Speakers 2026

Dr. Shubhamita Basu

Director, Engineered Fluids

Perstorp

Bio

Dr. Shubhamita Basu is Director for Engineered Fluids at Perstorp Group, where she leads initiatives in electronic cooling technologies for next-generation data centers and high-performance electronics. With nearly 20 years of experience blending technical expertise with business strategy, she has driven advancements in sustainable solutions that improves energy efficiency and sustainability across industries.

Shubhamita has authored numerous technical papers, patents, and delivered presentations at leading national and international conferences. Dr. Basu holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Cleveland State University and serves as a member of the Sustainability Committee of STLE.

Norm Parker

Torque Transfer Manager for Transmissions and Gear Reducers

Stellantis

Bio

Norm Parker is a passionate, career-long bearing engineer who has worked in a range of high-exposure technical roles across the industry. His career began with classic roller bearing training at NSK, where he built a strong foundation working on large industrial bearings, including ball, needle, cylindrical, spherical, and tapered bearings.

He later moved to JTEKT into an automotive-focused role, spending two years immersed in the study and application of tapered roller bearings on a daily basis. This deep specialization led to his recruitment by General Motors, where he served as the corporate bearing specialist, supporting critical engineering programs.

After several highly impactful years at General Motors, Norm transitioned into his current position, where he has spent nearly nine years as a torque transfer manager, leading and supporting a team of talented engineers.

David Lawes

CEO

Interchange 360

Bio

David Lawes is an accomplished leader in Extended Producer Responsibility with more than two decades across government, industry and environmental stewardship. He is CEO of LPMA and CEO of Interchange Recycling, setting strategy, strengthening producer compliance and delivering measurable gains in waste reduction and circular economy outcomes. David serves as Vice Chair of the Conference on Canadian Stewardship and previously led the Global Product Stewardship Council. He has held governance and advisory roles with the Recycling Council of B.C. and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment’s Waste Working Group. Earlier in his career he managed waste prevention policy at the B.C. Ministry of Environment, directed sustainable resource management with the Makah Tribe and collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. David studied Environment and Business at Royal Roads University and has completed advanced training in corporate governance and cybersecurity oversight.

Dr. Ernie Henderson

President

K & E Petroleum Consulting

Bio

Dr. H. Ernest Henderson received a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Windsor in 1977, subsequently spending 20 years with Imperial Oil and Exxon in Research, Marketing, Logistics and Technical Services domestically and internationally.

In 1997, Dr. Henderson joined Petro-Canada as Manager for their Group III research and technical developments, and later Research Director at Syntroleum Corporation for their Fischer-Tropsch GTL upgrading programs. During his 47-year career, Dr. Henderson has served as Technical Manager for YUBASE Group III base stocks, Fluid Technology Manager for CITGO and Technology Director for Lubrication Technologies.

In 2011, Dr. Henderson re-launched K&E Petroleum Consulting, LLC. His company operates globally, specializing in base stock management, strategic planning, new product development, Supply Chain management, formulation cost control, patent litigation and training.

Dr. Henderson is presently working with several re-refining companies, including LWART Soluçóes Ambientais S.A. in Brazil, Pentas Flora in Malaysia and Metalub in Costa Rica.

Dr. Donald P. Satchell

Owner

Situ Biosciences

Bio

As Managing Director of Situ Biosciences LLC, Dr. Don Satchell brings more than 30 years of biochemical research experience to product development and testing for industrial and consumer applications. His expertise supports global programs through testing strategies, regulatory guidance, and product registration support.

Situ Biosciences provides ISO 17025 accredited testing and formulation support for customers worldwide, advancing environmental testing, regulatory compliance, and market readiness. Dr. Satchell is an active member of multiple ASTM committees, contributing to standards for oil-based and organic product formulations.

Committed to scientific rigor and independence, Situ Biosciences helps manufacturers develop durable, high-performance products that meet sustainability and biodegradability goals.

Through testing programs, educational resources, and direct development support,

the company enables customers to understand industry standards, apply advanced high-

throughput testing, and navigate evolving global regulations.

Tim Sullivan

Executive Editor

Lubes'n'Greases

Bio

Tim joined Lubes’n’Greases in 2001. He has worked on a number of the company’s publications and products and now has editorial oversight of publications, responsible for working with our editors and staff writers to maintain the high quality and relevance of these offerings. He is also a member of the company planning team. Before joining Lubes’n’Greases he was a reporter for community newspapers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. For fun he enjoys kayaking and hiking and fishing with his children and grandchildren.

John Dietrich

Deputy Global Editor

Argus Media

Bio

John Dietrich is the Associate Editor for the Americas base oil regions for Argus Media. He has covered and reported on the US base oil market for three years at Argus. He previously has covered petrochemical and other oil and gas markets for 13 years. John is based in Houston, Texas and is a product of the University of Missouri’s journalism school. 

Ziyad Hafeez

R&D, Tribology and Laboratories North America

Klüber Lubrication

Bio

Ziyad Hafeez serves as Head of R&D, Tribology and Laboratories for North America at Klüber Lubrication. With over a decade of experience in lubricant technology, Ziyad is passionate about transforming complex tribological science into practical solutions that deliver measurable value for customers. Since joining Klüber in 2017 as a research chemist, he has led global innovation projects and technical teams, ensuring that advanced lubrication technologies meet real-world performance, sustainability, and compliance needs. His approach emphasizes close collaboration between technical experts and market-facing teams, enabling tailored solutions that help customers improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and achieve long-term reliability. Ziyad holds a master’s degree in chemistry and an MBA in Operational Management, along with a certificate in executive leadership—combining deep technical expertise with strategic insight to drive innovation that matters.

Joe Kliewer

Founder

Traction Drive

Bio

Joe Kliewer is the Founder of Traction Drive LLC and a seasoned engineer with over two decades of experience in automotive drivetrain innovation, manufacturing, and product launch. He has worked with and for multiple startups developing roller traction drive CVTs such as ball variators to chain CVTs at General Motors; before returning to the fundamentals of the simple yet complex fixed speed traction drive.

Joe’s expertise bridges mechanical design, systems engineering, and computational modeling, with multiple patents in CVT and traction drive innovation. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Xiaolan Ai

Chief Scientist

C&U Americas

Bio

Dr. Xiaolan Ai earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University and brings over three decades of expertise in the bearing industry. He began his career at The Timken Company in 1995 as a Principal Engineer, later advancing through key roles as Research Specialist, Senior Product Development Specialist, and Scientist. In 2022, Dr. Ai joined C&U as Chief Scientist.

Widely recognized as an authority and prolific innovator in bearing technologies, Dr. Ai has been instrumental in driving C&U’s core technological advancements. He currently leads strategic initiatives focused on next-generation bearing design platforms, advanced bearing system engineering analysis software, fundamental bearing testing, and AI-powered knowledge systems.

Dr. Ai has authored 61 peer-reviewed journal articles and seven book chapters and holds more than 70 patents. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and served as Section Editor for Rolling Element Bearings in the Encyclopedia of Tribology.

Preston Tarry

Expert Product Development Technologist

Castrol

Bio

Preston Tarry is an Expert Product Development Technologist on Castrol’s Engine Oil PD team. He joined Castrol in 2017, and has over 10 years of experience formulating lubricants. He is responsible for running testing programs to support base API / ACEA / JASO claims, OEM service fill approvals, and OEM first fill approvals for Castrol’s global engine oils portfolio.

Preston’s formulation development programs are increasingly looking to include hybrid compatibility and re-refined base oil integration as the design of vehicles and engine oils evolves to support the industry’s needs.

Jami  Rice

Commercial Regulatory Manager, Lubricants Americas

Shell

Bio

Jami Rice is an accomplished leader recognized for her expertise in strategic project management and new business development within the energy and lubricants sectors. As Commercial Regulatory Manager at Pennzoil Quaker State Company, Jami champions a business-focused approach to energy and sustainability, positioning herself as a leading authority on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Jami’s commitment to advancing measured and effective EPR initiatives is evident through her influential team leadership roles at Pennzoil Quaker State Company, her service as a board member of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC), and her position as Vice Chair of the Lubricants Packaging Management Association (LPMA) — the industry’s key Producer Responsibility Organization. She advocates for EPR programs that are data-driven, performance-based, cost-effective, and industry led.

Jami holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Houston, specializing in Petroleum Engineering and Energy & Sustainability. She also earned an MBA and a professional certification in Mergers & Acquisitions. With over 15 years of cross-industry experience — spanning automotive, telecommunications, chemicals, and energy — Jami has established a track record for driving meaningful change, fostering innovation, and inspiring high-performing, diverse teams to achieve excellence.

Alberto Gioiosa

Lead Product Engineer

Cadence

Bio

Alberto Satine Gioiosa graduated from the University of Toledo in 2019 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career in the automotive powertrain industry, focusing on analyzing and testing gearbox components such as bearings, gears, and driveshafts. In 2021, he joined Hexagon as an Application Engineer and now serves as a Solution Engineer. Alberto currently leads engineering activities for the U.S. System Dynamics team, providing technical support and guiding customers toward achieving their simulation goals through service projects that enhance durability, efficiency, and NVH performances in gearbox systems.

David Turner

Senior Sector Manager

CITGO

Bio

David Turner is a Sr. Sector Manager for Grease with CITGO Petroleum Corporation in Houston, Texas.  David is a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.  He has more than 40 years of experience in the lubricants industry, in formulation, manufacturing, selection, application, and technical service of lubricants and greases.  He is a member of STLE and ASTM, and has authored several papers for NLGI.  He is the chairman of ASTM D02.G on Lubricating Grease and is co-chair of the NLGI Technical Committee.  He is the recipient of the NLGI Clarence E. Earl Memorial Award (twice), the ASTM Award of Excellence, the NLGI Meritorious Service Award, the NLGI Fellows Award, the NLGI Chevron Lubricants Award, the NLGI Shell Lubricants Award for Instructor Excellence, the ASTM Eagle Award, the NLGI Award for Achievement, the NLGI Golden Grease Gun Award (twice), the ASTM Sidney D. Andrews Scroll of Achievement, and the NLGI Volunteer Award.  He is an NLGI Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist (CLGS), an STLE Oil Monitoring Analyst (OMA), and an STLE Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS).

Tristan Steichen

Executive Director

NLCRC

Bio

Tristan Steichen is a Sustainability Management Consultant and the Executive Director of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition. He has more than 30 years of experience with global consumer product companies developing sustainability strategies, including the financial quantification of sustainability risks (including new legislation) and the business benefits of alternative solutions. Tristan’s technical expertise focuses on recycling and circular economy system implementation.

Tristan has been leading the NLCRC since its inception in 2020. Initially focused on building a national recycling program for lubricant packaging, the NLCRC has expanded to include legislative advocacy, with a focus on Extended Producer Responsibility and other packaging-related legislation. Tristan is currently leading the NLCRC’s efforts to introduce a lubricant industry focused EPR bill in California.

Chris Chidzik

Principal Economist

Association for Manufacturing Technology

Bio

Chris is the Principal Economist of AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology where he examines trends in the overall economy that affect the demand for manufacturing technology. Since 2018, Chris has managed statistical programs to compile the data necessary to get a detailed picture of the U.S. manufacturing landscape. Prior to AMT, Chris held varied roles in data analytics, research, sales, and marketing in an array of industries and settings. Chris holds a master’s degree in economics from The American University.

Nick Janssen

Expert Product Development Technologist

Castrol

Bio

Nick Janssen is an Expert Product Development Technologist at Castrol with 14 years of experience across lubricant research, development, and deployment. He has contributed to a diverse portfolio of technical programs, helping advance performance, reliability, and alignment with evolving industry needs. In his current role, Nick specializes in next‑generation commercial vehicle engine oils, focusing on durability, efficiency, and evolving OEM and industry requirements. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois.

Kevin Whitehead

Director of Sales HCI

Graham Packaging

Bio

Kevin has been in the rigid plastic container blow-molding industry for over 35 years, in manufacturing operations and sales. He remains a current member and has served on the executive board of directors for the Petroleum Packaging Council, the professional organization dedicated to the packaging of lubricants, in all capacities including President. Kevin was a founding member and remains on the Governing Board for the National Lubricants Container Recycling Coalition. He remains passionate for the opportunities that HDPE and PET plastics offer for the recyclability of the materials.

Rauf Mammadov

Senior Manager

Fuld & Company

Bio

Rauf Mammadov is a senior manager at Fuld & Company, specializing in energy issues. He also serves as a non-resident scholar on energy policy at number of think-tank and research institutions, including the S.A.F.E (Securing America’s Future Energy), Middle East Institute and the Jamestown Foundation. Rauf has consulted the Forbes 100 clients on energy, global energy industry trends, and geopolitical dynamics in Eurasia, particularly, in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. Previously, he held senior administrative roles at the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) from 2006 to 2016. In 2012, he established and managed SOCAR’s U.S. Representative Office in Washington, D.C.

Anuj Kumar Singh

Industry Manager

Kline + Company

Bio

Anuj Kumar Singh is an industry manager in the Energy Practice at Kline & Company with more than 15 years’ experience. During this time, Anuj has managed and authored numerous research studies in Kline’s Energy portfolio, specializing in finished lubricants, lubricant basestocks, lubricant additives, used oil and re-refined lubricants. His industry experience also spans waxes, petrochemicals, additives and heavy industries. 

With his diverse range of experience and insights, including business strategy, strategic planning, market analysis, pricing, market intelligence, and market size and segmentation, Anuj regularly represents Kline at global industry conferences, as both a keynote speaker and panellist.  

Anuj is based in Canada and holds an MBA in International Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Lisa Thalen

Sr. R&D Scientist

Afton Chemical

Bio

Lisa Thalen is a Sr. R&D Scientist at Afton Chemical Corporation based in Richmond, Virginia. Lisa joined Afton Chemical in 2011 and brings more than 14 years of experience in the lubricant additives industry. Lisa is responsible for leading the development of advanced performance additives, with a primary focus on applications in Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF) and Electric Drive Unit Fluids (EDF). Lisa earned her Master’s degree at Uppsala University and completed her PhD in Organic Chemistry at Stockholm University.

Dr. Anant Kolekar

OEM Business Lead

Castrol

Bio

Dr. Anant Kolekar serves as the OEM Business Lead at BP Castrol within the OEM and Motorsports Technology Group. He is responsible for managing global OEM relationships, strategic planning, and offering technical expertise. His areas of specialization include Tribology, Computational Mathematics, and Solid and Fluid mechanics. With over 21 years of experience in the automotive industry, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of the company’s technical research and business initiatives. Dr. Kolekar earned his PhD from Imperial College London and has been recognized with multiple awards and patents throughout his career. His research and professional contributions have been acknowledged by leading publishing companies in the industry.

Savannah Doiron

Thermophysical Lab Manager

Thermtest

Bio

Savannah Doiron is the Thermophysical Lab Manager at Thermtest Inc., where she oversees thermal conductivity testing and supports clients across a wide range of industries. She specializes in the accurate measurement of thermophysical properties and in guiding researchers and engineers toward the most effective testing methodologies for their materials and applications.

With a background in chemistry, Savannah combines strong scientific training with practical laboratory experience. She has contributed technical writing on the role of thermal conductivity in advanced materials, including fiberglass composites, and is committed to promoting high-quality data, sound measurement practices, and clear scientific communication.

Savannah’s work focuses on connecting laboratory capabilities with real-world material challenges, and she remains active in supporting research, development, and innovation in thermal analysis and material science.

Chad Larish

Principal Engineer – Controls Division

Danfoss Power Solutions

Bio

Chad is a Principal Engineer at Danfoss in the Controls Application Engineering group focused on technology strategy and consulting for Controls Division based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chad has been with Danfoss since 2007 in various roles focused on machine control systems, efficiency, electrification, and automation. Chad holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota both in mechanical engineering.

Peter Morgan

Senior Program Manager

Southwest Research Institute

Bio

Mr. Morgan joined Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in January 2008, where he focuses on advanced fluids and thermal management technologies. His expertise includes thermal management fluids, material compatibility, system performance, and reliability for high-power, energy-intensive applications. His current work emphasizes data center immersion cooling, including evaluation of dielectric fluid performance, thermal efficiency, contamination control, and long-term fluid and hardware reliability. He has authored numerous technical papers on precision measurement techniques and statistical methods for identifying small performance differences in complex systems. Mr. Morgan manages SwRI’s Data Center Immersion Fluids (DCIF) and Advanced Fluids for Electrified Vehicles II (AFEV2) consortia and is active in CRC and OCP immersion-cooling initiatives. 

Anuj Mistry

Application Engineer – OEM & Automotive Grease

Fuchs

Bio

Anuj Mistry (BSc Applied Chemistry) is an application engineer and joined FUCHS Lubricants Co. in 2010. He is responsible for providing technical support and sustainable performance grease solutions for automotive OEM and aftermarket segments. He began his career in the UK at the Royal Arsenal Ministry of Defense in 1986 and as a senior scientist led multiple grease projects to support UK MoD and NATO equipment operations. As an SAE AMS-M Aviation Grease Committee member he successfully helped with the development and publication of grease specifications for the aviation industry. Anuj has also supported grease projects pertaining to Industrial, Primary Metals, Mining and Food Grade machinery uptime and value-add performance. He has been active at NLGI and ELGI for many years through technical working groups, advanced & basic grease education classes and as a contributing member of NLGI HPM grease specification development committee.  Anuj is a Certified Grease Lubricating Specialist, has presented many technical papers and is a recipient of NLGI best paper award on Grease Compatibility. 

John Blodgett

VP

MacKay & Company

Bio

John Blodgett began working for MacKay & Company in 1994 as project manager overseeing single- and multi-client research projects. Today, he is responsible for client contact for single- and multi-client projects as well as directing research activities and consulting projects. Prior to MacKay & Company, John worked for John Fluke Manufacturing, Gould Electronics and Syracuse Supply Company (Caterpillar Dealer) in a variety of sales positions.

John is a regular speaker at industry events and has presented at AASA(Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association) Technology Conference, HDAD (Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue), HDAW (Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week), TMC (Technology Maintenance Council), AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers), HDBF (Heavy Duty Business Forum), MERA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association), Northwood Aftermarket University, ATD ( American Truck Dealers Association), SSA (Service Specialist Association), SOLD (Service Opportunities Learning Days) as well as many corporate events. 

John has been a guest on Autoline TV show, Transport Topics Radio (Sirius) show and is a regular contributor to industry publications. 

John received his BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management from Clarkson University and an MBA from Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management. John has served as vice president of the M.P.S.A. (Midwest Parts & Service Association) and is a member of TMC (Technology & Maintenance Council), AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) and IAC (Intermodal Association of Chicago).

Austin Budke

Sr Account Executive

Citrine Informatics

Bio

Austin Budke is a seasoned expert in the lubricants industry, with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Kansas State University and an MBA from the Quantic School of Business & Technology. He spent over five years at ExxonMobil Lubricants, where he held key commercial roles across both Automotive and Industrial sectors. Now at Citrine Informatics, Austin helps companies across the lubricants value chain build strategies to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to accelerate product development, drive innovation, and exceed their sustainability initiatives. With his unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, Austin provides valuable insights on integrating advanced technologies into traditional workflows, making him a sought-after speaker on the future of lubricants and digital transformation.

Jaymes Wainright

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Rivian

Bio

Jaymes Wainright is a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer and the lubrication systems technical specialist within Rivian’s powertrain group. With a career spanning both the aviation and automotive sectors, Jaymes has most recently led the development of lubrication systems for three unique drive unit platforms, supporting the Rivian R1, R2, and EDV platforms. His expertise covers system architecture design, drive unit oil selection, and component design including pumps, heat exchangers, filters, vents, and sealing systems. Prior to joining Rivian, Jaymes designed lubrication systems for turbine engines used in commercial and military aviation. Jaymes holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. With two design patents granted and three more in progress, Jaymes is a recognized innovator in the field of lubrication and is driven by the need to create sustainable transportation systems that inspire adventure and create memories.

Susan Burkett

Technical Principal of Compliance

August Mack Environmental

Bio

Susan Burkett is a Certified Safety Professional and serves as Technical Principal of Compliance at August Mack Environmental, Inc. (August Mack). She has over 35 years of environmental, health, and safety consulting experience, focusing primarily on industrial and manufacturing clients. She has extensive experience conducting regulatory compliance inspections and audits and routinely assists clients with the development and implementation health and safety programs and training as well as Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in accordance with the ISO 14001 standard. She has prepared and negotiated environmental permits and prepared compliance reports for clients in more than 30 states. Susan provides technical expertise for each August Mack eCAP© facility, covering over 200 regulated sites. She is also responsible for staff development and technical training of August Mack staff.

Bryan Coggins

CEO

International Council for Machinery Lubrication

Bio

Bryan Coggins, ICML CEO, is a seasoned executive with a broad and diverse background spanning operations, finance, sales and strategic development functions in a variety of industries, including capital-intensive manufacturing and industrial services industries. He has served as a catalyst and cultural change agent in privately-held mature companies, venture-backed start-ups as well as large S&P 500 vertical corporations. His experiences include service in C-suite and board level capacities in both for- and non-profit contexts.

Above all else, Bryan enjoys competing and is widely-regarded for his integrity-driven, risk-managed pursuit of excellence as part the teams he supports. Known for a seemingly inexhaustible repertoire of quips meant to foster accountability by “taking away the excuses”, Bryan is an accomplished coach and mentor who relishes the challenges of making well-reasoned, timely decisions to engineer optimized processes, which translate to maximized financial outcomes, robust staff development and sustainable, affirmative cross-functional team dynamics. 

Mike Gauthier

Trico Corporation

Bio

Mike has over 25 years of experience in industrial sales, lubrication management, and services-focused business development supporting manufacturing, power generation, and process industries. His work centers on building and scaling lubrication and reliability services that reduce asset risk, improve equipment availability, and support long-term maintenance strategies. He brings extensive experience working with reliability managers, maintenance leaders, and engineers to align lubrication programs, oil analysis services, and condition monitoring solutions with plant-level objectives.

At Trico, Mike supports the development and execution of lubrication and reliability products and services including oil analysis, contamination control, and lubrication program optimization. As an ICML certified professional, he has helped strengthen Trico’s analytical and technical service capabilities and has led ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 laboratory certification efforts, ensuring reliable, repeatable, and defensible data that maintenance and reliability teams can confidently use to drive informed decisions.

Dr. Shannon Gainey

Director of Global Regulatory Management

J.M. Huber Corporation

Bio

Dr. Shannon Gainey is a seasoned expert in global chemical regulations, bringing more than two decades of experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemistry, she blends deep scientific expertise with strategic regulatory insight to design and implement effective compliance strategies for multinational organizations.

She currently serves as Director of Global Regulatory Management for the Huber Advanced Materials business at JM Huber Corporation, where she leads global regulatory initiatives, guides compliance programs, and partners with cross‑functional teams to align business objectives with evolving regulatory requirements.

Steven McReynolds

President

ChemCom

Bio

Steven McReynolds is the founder and president of ChemCom, a leading provider of chemical concentration control systems and software solutions. He also serves as president of Oakland Chemical, Inc., an industrial chemical consulting firm. He holds a BS from Appalachian State University.  With over 30 years of experience in chemical management across industries including metalworking, oil and gas, and water treatment, Mr. McReynolds has been instrumental in developing advanced processes that automate chemical concentration management. His experience includes R&D for specialty chemical products, process management for manufacturing plants, and project management. His expertise bridges manufacturing and technology, driving innovation and efficiency in industrial chemical applications.

Lawrence Ludwig

Chief Chemist/Technical Director

Schaeffer Oil

Bio

Lawrence (Larry) Ludwig Jr. is the Chief Chemist/Technical Director for Schaeffer Mfg. in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been employed for 48 years with Schaeffer Mfg. Larry graduated from St. Louis University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He is one of only a very few in the world who is a Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS), certified Oil Maintenance Analyst –Level 1 (OMA), and Certified Metalworking Fluid Specialist (CMFS) as certified by STLE.

Larry is a member of NLGI’s Academic Committee and the current Co-Chairman of NLGI/ELGI’s Food Grade Lubricants and Co-Chairman of NLGI/ELGI’s Biobased Lubricants Working Groups. Larry is also an active member of STLE holding past Technical Committee Chairmanships and local section posts for the former St. Louis Section, along with being a past technical editor for STLE’s TLT Magazine, a member of STLE’s Education Committee and Next Gen Fund Committee, Course Chairman and presenter for STLE’s Gear Fundamentals 101 Education Course and a course instructor for Synthetics: Basic and Application Education Course. Larry is also a member of ASTM, SAE, and NSF International’s Non-Food Compounds Registration Steering Subcommittee.

He has completed and maintains the required governmental training in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 49CFR Hazmat training, International Maritime Dangerous Goods’ Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Ocean Going Vessel,

International Air Transportation Association’s Dangerous Goods by Air and OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard 40-hour training.

Larry has given presentations and webinars for STLE, and NLGI He contributed articles that have been published in Noria’s Machinery Lubrication Magazine and is a contributing author of a chapter titled “Heavy Duty Engine Oil’s, Emission Strategies and Their Effects on Engine Oil” in the upcoming book “Critical Components in Heavy Duty Engines” and also provides product and lubrication knowledge training for Schaeffer Mfg.’s customers and sales representatives.

His hobbies and interests include trivia, traveling, reading, history, hiking, football, college basketball, soccer, ST. Louis Blues Hockey, baseball, especially St. Louis Cardinals baseball, track and field, swimming, photography, and music.

Joshua Park

CEO, President

CEP Technology

Bio

Joshua Park is the CEO and President of Chemical Engineering Partners (“CEP”) a company dedicated to bringing the best re-refining technology to countries around the world. Joshua has been recognized at various events in countries around the world as one of the foremost experts on re-refining technology. With over 17 years of experience in designing, building and troubleshooting re-refineries, Joshua has maintained a reputation of industry excellence and knowledge. He has been contacted by re-refining companies both using CEP technology and those using other technologies for high level technical know-how and problem solving. His expertise also includes process training, operation troubleshooting, process optimization and debottlenecking.

Since joining CEP in 2007, Joshua has been involved if not directly managed all CEP projects, including the LWART re-refinery in Brazil, the largest group II producing re-refinery in South America. In 2015 Joshua was named as President and CEO of Chemical Engineering Partners. 

Dr. Matthew Brouwer

Senior Engineering Specialist

Williams International

Bio

Matthew Brouwer received his Ph.D. from Purdue University where he was a Research Assistant in the Mechanical Engineering Tribology Laboratory (METL).  Upon completing his doctorate, he joined Williams International where he has served for the past 10 years as a member of the Mechanical Components team.  In this role, he specializes in the complete engineering lifecycle of rolling element bearings for advanced aerospace applications.  His work encompasses the detailed design, analysis, and rigorous validation testing required for critical high-speed gas turbine engines and complex power transmission systems.  As an active member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), he currently serves on the Awards Committee and is a past member of the Rolling Element Bearing Committee.

Dr. Carmen Betts

Senior R&D Chemist

Afton Chemical

Bio

Carmen Betts is a Senior R&D Chemist at Afton Chemical Corporation and is based in Richmond, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Wichita State University in 2014 (Wichita, Kansas) and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Boston University in 2020 (Boston, Massachusetts). Since joining Afton in 2020, Carmen has been a member of the Driveline R&D formulation team with specific focus on the development of next generation Off-Road Universal Tractor Transmission Oil (UTTO) additive technologies.

Pedro Menezes

Maintenance Engineer

Braskem

Bio

Pedro Menezes is a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer with more than eight years of experience in industrial maintenance, reliability engineering, and major plant overhauls within the petrochemical sector. He has worked across Utilities and Polymers processes—including LIPP, Unipol, and Spheripol processes specializing in rotating equipment, lubrication systems, and large‑scale machinery such as extruders. Pedro has led maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution using tools like SAP PM, IBM Maximo, PI ProcessBook, PI Vision, and Aspen consistently driving improvements in reliability and asset performance.

In the U.S. and Brazil, he has managed mechanical maintenance teams, service contracts, root cause analyses, and engineering studies to reduce equipment vulnerabilities. Known for his dynamic and proactive leadership style, Pedro excels in cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives. He holds a BSc. degree in Mechanical Engineering in Rio de Janeiro in 2018.

Christopher Lopez

Fleet Technology Engineer

Razor Labs

Bio

Christopher Lopez currently works as a Fleet Technology Engineer at Razor Labs. With over 11 years of experience in the mining industry, he develops data-driven reliability solutions that extend component life and improve equipment availability. He is involved in condition-monitoring and predictive maintenance projects for heavy mobile fleets. His background includes managing large mobile fleets and making data-informed decisions based on oil analysis, telemetry, and predictive maintenance. Christopher is a mechanical engineer who holds an M.Sc. in Maintenance Engineering and is certified as a Maintenance & Reliability Professional (SMRP) and Machine Lubricant Analyst Level II (ICML)

David Tsui

Project Manager, Energy

Kline + Company

Bio

Based in our Parsippany, New Jersey, headquarters, David has been a manager in Kline’s Energy Practice since 2016. 

He has contributed to Kline’s continuing syndicated studies, including Global Lubricant Additives, Global Synthetic Lubricants, and Franchised Workshop Channel, which include volumetrics and analysis of the consumer, commercial, and industrial end-use segments of the global lubricants industry.

Prior to joining Kline in 2016, David worked for 11 years with BP, and held a lubricant development technologist and plant chemist positions, working with marketing and supply chain in New Jersey, Pangbourne, and Shanghai.

David holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry as well as an MBA degree in Supply Chain Management from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and is cited in leading industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Lubes’n’Greases, and TLT.

Paul Hiller

Director of Marketing

ICML

Bio

With 20+ years in the business of bringing order out of chaos, Paul oversees marketing initiatives for ICML, which has certified and supported thousands of lubrication and oil analysis practitioners worldwide since 2001.  

In addition to promotion of certification exams and ICML 55® Standards, his ongoing strategy seeks to improve the ICML user experience through greater exposure of satisfied clients, higher engagement for training partners & certified practitioners, and expansion of membership value.  

Before joining ICML, he was the U.S. product marketing programs manager for the Statistica predictive analytics platform, first with its parent company, StatSoft, and then with Dell and Quest Software, where he handled a broad range of content marketing activities including case study development, trade show presence, and more.  

In an earlier life he operated as a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and copywriter.  He is a graduate of Regis College at Regis University in Denver, CO, USA. 

Melisha Sawyer

Reliability Engineer

Saint-Gobain TIP OPEX NA

Bio

Melisha Sawyer is a TIP OPEX North America Reliability Engineer at Saint-Gobain, where she specializes in asset reliability, operational excellence, and lubrication-centered maintenance strategies. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, two MBAs, and a Juris Doctor in Corporate Law, enabling her to bridge technical, operational, and business perspectives.

Melisha is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), and she holds two professional certifications in lubrication. Her primary focus is lubrication engineering, where she drives reliability improvements through best-in-class lubrication practices, failure prevention, and process standardization. Known for her analytical rigor, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement mindset, Melisha delivers sustainable reliability solutions that enhance safety, performance, and value across operations.

Jennifer Lyden

President

Lyden Oil Company

Bio

Jennifer Lyden is President of Lyden Oil Company, a 107-year-old, fourth-generation family business specializing in the wholesale distribution of finished commercial and industrial lubricants. As the first member of the fourth generation to lead the company, Jennifer combines a deep respect for legacy with a disciplined, forward-looking approach to growth and operations. Her vision for the company’s next chapter focuses on integrating modern technical efficiencies while maintaining the high-touch service provided by their expertly trained salesforce and dedicated trucking fleet.

Jennifer holds a degree in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and has completed graduate coursework at The Ohio State University and the University of Houston. She works closely with six direct family members in the day-to-day leadership of the company, which operates from offices in Youngstown and Walbridge, Ohio, and Shelby Township and Lansing, Michigan. Outside of work, Jennifer is an avid long-distance sailor.

Dr. Luc Girard

President

Sanjuro Consulting

Bio

Luc Girard holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry.  After postdoctoral appointments in Organometallic chemistry, he joined Petro-Canada Lubricants R&D in 1997.  First attached to the R&D Base Oils group, he was product specialist for White Oils.  After a transfer to the R&D Automotive group, he oversaw the 2-stroke and automotive gear oil portfolios.  This was followed by a move to field technical services, supporting base oil and process oil sales.  From that role, he was appointed as Technical Sales representative to automotive OEMs, overseeing technical aspects of the worldwide launch and implementation of DEXRON-VI® at the factory-fill level.  He returned to the R&D Automotive portfolio in 2012, and left in 2014 to launch Sanjuro Consulting Inc, a consulting firm translating his experiences into insights.

Min Chen

Global Business Manager, Metalworking Fluids

Metalworking Fluids

Bio

Steven M. Chinitz

Technical Fellow – Bearings and Rolling Elements

Stellantis

Bio

Steven Chinitz is a senior engineering leader and technical expert with nearly three decades of experience in rolling-element bearings and drivetrain systems. He began his career at The Timken Company, working in automotive bearing design and advanced product development. He later held progressive product engineering and leadership roles at NSK, focused on wheel-end and powertrain applications. Steve has also served as a bearing technical expert at Meritor and American Axle & Manufacturing, supporting complex drivetrain and durability challenges. Most recently, he was Senior Engineering Manager at C&U Bearings, where he led wheel-end and powertrain engineering, and testing activities. In January 2026, Steve joined Stellantis as Technical Fellow – Bearings & Rolling Elements, supporting global product development and advanced bearing technology initiatives.

Amanda Hay

Senior Editor Manager, Base Oils Americas

ICIS

Bio

Amanda has 10 years of experience analyzing US energy and petrochemical sectors. She has covered everything along the supply chain from the well-level productivity of US tight oil plays to pipeline infrastructure to the petrochemicals and refined products that make modern life possible. 

Amanda leads the ICIS Base Oils Americas team to produce data-driven weekly insight and pricing intelligence.

Before joining ICIS, Amanda worked for an upstream oil and gas consultancy and various Louisiana and Kansas newspapers. She has 25 years of journalism leadership experience. Amanda also draws on extensive data-driven storytelling and visualization experience to inform her work at ICIS.

Dr. Pritesh Patel

Global Technology Manager – AEO and Driveline

Chevron Oronite

Bio

Dr. Pritesh Patel is currently Global Technology Manager at Chevron Oronite, where he directs global technology and product development focused on automotive engine oils, viscosity modifiers, small engines, and driveline additives for lubricants. With over 18 years of leadership in the lubrication and specialty chemicals sector, he has directed technology & product development, commercialization of innovative additive and lubricants, leading diverse global teams of scientists, specialists and engineers to deliver cutting-edge solutions. He has additional experience in Specialty Chemicals business development, sales & operations (S&OP) management for base oils, and planning functions.  He holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science & Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and undergraduate in Chemical Engineering with several patents and publications in diverse fields. Dr. Patel spearheads the application of AI and intelligent systems in R&D, driving the development of advanced lubricant formulations and additive technologies.

Terence McHugh

CEO

Blue Tide Environmental

Bio

Terry McHugh is CEO of Blue Tide, a leading re-refiner based in Houston. He has more than 30 years of experience driving top- and bottom-line growth for international companies in the energy sector. His background combines deep operational leadership with strong financial, legal, and commercial acumen, having in worked in various capacities for Chevron Corp, Porocel International LLC, Evonik Corp and now Blue Tide.

Throughout his career, Terry’s engineering background has facilitated a focus on innovation and operations management with a strong emphasis on productivity and ESHQ. He has been instrumental in establishing three global joint ventures and has led or supported multiple strategic M&A/licensing deals, also having in-depth experience with post deal integrations.

Terry holds BS/MS degrees in Chemical Engineering (Univ. of Idaho), and an MBA (Univ. Of Denver).

Sebastian Pohl

CEO

Greif-Velox

Bio

Throughout his career, Sebastian has always had a close connection to the chemical and petrochemical industry. Leveraging this expertise, Sebastian is now CEO and managing partner of the Lübeck-based machine manufacturing company Greif-Velox in Germany. Greif-Velox is a market leader in the field of machines and systems for bulk solids bagging and liquid filling.

Greg Miiller

Research and Engineering Director

Savant Group

Bio

Greg Miiller has worked around the globe for the transportation industry over the past 28 years. With both scientific and advanced business degrees, his R&D career has progressed to the Vice President of New Business and Engineering for the Savant Group. Part of that experience was enhancing the cost savings through design, process improvement and lean production methodology.

Greg has been co-awarded eighteen patents for designs on testing equipment and authored many technical papers. He is currently the 2nd vice chair of ASTM D02 and actively serves as an officer with Standards Development Organizations such as Energy Institute, the Coordinating European Council and the Society of Automotive Engineers. In 2019 Greg formed the Global Lubricants Test Standards Team that provides a communication link between specification setting organizations, standards development organizations and trade organizations from around the world.

His background in quality assurance, “5S” and “5Y”, risk analysis, ISO 90001/17025 and customer satisfaction narratives have been instrumental in his growth as a company entrepreneur. Greg is the founder of four other companies within the United States.

Dr. Alexander MacLaren

Senior R&D Engineer

PCS Instruments

Bio

Alexander MacLaren is a senior research and development engineer at PCS instruments and has recently focused on high-speed tribotesting, leading the development of the HSD. He was awarded his PhD from the tribology group at Imperial College London, for his thesis on optimising electric vehicle gearbox efficiency and reliability, in 2025. He holds a 1st class MEng in Mechanical Engineering, also from Imperial, and has previously worked on radar testing at Leonardo, vacuum cleaner design at Dyson, and contributed to research in metal forming and aeroacoustics.

Corey Cheeks

CEO

Traction Engineering

Bio

Corey Cheeks is the CEO of Traction Engineering, where he leads industrial reliability programs with a strong emphasis on lubrication strategy, contamination control, and condition-based maintenance. He brings over 26 years of experience in reliability-centered maintenance, lubrication management, vibration analysis, mechanical seal reliability, and industrial refrigeration.

A licensed Professional Engineer with multiple industry certifications, Corey is known for applying practical, field-driven lubrication practices that improve asset reliability, extend equipment life, and reduce lubrication-related failure modes.

Safia Peerzada

R&D Lead Chemist

Münzing

Bio

Safia Peerzada has worked at Münzing for over 8 years and is currently working as the Lead R&D Chemist – EV Specialist. In her current role, she has been collaborating with EV fluid manufacturers to better understand the evolution in EV fluids and to develop the new test methods that reflect the application of these fluids and new antifoam technologies for EV fluids. Her role is working as a liaison between R&D and applications group. In this role, she is responsible for researching and analyzing the new markets and formulating and evaluating specialty additives for the emerging markets. She is also responsible to expand Münzing’s non-aqueous lubricant’s antifoams product line. Prior to this position, Safia worked as an Associate R&D Chemist where she worked on developing the new product line for metal working fluids. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. She moved to US with her family in 2010 from Pakistan.

Troy Muransky

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM)

Bio

Troy received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University. His 18+ years in the automotive industry includes various roles in Materials, Process, and Environmental Engineering, as well as Analytical Chemistry, Quality, and Laboratory Management. Troy’s technical expertise is in lubricants, surface treatments, and coatings with focus on proper material selection, testing, troubleshooting, and launch support for driveline applications. He currently serves as the Chairman and L-42 Reviewer for the Lubricant Review Institute (LRI) Committee. He is also a certified Master Scuba Diver and Jiujitsu Instructor.

Hamed Eksiri

Founder

Al Eksir

Bio

Hamed Eksiri is a technology leader specializing in high-performance fluids and hardware reliability for data centers and electric vehicles. He currently serves as the Engagement Director for SUTA Northern California and contributes to the Open Compute Project (OCP) Foundation, where he works to transfer industrial reliability standards into the data center liquid cooling ecosystem. Hamed’s career includes over six years at Chevron Corporation, where he managed a $600M global fluids portfolio and directed the transition to advanced thermal management solutions. Previously at Schaeffler Group, he led the mass-production scale-up of liquid cooling hardware, delivering millions of critical components. An active STLE member since 2012, he was the August 2024 Member Highlight for his leadership in immersion lubrication and cooling. Hamedholds an M.S. in Materials Science from NC State and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, and lives with his wife and 2 children in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Talmage Wagstaff

CEO & Co-Founder

Redlist

Bio

Talmage Wagstaff has a love for equipment reliability. As a teenager, Saturdays were spent with his dad, greasing and changing oil on large cranes. Later, as a crane operator, he worked turnarounds in refineries, mines, and manufacturing plants. He received a Master’s degree in engineering from BYU, and worked as an engineer for ExxonMobil. Drawing on this deep, firsthand experience, he founded Redlist in 2013, a software company that helps businesses keep their equipment reliable.

Singh Nindra

Director of Base Oils

Phillips 66

Bio

 Singh Nindra manages the Base Oils portfolio at Phillips 66 where he and his commercialize the Group II & Group III base oils produced at their Excel Paralubes plant in Lake Charles, LA. Singh also manages the bulk procurement portfolio for Phillips 66 Lubricants, supply planning, and strategy. His experience includes fuels marketing, pricing, business development, loyalty marketing and strategic planning. Singh has extensive experience in teaching a few business courses as Adjunct Faculty at University of California, Riverside.

Tom Rogers

President

Vibrac

Bio

Tom Rogers is the ASTM Vice Chair of the F34 Bearing Committee and CEO & President of Vibrac Bearing Test Systems. In addition, he is an Advisory Board member for The Bearing Show and has 23 years of experience in the bearing industry including a tenure with KAMAN Corp. Tom studied mechanical engineering and economics at the University of Maine and established the US operations for CC Jensen of Denmark, focusing on the impact of fine filtration on lubrication oil in bearing performance. Over the past 25 years, he has led Vibrac Bearing Test Systems through substantial growth while continuously introducing new and unique technology, making them the premier name in bearing performance testing.

Rishi Jadwani

CEO

Elevar Energies

Bio

Rishi Jadwani is the CEO of Elevar Energies LLC, a U.S.-registered company focused on advancing sustainable technologies in the lubricant and hydrocarbon processing industry. With over 15 years of experience in oil recycling, refinery technologies, and hydrocarbon purification systems, he works at the intersection of industrial innovation and environmental sustainability. Through Elevar Energies, Rishi is actively promoting solutions that enable the recycling and upgrading of used lubricating oil into high-quality base oils and fuels, helping industries reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and move toward circular energy systems.

Rishi’s work emphasizes the development and deployment of advanced purification and oil recycling technologies that improve resource efficiency while supporting global sustainability goals. His leadership spans engineering, technology commercialization, and international project execution across North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Through Elevar Energies LLC, he is committed to bringing innovative recycling and refining solutions to the U.S. market and contributing to the evolution of sustainable lubricant supply chains.

Thomas Wellmann

Chief Engineer – Drivetrain Systems

FEV North America

Bio

Thomas Wellmann is currently Chief Engineer – Drivetrain Systems at FEV North America, Inc.

As Chief Engineer, Thomas is engaged in all aspects of the propulsion system of electric vehicles. His expertise includes electric- and hybrid-electric drive systems, batteries, and thermal management of electric vehicles. He is involved in system evaluations of EDUs including fluid evaluations for efficiency, durability, and thermal aspect of drive units. Further, he is engaged in electric vehicle energy management, including thermal management activities, vehicle integration, as well as electric vehicle calibration activities.

In addition, Thomas worked on conventional multispeed transmissions and driveline systems.

Thomas Wellmann published several publications on the topics of driveline electrification of propulsions systems.

Dr. Matthew Spurlock

Divisional Reliability Engineer

Bio

Dr. Matthew Spurlock is a Divisional Reliability Engineer and Lubrication & Hydraulics Subject Matter Expert with Georgia-Pacific. He specializes in industrial lubrication, oil analysis, and predictive maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability across complex manufacturing systems.

Dr. Spurlock has led major initiatives to modernize oil analysis programs by integrating advanced diagnostics, data analytics, and AI-driven evaluation tools that help organizations detect failures earlier and make better maintenance decisions.

He holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and his research explores how technical certification, leadership competency, and workforce culture influence reliability performance. Dr. Spurlock frequently speaks on lubrication best practices, certification development, and the evolving role of data-driven diagnostics in modern reliability programs.