INTERVIEW

Committee?

At RHI Magnesita, I am the Cement & Lime Technical Marketing Manager. I provide technical support and services to our Cement & Lime Sales Teams throughout North America. As a leader in refractory, we partner with customers to optimise refractory linings with high-quality products, technical expertise, and installation teams.

How did you get your start in the industry?

In 2005, I graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and started my career as an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) with Heidelberg Materials. This trainee role provided me the ability to learn alongside subject matter experts, building a strong technical foundation and allowing me to expand my career to where I am today. It was there where I first had the opportunity to gain international experience, to learn more about other cultures and see cement plants in Germany, Turkey, and throughout the US. I knew from then on, I would always want to work with a company who has a large domestic and international presence.

How have you enjoyed being this year’s conference Vice Chair so far?

I had a fantastic experience attending the IEEE/PCA Conference in Las Vegas last year. As Vice Chair, it is an honour to be part of this year’s committee. The team has been very welcoming, and I am excited to contribute and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

This year’s conference is being held in Dallas, Texas – tell us more about the venue.

The Hilton Anatole is a resort-style hotel located in the Dallas Design District, just north of downtown Dallas and just a short taxi ride from either DFW International Airport or Lovefield Airport (Southwest Airlines hub). When you’re not attending daily sessions or visiting the exhibit hall, you have easy access to downtown Dallas or plenty to explore on-site. Amenities include onsite

What can attendees expect from this year’s

Similar to 2022, we will have an app dedicated to the conference, where attendees can explore various options to customise their experience. We have an exciting schedule this year, complete with the latest innovations in production and sustainability. Some of our options include MSHA Refresher Training, Roundtable Discussions, Technical Sessions, and Process Training. We have also thoughtfully planned activities that spouses can attend while you are in sessions. We are excited to have Brian Shul as our Keynote speaker. Mr. Shul is a Vietnam-era attack pilot and retired major in the United States Air Force. You will not want to miss his inspirational and phenomenal comeback story. We’ll also hear from PCA’s Chief Economist, Ed Sullivan, as he gives his economic outlook for the industry.

Will process training sessions be available?

Each day there will be a process training session. They will focus on blended cements, dive into the production aspects of limestone cements, and explore equipment advancements for finer cement production. John Kline, Kline Consulting, LLC, and David Fortsch, Bridge Gap Engineering, LLC will lead these sessions.

And not to be forgotten: the tour! Where will attendees

be visiting this year?

You can’t visit Dallas without taking a tour of the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium, the largest stadium in the NFL by seating capacity! No matter your favourite sport or which team you cheer for, VIP access to this state-of-the-art professional sports facility is sure to impress.

Do you have a final message for those heading to Dallas in April?

Having attended several IEEE conferences, I see the value and benefits of this annual conference. It’s exciting catching up with the talented individuals in our industry, sharing knowledge, and keeping up with the latest innovations. The work that has gone into this year’s conference is sure to provide another excellent experience to all that attend.