HERE ARE OUR SPEAKERS
Learn from the Leading Voices in Safety and Leadership
Keynote Speaker:
Valorie Kondos
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Valorie Kondos Field
A former professional ballet dancer turned legendary UCLA Gymnastics head coach, Miss Val led her teams to 7 NCAA Championships and mentored Olympic champions including Simone Biles, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, Madison Kocian, and Katelyn Ohashi.
Known for her philosophy of “Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance,” Miss Val inspires audiences worldwide with her powerful stories on leadership, resilience, and building a positive culture — lessons drawn from decades of coaching, executive consulting, and personal triumph as a breast cancer survivor.
She has captured audiences with her TED Talk as well as captivated audiences at NASA, JP Morgan, Gucci, Chick-fil-A, General Electric, ARod Corp., Activision, USA Artistic Swimming Team, Texas Bank & Trust, Keller Williams Realty, Copper Hill, The Wonderful Company, and the American Cancer Society, among many others.
Divina Jover
Divina Jover
With over 11 years of experience in the citrus industry, Divina currently serves as the EHS Senior Training Supervisor at Wonderful Citrus, where she leads a team of two EHS trainers in designing and delivering impactful environmental, health, and safety training programs. As a designer and practitioner within a multibillion-dollar organization, she has developed scalable training solutions that support operations across California, Texas, and New Jersey.
One of her proudest achievements has been redesigning the Forklift Academy, a hands-on training program created to provide essential forklift operation skills to individuals with no prior experience. This initiative addressed a critical need for our operations teams and has been successfully implemented in Texas.
Her approach is deeply influenced by Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles, with a focus on learning from work as it happens. She uses similar methods through what we called focus groups. A collaborative session that brought together frontline employees to share insights and challenges directly related to their work. These sessions laid the foundation, aligning naturally with HOP’s emphasis on learning from normal work. This proactive, learner-centered approach continues to inform our safety strategies, helping us design training and systems that reflect real-world conditions and empower employee involvement.
Divina holds the Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) credential from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), an Instructional Design certificate from Association for Talent Development, and she's a certified train-the-trainer for First Aid, CPR, and AED through Health and Safety Institute. Her passion is developing meaningful, scalable training that strengthens safety culture, builds leadership capability, and supports continuous improvement across our organization.
Chris Botting
Chris Botting
Chris Botting is an Education Coordinator at Underground Service Alert of Northern California and Nevada – otherwise known as “811.” He has been with the company for 9 years and worked various positions within the company including being the supervisor of online dig ticket QC.
The 811 system, colloquially known as the “Call before you dig,” is a foundational part of damage prevention in the construction and infrastructure industries, so he is pleased to be able to address the ASSP about the process, clarify some new updates and common misunderstandings, and answer any questions the audience might have.
Mike Perun
Mike Perun
Mike Perun has spent the past 10 years of his career in the protective apparel industry focused on supporting PPE programs for Flash Fire, Arc Flash, Arc Shock, and Molten Metal hazards. Mike is currently a Principal Member of the NFPA 660 Fundamentals of Combustible Dusts Technical Committee and is the Cintas National Protective Apparel Specialist for the Western and Mountain Regions.
Gary Garrahan
Gary Garrahan
Mr. Garrahan, CHMM, CMSE® and CSP, is Senior Manager of EHS for The Wonderful Company, a private grower, harvester, bottler, packager and marketer of healthy products. Prior to The Wonderful Company, he gained over 30 years of EHS experience in plastics manufacturing, compact disc manufacturing and power tool manufacturing.
Kevin Goddard
Kevin Goddard
Kevin Goddard is a Senior Safety Engineer for the state of California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB). A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with over 15 years of safety experience, he specializes in hazard control, safety standards, and developing practical solutions that protect workers across industries.
Luis
Ortiz
Luis Ortiz
Founder & CEO, Safety First Management, LLC
Lead Instructor, OSHA Training Education Center – CSUDH
Former ASSP Long Beach Chapter President
Hispanic Safety Professional (HSP) Content Creator
Luis A. Ortiz is the Founder and CEO of Safety First Management, LLC, a nationwide, family-operated safety consulting firm based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience in occupational safety and health, Luis has worked with both Fortune 500 corporations and family-owned companies to build strong, sustainable safety management systems that reduce risk, improve culture, and prevent costly workplace injuries.
As a Lead Instructor at the OSHA Training Education Center at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), Luis teaches the OSHA Recordkeeping Seminar and other advanced safety courses. His engaging teaching style, real-world experience, and passion for mentorship have earned him consistently high reviews from students and peers alike.
A respected leader in the safety community, Luis served as President of the ASSP Long Beach Chapter, where he helped the chapter achieve Platinum-level recognition and grow its membership by 15%. Today, he continues to give back as a Hispanic Safety Professional (HSP) Content Creator, promoting safety education, leadership development, and representation for Latino workers—an at-risk demographic identified by OSHA.
Luis holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and remains committed to advancing the profession through education, mentorship, and community service.
Aaron
Gelb
Aaron Gelb
Aaron R. Gelb is co-managing partner of Conn Maciel Carey, a boutique law firm recognized as having one of the country's top workplace safety/OSH defense practice groups. Aaron represents employers in inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions involving Fed OSHA and state OSH plans such as Cal OSHA. Aaron regularly responds to and manages investigations of catastrophic industrial, construction, and manufacturing workplace accidents, including explosions and chemical releases. In addition to handling all aspects of OSHA litigation, Aaron conducts safety training and compliance counseling, and writes and speaks regularly on safety and health law issues.
Marisela Sanchez
Marisela Sanchez
Marisela Sanchez, MSN, RN, RCSN, Assistant Director, Health, Safety, and Wellness
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
Marisela Sanchez is the Assistant Director of the Health, Safety, and Wellness Department in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, where supports a team of 38 dedicated team members including safety/employee health staff and nursing staff to enhance district health outcomes. A credentialed school nurse since 2012, Marisela brings extensive experience in school-based healthcare, previously serving as both a school nurse and a special education program specialist supporting nursing services.
With a strong foundation in both clinical nursing and educational leadership, Marisela holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CSU Bakersfield, a Master of Science in Nursing from Sacramento State University, and a School Nursing Services Credential. She also holds an Administrative Services Credential, equipping her with the expertise to develop and implement strategies that enhance student and staff health and safety standards in the school setting.
Jaison
Thomas
Jaison Thomas
I’ve had the chance to attend a local ASSP chapter meeting and truly appreciate the work this organization is doing to advance safety and professional development here in Kern County. I’m proud to contribute to the Bakersfield safety community and share insights that come directly from years of on-the-ground experience in our region’s industrial and manufacturing environments.
I’m a Bakersfield-based Air Force veteran, engineer, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience leading teams in high-stakes environments. I began my career turning wrenches as a mechanic before moving into leadership roles at GE and managing large-scale operations in chemical plants and food and beverage manufacturing facilities right here in Bakersfield.
After years of leading teams where safety, clarity, and accountability were non-negotiable, I now speak to organizations across industries about how to strengthen communication, reduce rework, and lead with clarity under pressure.
David
Gee
David Gee
David is a Senior Safety Engineer with the Cal/OSHA Consultation Unit located in Fresno. He is responsible for conducting safety and health evaluations for candidates in the Voluntary Protection Program for Construction; providing technical support, and continuous training to consultants in area offices located throughout the state. Prior to joining Cal/OSHA in 2001, David had worked as a specialist for a large steel foundry and in the hazardous waste industry in the San Francisco Bay Area.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from California State University, Fresno. He is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Danny Smith
Danny Smith
Danny, distinguished for his thought leadership in human factors management for SafeStart, regularly speaks at state, regional and national conferences on a variety of topics related to injury reduction, engagement and culture. He has the ability to make the concepts being taught relatable and valuable to every participant.
Much of this practical application stems from Danny having over 25 years of EHS experience and working with industries including aerospace, oil and gas, construction, iron and steel, chemical processing, automotive, and pharmaceutical.
Danny represents SafeStart as a member of the National Safety Council’s Exhibitor Advisory Board and is a long-standing member of the Alabama Governor's Safety and Health Conference Planning Committee. He is currently ASSP’s Training and Communications Practice Specialty Administrator and a member of the Management Practice Specialty Advisory Committee. Danny is also the co-founder and co-host of the SafeTalk with SafeStart podcast.
Elizabeth Maldonado
Elizabeth Maldonado
Elizabeth is an alumni of the CSUB’s School of Business and Kern Health Systems Employee Relations Advisor. Elizabeth obtained her certification in Conducting Effective Investigations through CalPELRA, is certified in Lean Six Sigma both Yellow and Green Belt, and recently obtained her certification Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles through Harvard Extended University. Elizabeth is bilingual in Spanish and a dedicated professional that loves to empower her team on employee engagement, wellness, safety, workers compensation, LOAs, Accommodations, and reporting procedures.
Elizabeth is compassionate, dedicated, and loves connecting with our community. Elizabeth is Mentor for CSUB's RAMP program, and is also the Membership Director with Kern County SHRM.
Adrian Nevarez
Adrian Nevarez
Adrian Nevarez is an HR and EHS executive and consultant with extensive experience leading safety, risk, and people operations across industrial construction, manufacturing, and agricultural environments. He specializes in designing data-driven safety programs and developing leaders who can drive meaningful, measurable improvement. Uniquely dual-certified in HR and Safety (CSP, SHRM-SCP) and serving as a university professor, Adrian is known for translating complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies that elevate performance, strengthen culture, and enhance accountability.
Kelly George
Kelly George
Kelly George has over 20 years in EHS program development and management. In addition to being an attorney, Mr. George has a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, and a Master of Science in Environmental Management. Mr. George began his career in safety as a paramedic firefighter and moving on to working for OSHA.
Having managed EHS, Risk, Insurance, Contracts, DOT, Security, Regulatory Compliance, and Worker Compensation, he has a diverse understanding of incidents, investigations and implementing systems to prevent and manage adverse events. Kelly is best known for his high energy organizational leadership and engagement. He now works as a Vice President for Grimmway Farms.
Stephenie McWilliams
Stephenie McWilliams
Safety Professional in the industry almost 20 years. Worked for the oil/gas industry, Department of Defense US Navy, JLL/Amgen HQ and currently residing in Ventura County. I have four children and four grandchildren. I enjoy paddle boarding, thrifting, bike riding and going on adventures. I am a photographer and love newborns and maternity sessions the best. I also own a photobooth which is quite popular and always the life of the party. I am a CPR instructor and motivational speaker as well.
Jerry Pearson
Jerry Pearson
Jerry Pearson is a seasoned partner in Klein DeNatale Goldner’s Labor and Employment Department, bringing nearly three decades of experience to the table. Jerry earned his Juris Doctor from San Joaquin College of Law in Fresno and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1995. He continues to guide employers through complex wage and hour compliance, harassment and discrimination claims, wrongful termination disputes, and workers' compensation matters.
Emily Taylor
Emily Taylor
Emily Taylor, PhD, is a professor of biology at Cal Poly, SLO, and owner of Central Coast Snake Services. She facilitates snake safety workshops throughout California to help those working in areas with rattlesnakes learn how to ethically relocate these animals safely and in compliance with California law, instead of killing them. Her clients include biologists, farmers, military, construction, solar, landscapers, and others who work in areas that rattlesnakes may be found. Workshops include hands-on training with live snakes. Additional services include detailed written, customized snakebite medical plans for clients throughout the country.
Todd
Giurlani
Todd Giurlani
Todd Giurlani has over 40 yrs as a safety consultant and over 30 yrs as an experience owning a successful safety consulting firm that has provided services to countless industries throughout the U.S. and overseas. He has a history of providing specialty topics as guest speaker at ASSP symposiums and other organizations. His service with many large projects have earned him letters of recognition and achievement awards in safety.
Scott Francis
Scott Francis
Scott graduated from Augustana College and the University of Iowa with a M.S. in Inorganic Chemistry. Scott has been involved with the Safety Industry since 1991 and has extensive experience with protective apparel fabrics, PPE and knowledge of thermal hazard related NFPA standards and OSHA regulations. Scott frequently addresses trade associations and companies regarding electric arc, flash fire, combustible dust hazards, body burn injury, the protective performance of flame-resistant clothing, PPE best practices and related topics. On a personal note, Scott loves football and sometimes loves golf. He lives with his wife in the Chicago area.
Dr. Juanita Webb & Dr. Justin Hiebert
Dr. Juanita Webb & Dr. Justin Hiebert
Dr. Juanita Webb is the Founder and President of J. Webb Consulting, a professional human resource consulting firm, and is a certified HR professional (both CA and Federal), along with numerous other affiliations and designations. She is highly skilled in executive coaching, investigations, training, HR best practices, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and succession planning. Licensed in California as a Private Investigator/Qualified Manager, Juanita conducts training and investigations and is retained as an expert witness regarding harassment, discrimination, and retaliation issues. In addition, Dr. Webb advises organizations regarding drug and alcohol testing policies and issues.
Dr. Justin Hiebert is the co-founder and CEO of New Frontier Consulting, a full-service business consulting agency. New Frontier’s mission is to take small businesses from stuck to scaled using their 4M process of Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money. Services include executive coaching, compliance audits, digital marketing, and Lean 6 Process Improvement. He provides a wide array of Human Resource services, together with Dr. Juanita Webb, J. Webb Consulting, including HR site reviews and audits, job description compilation, salary review and analysis, and a multitude of training services. Justin believes the greatest days are ahead and is a relentless champion of small business owners.
Dr. Hiebert is a Licensed Investigator (CA-PI #189541), conducting client investigations related to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims. Dr. Hiebert is a graduate of the 2022 Class of Leadership Bakersfield and is a member of CALI (the California Association of Licensed Investigators) and has been a faculty member at the University of Phoenix in the areas of religion and humanities.
Richard Gooden
Richard Gooden
Richard Gooden is a seasoned Safety Specialist with more than a decade of hands-on experience advancing occupational safety and health across diverse, high-risk industries. He has built a strong reputation for fostering safe work environments, reducing risk exposure, and ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, and client-specific safety requirements.
Throughout his career, Richard has supported operations in construction, new construction involving heavy equipment (yellow iron), maintenance, painting and coating, mechanical work, welding, hazardous materials abatement, and crane operations. The majority of his experience is rooted in oil field and refinery environments, where he has played a key role in developing and implementing effective safety programs, delivering impactful training, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance.
Richard holds active CHST (BCSP) and CSST (ABC) certifications, an Industrial Technology Completion in Welding from Bakersfield College, and OSHA 10- and 30-hour credentials. He is a proud member of the Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, with an expected graduation date of May 2026.
Dedicated to protecting people and promoting safety excellence, Richard brings professionalism, technical expertise, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of every workforce he serves.
Rasha
Kuran
Rasha Kuran
Dr. Rasha Kuran is an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Kern Medical, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Associate Medical Director of the Valley Fever Institute.
She has been with Kern Medical since 2019. Prior to that, she maintained a thriving private practice in Bakersfield for seven years, including a home antibiotic program, and served as Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Chair at Bakersfield Heart Hospital. She has also led outpatient antibiotic programs for Kern Health Systems and provided infectious disease consultations to correctional facilities in the Central Valley via telehealth and in person.
Dr. Kuran began her career in Orange County, practicing as an infectious disease specialist for eight years across ten hospitals, chairing Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship committees, and supporting local medical organizations, including OCMA. She is an active member of the Infectious Disease Society of America and the Infectious Disease Association of California, serving on the IDAC board from 2009–2010.
She is passionate about education and public outreach, having lectured extensively on Valley Fever, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, and Sepsis to healthcare professionals and community groups in Kern and Orange Counties.
Dr. Kuran earned her M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) with honors from the University of Jordan in 1997 on a full scholarship awarded to the top 10 academic achievers in the country. She completed research at the University of California, Irvine, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Kern Medical (2000–2003), where she received the Robert S. Mosser Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine, was voted Teaching Resident of the Year, and received the Solomon Scholars Research Award. She subsequently completed a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at UC Irvine.
Chris Persel
Chris Persel
Chris H. Persel, M.A., CCM, CBIS, CPHM
Regional Director of Clinical Services,
Director of Behavior Programming
Chris Persel has worked in the field of post-acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation since 1980. He is currently the Regional Director of Clinical Services and Behavior Programming for Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) and serves as the Chairman of the "Rehabilitation and Independent Living Special Interest Group" for The Association for Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Mr. Persel has extensive experience in the
design and implementation of functional skill and behavior change programs and the development of a living skills assessment scale. He has over 20 years’ experience training crisis intervention including being certified to teach “Behavior Tools” and “Professional Assault Response Training” (P.A.R.T.). He is a Certified Case Manager, a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and has been a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst and Certified Professional in Healthcare Management.
In addition to numerous educational presentations for statewide and national conferences, Mr. Persel has co-authored a chapter on behavior programming in an edited text entitled Traumatic Brain Injury: Rehabilitative Treatment and Case Management, 4th Edition, published by CRC Press and co-authored Working with Behavior Disorders: Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, previously published by Communication Skills Builders and several articles regarding brain injury rehabilitation.
In 2014, he was named by the Brain Injury Association of California as the “Outstanding Professional in the Field.”
Richard Garrett
Richard Garrett
Richard Garrett is a 21-year veteran of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a lieutenant in 2023. He now leads B.L. Solutions, a private investigations and security firm serving Bakersfield and the greater Kern County region. B.L. Solutions specializes in proactive theft prevention and loss reduction strategies for businesses, utilizing a layered, multi-faceted security approach. Drawing on decades of experience as an undercover and uniformed detective and as a manager overseeing multiple criminal investigative task forces, Richard and his company delivers tailored solutions that protect assets, deter criminal activity, and safeguard operations.
