The NECA Safety Professionals Institute is geared toward new safety directors, safety managers, site safety officers, safety coordinators, safety specialists and anyone looking to move into a safety role. The next program runs Oct. 28-30, 2025. Learn more at www.necanet.org/nspi.

“After the success of the first NECA Safety Professionals Institute in 2023, our second NSPI for 2024 was even more successful. With an increase in attendees, evolving curriculum and enthusiastic students, we are confident the future of safety in our electrical industry will be in good hands,” said Wesley Wheeler, NECA’s executive director of safety.

“From ground resistance testing to suicide prevention, the 2024 NSPI cohort’s capstone projects showcase a deep commitment to worker safety and a forward-thinking approach that keeps their companies leading the way in safety excellence,” said Emily Huesman, NECA’s associate director of education development. 

The 2024 NSPI cohort poses with NECA staff

Here, meet 2024’s cohort, listed in alphabetical order. 

David Bostwick 

Electrical foreman, TEC Electric LLC, and NECA Safety Committee member

Bostwick started his career in the electrical industry in 2000 when he joined JATC/IBEW LU 354. After completing the course and becoming an electrical journeyman, he continued to challenge himself by working in Utah and in the oil fields of North Dakota from 2013-2019. Bostwick completed the PEC 30-hour course and enjoyed the great safety culture that the gas and oil industry provided in North Dakota. He enjoys sharing the safety skills and knowledge he’s learned to help those who are new or inexperienced in the industry.

Kyle Brooks 

Senior safety manager, Aldridge Electric Inc.

Brooks began his professional career in the U.S. Air Force in 2014. During his service, he earned a bachelor of science in safety management from Slippery Rock University. In 2018, he joined Aldridge Electric, working on complex electrical transportation and utility infrastructure projects in Washington, D.C. According to Brooks, the best part of his job is “fostering strong relationships between operations and safety professionals, driving collaboration that leads to meaningful safety successes.” He is most proud of his efforts in suicide prevention within the construction industry, supporting transitioning veterans into the safety profession and educating others on industry-leading safety topics such as serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention and human performance. Brooks is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) dedicated to advancing workplace safety through leadership, collaboration and visionary technical expertise.

Shawna Brown 

Safety director, Dave Bessine Electric

After 21 years in accounting, Brown has embarked on an exciting new chapter as the safety director at Dave Bessine Electric—a bold career shift that marks a transition from numbers and spreadsheets to ensuring the safety and well-­being of a dynamic team in the electrical industry. While Brown admits to feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, she’s eager to bring her analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and passion for structure to this hands-on role. “This is a chance to grow, make a tangible impact and embrace new challenges,” she said. With a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and accountability, Brown is ready to redefine her career and make a meaningful difference in her new field.

Sean Conley 

Director of safety and quality, I.B. Abel Inc.

Conley is an experienced environmental health and safety (EH&S) professional with over a decade of progressively expanding leadership roles in the safety industry. He holds a bachelor of science in safety science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a certified CSP and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). He began his career supporting heavy industrial projects in the power generation, midstream oil and gas, chemical, and steel industries. Throughout his career, Conley has demonstrated expertise in safety program development, risk management, regulatory compliance and team leadership, ensuring workplace safety and operational excellence.

Jasmine Cooper 

Regional safety coordinator, Miller Electric Co.

Cooper is a Local 349 IBEW journey-level wireman. In 2022, just two years after becoming a journey-level wireman, she was involved in an on-the-job accident that changed the trajectory of her career. She began working for Miller Electric in 2023 and has since transitioned into safety in 2024. Her main goal is to ensure that the future of the safety culture is embraced and continuously practiced.

Mitch Coppersmith 

Senior manager of IT and safety, Rauhorn Electric Inc.

Bill Cummings 

Central Texas safety manager, Alterman Inc.

Cummings began his career in 2007 as an industrial technician before entering the IBEW apprenticeship and training program in 2009. He completed his apprenticeship in 2014 as a journeyman inside wireman (JIW) and joined Alterman Electric in 2013, gaining experience across various roles, including apprentice, JIW and foreman. In 2017, he took on a part-time safety coordinator role while continuing to work as a foreman. His dedication to worker safety led to a full-time transition in 2020, and in 2023, he was promoted to Central Texas safety manager. Bill earned his Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) designation from Texas A&M Engineering Extension in 2021. Committed to protecting workers and fostering a strong safety culture, he believes that “safety is not just a priority—it’s a core value!”

David Currey 

Safety director, Speelman Electric Inc.

Michael Dornan 

Regional risk manager, Northline Utilities LLC

Edgar Garcia 

Safety manager, Maddox Electric Co. Inc.

Garcia began his career in the electrical industry in 2014 as part of the JATC apprenticeship program with Local 606. In 2018, he transitioned into a safety management role with Maddox Electric, overseeing safety operations across various high-profile Disney World projects. Garcia has received OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer and Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STSC) certifications, further solidifying his commitment to promoting safe work environments in the construction industry.

Susan Gnehm 

Safety director, TEC Electric LLC

Gnehm has 27 years of experience in the construction industry, with the last 13 years specializing in electrical work. Concurrently, she spent 23 years running her own structural design business, giving her a deep understanding of both design and construction. Passionate about workplace safety, Gnehm has earned multiple certifications, including OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, along with associate and master’s degrees from the WCF Safety & Health Academy. She has also completed specialized safety training at BTECH in Logan, Utah, further reinforcing her expertise in risk management and compliance. As safety director at TEC Electric, Gnehm plays a vital role in fostering a culture of safety while also managing estimating and project oversight. Her commitment to high safety standards, efficient project execution and continuous improvement drives TEC Electric’s high standards in the industry.

Danny Grubert 

Safety manager, Haugland Energy Group LLC

Grubert is a highly accomplished safety manager with extensive experience across construction, leadership and operations management. As safety manager at Haugland Group LLC, he ensures job site safety and regulatory compliance, enforcing a secure and efficient work environment. Grubert holds numerous certifications, including OSHA 30, Control of Hazardous Energy Training and first aid/CPR/AED. He is also certified to train others in various categories across construction. Daniel excels at combining technical skills with leadership expertise to drive growth and ensure safety in high-stakes environments.

Michael Murray

Safety specialist, The L.E. Myers Co.

Murray’s professional journey began as a paramedic, where he spent five rewarding years serving the people of the Chicagoland area. Driven by a passion for protecting others, he transitioned into the field of safety and joined MYR Group in 2024. Since then, “I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside an incredible team, with strong support from colleagues at MYR and mentorship through NECA.” He will earn his Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) certification in May 2025. He encourages electrical workers to “stay safe, stay sharp and never stop learning.”

Isabella Peterson 

Safety and compliance technician, Mills Electric Co. and Pinnacle Project Services

Peterson started her career as a contract administrator in the towing and recovery industry before joining the refining and construction industry as a timekeeper and project administrator for Mills Electric in 2022. Shortly after joining Mills, she began helping with training and compliance, and then began working with Mills Electric as a field safety technician at BP’s Cherry Point Refinery. She then made the switch to full-time safety and compliance technician, working with other Mills Electric work sites and refineries. “I believe in the development of a positive workplace culture that equips employers and workers with the skills and information they need to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” she said. She looks forward to continuing her safety career by finishing her bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health, GSP and CSP.

Kristine Profeta

Safety manager, Haugland Energy Group LLC

Profeta holds a STSC certification, brings five years’ experience in safety and currently works as a safety manager for Haugland Energy. She supports safety operations related to electric transmission and distribution, substation, civil works and storm restoration. Profeta began her career as a safety intern for National Grid, later becoming a safety coordinator with PSEG Long Island. She earned her master of public health in environmental and occupational health science from the CUNY School of Public Health. She is passionate about driving a strong safety culture. 

Frank Sisty 

Safety specialist, IBEW 769

Carson Smith 

Safety director, Shawver and Son Inc.

Smith is the safety director at Shawver & Son Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in EH&S and is a certified CPR/first aid instructor, as well as certified to train MEWP and forklift operators. With five years of experience in construction safety management, Smith has a strong track record of fostering a safe and efficient work environment. Since joining Shawver in 2024, he has introduced several key risk-control initiatives, including documented prejob meetings, job safety analysis documentation, incident reporting and MEWP training certifications. Over the next year, Smith aims to earn his Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification and obtain his Certified Electrical, Safety and Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification to further enhance the company’s safety culture.

Jon Smotts

Senior safety manager, Alterman Inc.

With more than 14 years in safety, Smotts is committed to fostering an incident and injury-free culture. As a senior safety manager at Alterman Electric, he drives excellence, ensuring workers not only meet but exceed industry standards. Holding a CHST and CSHO, he brings expertise in risk mitigation, accountability and operational efficiency. As a servant leader, he believes in the philosophy of “putting people first.” He embraces the Vanguard mindset, standing at the forefront of safety, leading by example and driving proactive change. Through innovation, mentorship and leadership, Smotts continues to build a stronger, safer and more resilient workplace.

Ryan Staves 

Corporate safety director, Electrical Corp. of America Inc.

Staves started his career in 1996 as a third-generation electrician at IBEW Local 124 and has 8 years of safety experience. After his apprenticeship, Staves earned his associate’s degree in applied science in inside wiring along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is currently an OSHA Outreach Trainer and holds an STSC certification. He is passionate about teaching and coaching safety and continuing to take ECA’s safety culture to the highest level.

Lonnie J. Stephenson

Director of safety, Adman Electric Co. Inc.

Lonnie has been employed with Adman Electric since 2000, beginning his electrical career through the Chattanooga Electrical JATC, where he completed a five-year apprenticeship. Over the next decade, he gained hands-on experience as a journeyman wireman and foreman before transitioning into project management, where he spent five years overseeing complex electrical installations. In 2010, Lonnie became an OSHA Outreach Trainer, allowing him to share his expertise by teaching OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses. He has earned his bachelor of science in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University in 2024 and received CHST and GSP certifications. Since stepping into the role of director of safety in 2020, Lonnie has expanded and enhanced Adman Electric’s safety training programs, providing guidance and education to more than 500 electricians across five branch locations. His passion for fostering a strong safety culture continues to drive Adman Electric’s commitment to excellence and worker well-being.

Joshua Tonn 

Senior safety specialist, Lemberg Electric

Tonn started his career in 2005 working for his father-in-law as a maintenance electrician in a die-cast foundry. He went on to serve an electrical apprenticeship focusing on residential, commercial and industrial wiring. In 2014, Tonn was hired as a commercial and residential electrical inspector for a local municipality and eventually became the commercial building, HVAC and electrical inspector after attaining all of his Wisconsin certifications. Hired in 2024 at Lemberg Electric as their senior safety specialist, he attained OSHA 500 certification as an OSHA authorized trainer and a code consultant as the master license holder for the company. In addition, he is the head chair of the Electrical Advisory Board for the electrical apprenticeship program at Moraine Park Technical College and a new member of the Milwaukee chapter NECA Safety Professionals Group. “The insights I gained [from NSPI] have instilled in me greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for engaging and empowering my team members,” Tonn said. “A significant takeaway for me from this program was the emphasis on leadership.”

Luke Valentine 

Regional risk manager, Northline Utilities

Valentine started his safety career in aerospace as a specialist supporting final assembly and flight operations for a helicopter manufacturer, then managed EH&S for their facilities maintenance and construction groups. He transitioned to utilities safety in 2019, where he began as a safety specialist supporting gas ops construction and service, and a liquefied natural gas facility before taking a role as contractor safety program manager for gas and electric operations. He joined Northline Utilities in July 2024.  

Editor’s note: Mitch Coppersmith, David Currey, Michael Dornan and Frank Sisty did not respond to our request for information before the publication deadline.