The Leaders Behind the Conference
Behind the Georgia Safety Conference is a working board of volunteer leaders who don’t just talk about safety — they build it into their organizations every day. Their job is simple: protect the mission, elevate the program, and ensure every year delivers real value to attendees.
Executive Board
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board brings deep industry expertise to guide educational content, speaker selection, and program strategy. These leaders represent diverse sectors and help ensure the conference remains relevant, practical, and forward-thinking.
- Blake Alston, SITEPRO Rentals
- John Barnard, USI Insurance Services
- Gladys Billups, Southwire
- Patrick Burkeen, The Home Depot
- Ed Davis, Retired – USI Insurance Services
- Ed Foulke, Fisher & Phillips
- Danny Fowler, Fowler Safety Consulting
- Mark Hartz, ACES-USA, Inc.
- Carol Henson, Cox Automotive
- Zach Issa, Wayne Davis Concrete
- Nicole Ivers, Brookfield Properties
- George Jehlen, Retired – USI Insurance Services
- Darrell Jones, CSX Rail
- Gene Keserica, United Collab
- Alex Lehocky, Kennesaw State University
- Garlana H. Mathews, SelectOne Network
- Daniel Maxson, New South Construction
- Rob McKinney, SALUS
- Jimmy Mize, United Community Bank / ASSP-GA
- Cindy Parham, Georgia Associated General Contractors
- Ordale Randall, Cobb County
- Paul Schlumper, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
- Gene Scott, Retired – Georgia Power
- David Smith, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP
- Jarrod Waller, Mitsubishi Power
- Lisa Weaver, Kason Industries
- Michelle Wilds, SelectOne Networks
Honoring Our Leadership
The Georgia Safety Conference exists because leaders stepped forward — and stayed committed.
Over the years, dedicated volunteers have given their time, insight, and energy to strengthen both this event and Georgia’s broader safety community. Their leadership guided the conference through growth, change, and evolving industry challenges — always keeping the mission clear: advance safety through education, collaboration, and shared experience.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all past Presidents whose service shaped the conference into what it is today. Their commitment laid the foundation for the professional development and industry connection attendees rely on year after year.
We also recognize the first Conference Chair, Jimmy Mize, whose foresight and leadership established the structure and purpose that continue to define the Georgia Safety Conference. His early vision created a legacy of excellence that still drives the event forward.
Over the years, dedicated volunteers have given their time, insight, and energy to strengthen both this event and Georgia’s broader safety community. Their leadership guided the conference through growth, change, and evolving industry challenges — always keeping the mission clear: advance safety through education, collaboration, and shared experience.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all past Presidents whose service shaped the conference into what it is today. Their commitment laid the foundation for the professional development and industry connection attendees rely on year after year.
We also recognize the first Conference Chair, Jimmy Mize, whose foresight and leadership established the structure and purpose that continue to define the Georgia Safety Conference. His early vision created a legacy of excellence that still drives the event forward.
Past Presidents
- 1996 – 2012, Jimmy Mize
- 2013 – 2015, Alex Lehocky
- 2015 – 2019, Mark Hartz
- 2019 – 2021, Gene Scott
- 2021 – 2023, Edward Davis
- 2023 – 2025, Nicole Ivers
- 2026 – 2027, Jonas Motiejunas