Women in Safety Conference

As a silver sponsor your company will receive:

• Vendor table
• 1 event ticket
• 1 pre-event networking ticket
• Logo displayed at event
• 1/2 page ad

$750 Limited availability
Click here to register

The Bronze Sponsor will receive: 

• Logo in program book
• Logo at event
• 1 ticket to the conference
• 1 ticket to the Pre-conference Happy Hour Networking Event

Cost: $300
Click here to register

Please email your logo to Jen.English@Keene.edu

We will be holding a pre-conference Happy Hour Networking Event this year.

Sponsorships include:
logo on marketing materials
logo at the event
logo at the conference
One ticket to the conference
Two complimentary tickets to the pre-conference Happy Hour
$500

Click here to register

Topic:  R.I.S.K.: Reimagining Influence, Strength, and Knowledge
Transforming Your Career for an EPIC Personal Life

Sondra Lavoie, Risk Control Specialist at Sompo International

Sondra Lavoie is a Risk Control Specialist , renowned for her extensive expertise in safety management and risk assessment. She holds several respected industry certifications, including the ARM, Associate in Risk Management, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). Sondra is a two-time recipient of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals Award of Excellence and uniquely stands as the only woman to have received this accolade for Construction Health and Safety Technician.

Sondra actively champions initiatives for suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of open and courageous dialogues to save lives. Her involvement with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) reflects her dedication to advancing the safety profession.

With a career spanning numerous years, Sondra has successfully crafted and executed comprehensive construction safety programs, conducted meticulous risk assessments, and delivered critical training to bolster workplace safety and compliance across the nation. Her unwavering commitment to risk mitigation and fostering a culture of safety is evident in her ability to identify potential hazards and implement impactful control measures. Sondra’s passion for safety, advocacy for women, and her proactive approach render her an invaluable asset to both her clients and the broader safety community.

Fun Fact: Sondra was crowned Mrs. Idaho United States in 2010 and received the Mrs. Congeniality United States award the same year, highlighting her exceptional kindness and congeniality.

Bachelor of Science, Occupational Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
CSP, Certified Safety Professional
ASP, Associate Safety Professional
CHST, Construction Health and Safety Technician
ARM, Associate in Risk Management
American Society of Safety Professionals – Puget Sound
American Society of Safety Professionals- WISE Assistant Administrator
Board of Certified Safety Professionals- BCSP Ambassador

Topic: Seriously: Confidence, Communication, and Conflict Resolution in Safety Leadership

 Presented by: Bonnie Brooks Dudley 

In the safety industry, being taken seriously is non-negotiable. Whether leading teams, making critical decisions, or addressing conflict, your confidence and communication skills determine how effectively your message is received. This session will give you the tools to project authority, navigate difficult conversations, and resolve conflicts with clarity and control. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to ensure your voice is heard, your expertise is valued, and your leadership leaves a lasting impact.

Bonnie Brooks Dudley brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to leadership, business development, communication strategies, and conflict resolution. With a 22-year career in the U.S. Navy, experience as a police officer, a role in her family’s construction business as the business and safety manager, ownership of a home care agency, and time spent teaching English as a Second Language, Bonnie has cultivated a deep understanding of people, businesses, and the art of effective communication. As the founder of Brooks Coaching , Bonnie specializes in coaching small business professionals and family caregivers. She helps individuals refine their interpersonal and presentation skills through business English and etiquette coaching , guides entrepreneurs through the strategic hiring and team expansion process , and supports family caregivers in navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one . Her passion is to provide affordable, practical coaching that empowers her clients to achieve a sustainable work-life rhythm. When she’s not coaching, Bonnie is an avid runner—having run for pleasure for over 37 years, she aspires to keep running well into her 80s and beyond. She lives in Derry, NH , with her husband, Kevin, where they embrace life’s adventures, zigging and zagging their way forward together.

Topic: Extreme Temperatures Within the Human Performance Strategy

It’s time to stop “toughing it out” and instead talk about extreme temperatures within the human performance strategy. In 2021, data showed that more than 2.5 billion hours[lancetcountdown.org] of labor in the U.S. agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and service sectors were lost to heat exposure. Another report found that, in 2020, loss of productivity from heat exposure cost the economy $100 billion [onebillionresilient.org] with annual costs expected to grow to $500 billion by 2050. Absenteeism, productivity losses, and unsafe events rise dramatically when the temperature swings – and in this market, that’s not something any of us can afford. Attend this session to explore how our changing environment must be managed holistically – by scheduling, operations, logistics, and safety.

Outline: 
What’s the data tell us about temperature extremes and productivity?
Is there a difference in performance between extreme heat and cold?
What happens in the body when exposed to temperature extremes?
What tools do we have to protect employees and manage work environments?

Hilarie Warren is the Director of the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Georgia Tech, one of the non-profit organizations authorized by OSHA to deliver occupational safety and health training for all levels of workers and employers, and administer the OSHA Outreach Training program for 10- and 30-hour classes. Ms. Warren served as an industrial hygiene consultant with the OSHA 21(d) Safety and Health Consultation Program at Georgia Tech for 15 years, assisting businesses throughout Georgia to ensure that workplaces were as free from hazards as possible, and that workers and the community at large are protected from potential health threats. Ms. Warren’s area of technical scientific expertise includes a specific focus on assessing and minimizing health hazard exposures in the construction industry to excessive heat/hot working conditions, heavy metals including lead and hexavalent chromium, and respirable crystalline silica…and she LOVES talking about this stuff to anyone who will listen.

 She is an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for both general industry and construction, is a certified industrial hygienist, a mom to two busy boys, and learned how to play darts pretty darn well during the pandemic, and fun fact – is originally from the little NH town of Cornish, NH. After returning to New England in 2023, she now lives in White River Junction, VT.

Topic: Lithium-Ion & Lithium Metal Battery Safety

Presented by: Lynn Elgin CSHO Maine Dept of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Safety & Training Coordinator

This presentation will cover the anatomy and differences of lithium -ion and Lithium metal batteries, hazards they present, Hydrogen Fluoride dangers, thermal runaway & responding to lithium-ion & lithium metal battery emergencies and disposal.

Lynn is the Safety & Training Coordinator for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry. Instructor Training Institute Region 1 General Industry & Construction. Engaging Corporate Trainer, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, BS Purdue University & CSHO Keene State College. AHA BLS Instructor.

Topic:  How to Build a Successful Hospital Safety Program

This presentation will cover the components of a hospital safety program, which will include the compliance requirements for state and federal reporting.

Presented by: Paula Palmer CT(ASCP) QLS, SHS, CSHO

Paula is an Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Baystate Health. She has earned her  qualifications in Laboratory Safety from the American Society of Clinical Pathology, OSHA, Safety and Health Specialist Certificate and Certified Safety & Health Official (CSHO) certificate. She holds an Associate’s degree from Quinnipiac University in Cytology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Westfield University.

She is an OSHA authorized trainer and enjoys sharing her passion for safety. When she is not working she can be found on her  boat in the summer,  sitting around a firepit,  enjoying a motorcycle ride  or  working out.

Building a Circular Economy with Sustainability

Erin Black, Vice Presidet Risk Management and Sustainability  at Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) and Cardinal System Holdings

 Erin is Vice President, Risk Management, Sustainability, and Facilities for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and Director of Risk Management for Cardinal. She leads the company’s strategy and execution of Enterprise Risk Management and Sustainability framework with proven enterprise-wide strategy creation. Erin also leads our Coke FL facilities team focusing on ensuring functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of Coke Florida’s built environment by integrating people, place, process, and technology.

 Ms. Black has extensive risk management, process improvement, compliance and process modeling experience, having formerly served as Coca-Cola Refreshments’ Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability. Prior to this, Ms. Black served as Senior Global Technical Director of Environmental and Safety at Kellogg Company. Erin has also served as Director of Environmental, Health and Safety for Sara Lee as well as Tone Spices, Inc. She holds an MS from Drake University and two undergraduate degrees from Keene State College in Business Management and Industrial Safety.

 Erin is a Board Member for the Florida Chamber Leadership Council and serves as the Sustainability Committee Chair, Keene State College’s Innovation Advisory Council, USF Stavros Center Executive Committee and Advocacy Board, and USF Patel College Industrial Advisory Committee Member.

Building a Mental Health Strategy at Work

More than ever employers are seeing the effects of mental health on their employees. Productivity, focus, safety and attendance issues are just a few of the outcomes employers can face when an employee is struggling.

In this session, attendees will review the latest statistics around employee’s mental health and how employers can provide workplace policies and benefits to support employees and prevent potential incidents due to a mental health challenge.

Everyone will receive a Mental Health Toolkit and other resources to download.

 Shannon is the Director of Risk Control for The Richards Group She is a licensed P&C Producer, a Certified WorkComp Advisor, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist and is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer for General Industry and Construction industries.

She assists clients with compliance and safety program evaluation and implementation, helping them achieve compliance with OSHA, DOT and DOL regulations. In addition, she provides First Aid/CPR, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid courses.

Shannon serves on the VT Safety & Health Council Board of Directors and is an active volunteer in her local community.

Title:  ISO 45001 and 14001 Standards:  A Practical Approach

 We’ll explore effective ways to use ISO 45001 and 14001 principles to keep workers safe while running your business.  We’ll dive into commonly overlooked concepts, principles, and tools to bridge the gap between management system theory and practical application.

 Mary A. McCoy, PE, has over 20 years of environmental, health and safety experience in consulting, manufacturing, and production and over 12 years of management and leadership experience.  She is a Senior Environmental Engineer at C.T. Male Associates in Latham, New York, and graduated from Montana Tech in Butte, Montana, with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering.  Her safety experience includes fall protection, confined space, control of hazardous energy, machine guarding; administration of hearing, respiratory protection, and medical surveillance programs; spill response and emergency action plans; hazardous chemical management; job hazard analysis; and ISO 45001.  Industries in which she worked include organic chemical, energetic materials, and vanadium production and aerospace parts manufacturing.

Topic: The Role of AI in Safety Management

By the end of this presentation, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into safety management. The presentation will begin with an exploration of AI’s role in enhancing environmental, health, and occupational safety practices, highlighting its potential to improve efficiency and reduce risks.

Attendees will learn about automated learning, examining how AI tools adapt based on new data and trends to ensure safety recommendations remain relevant. The presentation will also feature real-world case studies demonstrating the impact of AI-driven tools on workplace safety and will discuss strategies for implementing AI solutions across various industries, alongside future trends in the field. The development process behind VETTED’s HardHat Buddy AI will be discussed, emphasizing design considerations and its capabilities, such as real-time risk assessment and predictive safety analytics. Attendees will have an opportunity to see HardHat Buddy AI, within VETTED.work, in action so they can experience its benefits firsthand.

Participants will analyze how AI enhances compliance with safety regulations, improves outcomes, and minimizes human error, thus streamlining safety management processes. Discussion, questions, and networking will be encouraged throughout the presentation.

Dr. Athena Wolfe Kennedy is an innovator in modern education and technology, seamlessly blending her expertise in learning and curriculum design, educational technology, adult education and interpersonal communication. With a B.A. in Communication, a B.A. in Spanish, an M.A. in Communication, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming, she designed her academic journey to specialize in online education administration, integrating elements of instructional design and educational technology research. Dr. Wolfe’s dedication to progressive, learner-focused education is evident in her commitment to using cutting-edge technologies like AI to create dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

Currently, Dr. Wolfe leads Business and Learning Development at VETTED.work, where she crafts interactive and informative educational experiences for adults aiming to enhance their knowledge of environmental health and safety principles and practices. Her career spans leadership roles at top institutions, including the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) where she empowered curriculum and development teams to design engaging and connectedlearning environments.

At Purdue University Online, she spearheaded the launch of over 40 online programs as the Online Program Launch Director, demonstrating her ability to innovate at scale. During her time at Arizona State University Online – EdPlus, she led instructional design initiatives for Continuing and Professional Education, and served as the Academic Integrity Officer, ensuring quality and ethical standards in online learning.

Dr. Wolfe’s expertise is built on over 25 years of immersive experience across prestigious institutions like UMGC, Purdue, ASU, CSU, UW, and others, where she has played pivotal roles in integrating advanced technologies into digital and hybrid education. As a seasoned educator, she has taught courses ranging from content design and technical writing, and instructional design to public speaking, marketing, and fitness. Her dynamic background also includes experience in pharmaceutical sales with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and UCB, showcasing her versatility and breadth of knowledge.

With a passion for leveraging technology to redefine online training and education, Dr. Wolfe is constantly seeking new ways to empower learners and enhance educational experiences in the digital age.

Learn How These Safety Professionals are Using AI in their Work Daily

Meet the Panelist: 

Panelist 1: Kylie Coffey, Safety Director at T&K Asphalt 

Kylie Coffey is a 2017 graduate from Keene State College with a Bachelors of Science in Safety & Occupational Health Applied Science.

Kylie has 8 years of experience as a Safety professional, starting her career as a Safety Specialist at Xpress Natural Gas in Stratham, NH, then moving to The Walt Disney Company in Anaheim, CA, specializing in Horticulture and resort enhancement projects. Currently, Kylie is the Safety Director at T&K Asphalt in Whitman, Massachusetts.

Kylie is passionate about cultivating a safe culture where employees feel both valued and included. She is committed to creating an environment where safety is not only about following rules but is embedded in the company’s core values. Ensuring that each team member feels empowered, supported, and part of the overall mission to keep the workplace safe.

Panelist 2: JoEllen Racicot CHST, Dimeo Construction

JoEllen Racicot CHST graduated from Keene State College in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences. In the summer of 2019, she completed an internship with Dimeo Construction in Boston, MA, but was provided the opportunity to remain working full-time for Dimeo during her senior year while completing her degree in the spring of 2020. JoEllen is an active member of the AGC of MA and a Building Women in Construction committee member (BWiC). She was recently awarded the 2024 Rising Star of the Year by the BWiC and AGC of MA. Additionally, JoEllen participates in the Zurich North American Construction Roundtable and the Zurich Women in Construction Roundtable that meets bi-annually throughout the United States. Lastly, she is currently working on a Women’s Construction PPE Program for the City of Boston that will help shape Boston and New England as a premier workplace for Women in Construction.

Panelist 3: Paige Gumkowski CHST, CSP, Assistant EHS Manager Skanska USA Building

Panelist 4: Sondra Lavoie, CSP, ASP, CHST, ARM, Risk Control Specialist at Sompo International

Sondra Lavoie is a Risk Control Specialist , renowned for her extensive expertise in safety management and risk assessment. She holds several respected industry certifications, including the ARM, Associate in Risk Management, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). Sondra is a two-time recipient of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals Award of Excellence and uniquely stands as the only woman to have received this accolade for Construction Health and Safety Technician.

Sondra actively champions initiatives for suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of open and courageous dialogues to save lives. Her involvement with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) reflects her dedication to advancing the safety profession.

With a career spanning numerous years, Sondra has successfully crafted and executed comprehensive construction safety programs, conducted meticulous risk assessments, and delivered critical training to bolster workplace safety and compliance across the nation. Her unwavering commitment to risk mitigation and fostering a culture of safety is evident in her ability to identify potential hazards and implement impactful control measures. Sondra’s passion for safety, advocacy for women, and her proactive approach render her an invaluable asset to both her clients and the broader safety community.

Fun Fact: Sondra was crowned Mrs. Idaho United States in 2010 and received the Mrs. Congeniality United States award the same year, highlighting her exceptional kindness and congeniality.