off-shore supply vessel (OSV) and subsequent marine bunkering activities. Mr. Kroll represents Shell’s interests in the development of codes and standards for LNG in North America and sits on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for LNG standard Z276. Mr. Kroll continues to support LNG development in North America and around the world for Shell with projects like Gibraltar and Europe LNG bunkering.

Eric Kuenzli was named director of fuels in September 2013. He is responsible for expanding Pivotal LNG’s and JAX LNG’s marketing effort primarily in the Southeast United States. Mr. Kuenzli has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry, with a focus on fuel procurement, trading, and marketing of natural gas. Most recently, he was director of fuels at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), where he was responsible for overseeing procurement, trading and hedging a one-billion-dollar natural gas portfolio of assets. Previously, he managed the fuels organization for Exelon Generation, and was primarily responsible for wholesale and retail natural gas supply. Prior to those positions, Mr. Kuenzli held positions of increasing responsibility with various natural gas production, trading, and marketing companies. Mr. Kuenzli holds a bachelor of business administration degree from Baylor University.

Erik Langeteig is the director of project solutions for the Engineered Systems group at Chart Industries. Mr. Langeteig leads a team of application development engineers and managers in developing innovative and comprehensive liquid gas project solutions for aerospace, marine, mining, power generation, and Industrial markets. He has been with Chart since 2013 working on liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction and engineered systems projects throughout North America and the Caribbean. Over his tenure at Chart, Mr. Langeteig has held various roles in market development, project acquisition, and project development. He previously spent nine years working as an engineer and a manager at Suncor Energy. He has a BS in industrial engineering and management from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis.

Reid Larson is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) product manager for Chart Industries. In this role, Mr. Larson has been instrumental in developing and bringing to market multiple products for fueling natural gas-powered vehicles, both on and off-road. He has worked for Chart Industries in multiple roles, developing expertise in managing and engineering products for stationary and mobile applications in the natural gas market. Chart is a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment used in the production, storage and end-use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. Chart’s products are used throughout the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain for purification, liquefaction, distribution, storage, and end-use applications. Mr. Larson holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a BS in physics from Augsburg College.

Jorge Lobo has been with FortisBC for more than six years in areas such as energy efficiency program management and renewable gas project management. For the last four years, Mr. Lobo has led the development of innovative LNG delivery systems for industrial customers such as mine haul trucks and trailer ro-ro and ro-pax ferries operators, from initial concept to operation and maintenance. Before joining FortisBC, he led an EPC company where he developed major infrastructure projects with custom solutions to private and public customers as a business development and project manager. Mr. Lobo is a professional engineer and holds a MBA from the Sauder School of Business at UBC.

Mike Mackey began his career designing launch facilities at Cape Canaveral and was a key member of the launch team. Mr. Mackey joined GP Strategies in 1996 and leads GP Strategies’ Alternative Fuels Division located in Escondido, CA. Mr. Mackey has over 30 years of cryogenic and high pressure system design, fabrication, installation, operation, and maintenance experience. While at GP, Mr. Mackey has been the engineer of record for over 150 liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and hydrogen fuel stations, cryogenic trailer loading system, cryogenic systems and high pressure systems. This includes some of the largest LNG, CNG, and hydrogen fuel stations in the US. Mr. Mackey has 6 patents related to cryogenic pumping and metering. Mr. Mackey is a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer and holds a BSME from Texas A&M University, a MSME from the University of Colorado, and an Executive MBA from San Diego State.

Michael O’Hearn is the natural gas sales manager for the Freightliner brand with Daimler Trucks North America, covering the East Coast. Michael began his career in 2013 as a CAReer trainee working on various assignments in Daimler’s finance, engineering and sales departments which included international projects and exposure to Daimler’s global network. He was then promoted to regional sales support manager for Freightliner’s Southeast region where he was tasked with supporting the selling efforts of on-highway and vocational trucks. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Belmont Abbey College and a Master of Science degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Mike Morris joined Thigpen Energy as the health and safety coordinator after a 20-year career as a firefighter. Mr. Morris was directly responsible for the implementation of best practices that incorporated regulatory and customer health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements in an emerging market. After Thigpen was acquired by private equity in 2014, Mr. Morris was named vice president of health, safety, and environmental for the newly formed TRF Energy Solutions. As Thigpen Energy surged as a key provider of virtual pipeline solutions, Mr. Morris managed the health, safety and regulatory compliance for one of the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) virtual pipeline fueling solutions ever deployed for power plant fueling. Mr. Morris left Thigpen Energy to begin his own safety consulting business in early 2016. Mr. Morris accepted his most recent role as health, safety and environmental director for Chart Lifecycle, one of his consulting clients. In this position, he both led HSE compliance and managed the P&L for safety services worldwide. As part of the executive management team, Mr. Morris assisted in developing and implementing strategies enabling Chart Lifecycle grow to over 225 employees in less than 20 months. Mr. Morris currently continues to own and operate Morris Safety Services.

Scott Myers has been founder and president of OptiFuel Systems, LLC, focused on providing EPA approved, high horsepower, dual fuel engines and associated storage systems for use in natural gas products in the rail, maritime, power generation, and off-road markets. Previously, Mr. Myers was the founder and president of EcoDual, Inc. focused on dual fuel systems for the Class 8 market. For 24 years, Mr. Myers was involved in developing unmanned air, ground and underwater autonomous systems as the founder and president of General Dynamics Robotic Systems. Mr. Myers has a BS in mechanical engineering from Clemson University and an MS in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas in Austin.

Dave Myers has been involved with the alternative fuels industry in North America since 1989, specializing in the development and sales of products designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of CNG and hydrogen systems. Mr. Myers holds patents for valve and PRD technology for CNG and hydrogen cylinder applications. His more than 39 years of experience with high-pressure gases encompasses a broad range of applications from semiconductor systems to fabrication of vehicular fuel systems. Mr. Myers is a senior member of ISA, SAE and past member of several technology committees’ for CNG vehicles and components.

Rear Admiral John Nadeau assumed the duties as the assistant commandant for prevention policy in July of 2017. In this capacity, he leads development of national policy, standards, and programs to promote marine safety, security and environmental stewardship. He oversees three Directorates: Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. The programs under his leadership include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, commercial vessel inspections, and port state control. His previous flag officer assignment was the assistant commandant for capability, where he was responsible for identifying and providing service-wide capabilities and developing standards for staffing, training, equipping, sustaining, maintaining, and employing forces to meet all U.S. Coast Guard mission requirements. Other assignments include commanding officer of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center; commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Wilmington, North Carolina, where he served as the captain of the port, federal on scene coordinator, and officer in charge, marine inspection; chief of inspections at Marine Safety Office Corpus Christi, Texas; senior investigating officer at Activities Baltimore, Maryland; and chief of the office of design and engineering standards at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. Rear Admiral Nadeau graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in naval architecture & marine engineering and obtained advanced degrees in mechanical engineering and naval architecture & marine engineering from the University of Michigan. He earned a Master of Arts degree in homeland security and defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Virginia. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Transportation 9/11 Medal.

Scott Nason is the product manager for Chart’s Rail Products Group. He is concentrating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) rail tender and tank car opportunities as well as opportunities for the use of ISO containers to transport and store LNG. Prior to this position, Mr. Nason spent several years as a product manager of mobile equipment for Chart, focusing on rail cars, highway trailers, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) containers, and a variety of cryogenic liquid transportation equipment. He also worked as an engineering manager for Chart’s process engineering division, working on bulk tanks and systems for all cryogenic liquids. Mr. Nason has 30 years of experience in design engineering, product management, and business development of cryogenic liquid systems and transportation equipment.

George Nemeth began his energy career with ExxonMobil working on gas commercialization and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects around the world. After his last posting with ExxonMobil in Qatar, Mr. Nemeth moved to the trading side of the business to launch LNG trading desks at Merrill Lynch Commodities, Societe General, and Koch Supply & Trading. Currently, Mr. Nemeth is the director of LNG business development for Applied Energy Services (AES) focusing on the Caribbean and Latin America regions. Mr. Nemeth holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

George Nemeth began his energy career with ExxonMobil working on gas commercialization and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects around the world. After his last posting with ExxonMobil in Qatar, Mr. Nemeth moved to the trading side of the business to launch LNG trading desks at Merrill Lynch Commodities, Societe General, and Koch Supply & Trading. Currently, Mr. Nemeth is the director of LNG business development for Applied Energy Services (AES) focusing on the Caribbean and Latin America regions. Mr. Nemeth holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Michael Nicoletti currently operates as JRA Consulting, a firm dedicated to bringing alternative energy into the transportation industry and in particular railroads. Mr. Nicoletti began his professional career at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB), which is the largest switching railroad in North America. He has held various positions from accounting and finance to purchasing to director of mechanical operations. While at the IHB, he authored and directed the IHB’s $60-million Locomotive Fuel Conversion Project to convert 70 percent of the IHB fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG). This ambitious, environmentally friendly, and profitable project is the first fleet conversion to CNG in North America, assisted by funding and support of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). He was the 2014 recipient of a Rising Star award from Progressive Railroading Magazine. Mr. Nicoletti holds an MBA from Indiana University.

Nathan Ough is the vice president of corporate and business development. He has nine years of energy investment, corporate development, and finance experience working in a multinational investment bank and large refining conglomerate. He also has extensive experience with refined product demand and supply within the oil & gas sector to agricultural markets. Mr. Ough holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and economics from the University of New Brunswick.

Arvind Ramakrishnan has spent over nine years with FortisBC in various divisions, including forecasting, resource planning, energy efficiency, and conversation. He has been responsible for managing and taking the biomethane program to the market, developing and implementing the natural gas for transportation incentive program, and, more recently, leading a sales team to drive additional growth in compressed natural gas (CNG)/liquefied natural gas (LNG) business for domestic and regional markets. The regional LNG team was instrumental in adding about 500 vehicles, six mine haul trucks and seven marine vessels in the province to drive growth and throughput in the company. Mr. Ramakrishnan and the entire team is currently responsible for driving additional growth and identifying new markets and opportunities across marine, remote power generation, and mine haul segments. Mr. Ramakrishnan has an MBA from the Sauder school of business, University of British Columbia; a product management certification from University of California, Berkeley; and an engineering degree.

Sheldon Reed, director of the Fire Academy of the South, provides leadership and academic guidance to the Fire Academy. The Academy maintains a strong relationship with industries and agencies across the state of Florida providing industry brigade training, aircraft firefighting training, and other employer-specific fire training. In the course of his duties, Chief Reed is also the liaison for the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD). During his nine year tenure, the Fire Academy has increased enrollment in the Fire Fighter II program, and instituted new programming including marine firefighting, aircraft firefighting, and the use of drones in public safety, and is currently developing a liquefied natural gas prop, which will be one of only three in the United States. Chief Reed also implemented an EMT and paramedic program at the Fire Academy. The Fire Academy was named the Florida Fire Training Center of the Year in 2010 and in 2016 by the Florida Training Directors Association. Chief Reed retired from the City of Naples Fire Department after 25 years of service and served the last seven years of his tenure as chief of the department. Upon retirement from municipal service, Chief Reed was the Fire Science Technology Coordinator for Edison State College in Fort Myers, FL. While at Edison, he developed the curriculum for Edison’s first bachelor degree, BAS in Public Safety Management. Chief Reed possesses a bachelor’s degree in public administration. He has also taken executive level courses at the National Fire Academy and is certified as a Florida Fire Instructor III.

Richard Rogers is managing director of peaking operations for Southern Company Gas. Mr. Rogers is responsible for directing operations at six liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, two propane-air peaking plants and two pipeline compressor stations. Additionally, he manages the LNG bunkering process for Pivotal LNG, which includes ensuring procedures, training, and staffing support for the safe, reliable delivery of LNG to ships at the Port of Jacksonville. He also provides support to Pivotal LNG as a technical consultant. The majority of Mr. Rogers’ 30-plus year career with AGL Resources has centered on all aspects of LNG and propane-air peak shaving. He also previously held roles in engineering and gas operations. Mr. Rogers received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jeff Sherman joined then-Detroit Diesel Corporation in 1999 as a marine sales manager with responsibilities for the marine pleasure craft mega-yacht market. In early 2004, Mr. Sherman added responsibilities for the commercial marine business segment for MTU in the Western Region of the US. In 2006, Mr. Sherman shifted his role and became the manager for the workboat market in North America and remains in that role currently, focusing on tugs, ferries, OSVs & crew boats, and other miscellaneous workboats, to name a few. Mr. Sherman grew up in the marine industry, working as a technician all the way the general manager in various yards on Cape Cod. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and also attended Bridgewater State College, pursuing a master’s degree in education. Mr. Sherman holds a USCG near Coastal Masters License, and is an associate member of SNAME, PVA, CPVA, CFOA, AWO and serves on several committees within the marine community.

LCDR Dallas Smith is the detachment chief for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) located in Port Arthur, TX. Here he supervises a team of liquefied gas subject matter experts who provide technical advice to both the industry and the Coast Guard for all foreign and U.S. flagged vessels and barges that carry liquefied gases in bulk, LNG/LPG terminals, LNG Bunkering, and LNG as a marine fuel. In addition, his team creates and reviews USCG policy, regulations, procedures and standards for liquefied gas carriers, liquefaction and regas terminals, LNG bunkering operations, and LNG fuel systems. LCDR Smith was the supervisor of Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) Brownsville, TX, where he oversaw and managed all marine safety, homeland security, and emergency management missions at the U.S./Mexico border. Prior to MSD Brownsville, LCDR Smith served as a senior marine inspector and a port state control examiner at Sector Houston-Galveston, where he conducted comprehensive safety and security inspections on U.S. and foreign freight/oil/chemical/LPG/LNG vessels and terminals. LCDR Smith received his commission in 2005 after serving as an electronic technician for four and a half years and serving at Electronics Support Detachment (ESD) New Orleans. He holds an M.B.A. with honors from Liberty University (2016), B.S. degrees with honors in technology management and organizational leadership from University of Houston (2010), an A.A.S. in electronic engineering from Thomas Edison State College (2003). LCDR Smith’s military awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, and numerous other personal and team awards.

Martin Tallett, president and founder of EnSys Energy, is an established advisor to industry and government and a developer of decision support software and services. He is chemical engineer with operational, supply planning, management and systems experience with Exxon and Amoco proceeding the current thirty plus years in international consulting. Among Mr. Tallett’s main activities has been his development of, and leadership, in integrated global supply industry modeling in the form of the EnSys WORLD oil model. This approach, continuously evolved and adapted to real world developments and issues, has established a proven and unique means to tackle important, strategic questions that are national, international and global in nature. Studies for clients as varied as the US Departments of Energy and State, EPA, EIA, American Petroleum Institute, OPEC Secretariat, International Maritime Organization, major oil companies, and technology providers have ranged from reference outlooks through 2040 to oil disruptions to marine fuel, ULS fuel and climate change regulatory impacts to technology and catalyst market outlooks. Recent studies led by Mr. Tallett have focused on North American supply and logistics issues, notably the potential refining and market impacts of Keystone XL and other pipeline and rail projects, and of allowing US crude oil exports. Mr. Tallett has also been named annually as a “main contributor” to each OPEC Secretariat World Oil Outlook published since 2007.

Sam Thigpen brings unique insight and expertise to the energy service industry across many verticals. In his 20 years in the industry, he has led teams and organizations in oil and gas services, gas processing, and pipeline operations. Before founding Thigpen Business Consultants, he was previously the president of Chart Lifecycle, chief executive officer of TRF Energy Solutions, and chief executive officer of Thigpen Energy. Mr. Thigpen studied finance at Sam Houston State University, is a lifetime member of Mensa, and has also held various board of director seats in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Sean Turner, chief operating officer and partner at Gladstein Neandross & Associates (GNA), provides technical oversight on alternative fuel initiatives, air quality improvement, and vehicular technology for several of GNA’s largest clients. He has worked in international engineering consulting and government affairs on automotive emissions, alternative fuels, and air quality issues for over 20 years. Mr. Turner previously served as president of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition. His work established a new regulatory and legislative presence in California through an intensive lobbying campaign, an acclaimed industry newsletter, a website, a natural gas fuel station directory, and a web-based fuel station mapping system. Mr. Turner spent two years working in Cairo, Egypt, as a CNG specialist on the Cairo Air Improvement Project designing CNG fuel systems and national safety standards for natural gas transit buses and fueling stations in Egypt. From 1995 until 1998, Mr. Turner was director of technology for Natural Gas Vehicles for America, where he managed technology-related issues, as well as the development of national safety standards for NGVs and fueling infrastructure. Mr. Turner earned his BS in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles.

Mario Vila is the fleet maintenance director for UPS in Florida. A mechanical engineer, Mr. Vila has 30 years in the air and ground transportation industry, 22 of which were in the maintenance field. He has had multiple domestic and international assignments.

Harald Wilms is the director for business development with Zeppelin Power Systems, a dealer for Caterpillar engines for Germany, Central European and Asian territories. Dr. Wilms holds a PhD degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Braunschweig. He joined Zeppelin Power Systems in 2012 and is in charge of developing strategies for market development both for marine and land-based applications. Previously, he was involved in various development, engineering and sales management positions and was instrumental in setting up Zeppelin’s operations in North America.