GARY L. SIGRIST, JR.
CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE
Gary Sigrist, Jr. is a nationally known speaker, consultant, author and expert on emergency preparedness. His career spans more than 30 years as an educator, administrator and police officer. Sigrist’s background in both education and law enforcement gives him a unique perspective on safety and preparedness, which he brings to his work with clients of Safeguard Risk Solutions.
RON WOODRUFF
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mr. Woodruff received his Bachelor of Science in Police Science and Administration from Washington State University in 1975. Mr. Woodruff received his teaching credentials from Central Washington University in 1993 and his Master’s in Educational Administration in 1999, also from Central Washington University. Mr. Woodruff is a graduate of the Seattle Police Academy and worked as a police officer/crime scene investigator for the cities of Mercer Island and Cle Elum Washington.
ERIC MADFIS, Ph.D.
Eric Madfis, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Washington Tacoma, where his research focuses on the causes and prevention of school violence, hate crime, and mass murder. As a nationally-recognized expert on school violence, he has spoken to audiences across the country and around the world about his research, including at the 2015 United States Congressional Briefing on School Safety and Violence Prevention in Washington, D.C. He received his Ph.D.
ASHLEY MCGIRT
Ashley McGirt is a licensed mental health therapists, international speaker, author, and founder of the Worldwide wellness tour an exclusive empowerment and healing experience for men and women that works to destigmatize mental illness, while promoting the importance of mental health, with a special emphasis on minority mental health issues.
HECTOR MOLINA
Hector Molina is currently the Administrator of Child Welfare & Attendance for the Woodland Unified School District. After graduating from the University of Pacific in Stockton he began his career as an elementary teacher. He has gone on to be a bilingual classroom teacher, English Language Learner, Technology resource teacher, and Middle and High School administrator.
LORI GALLION
BIO COMING SOON
STEFAN BJES
Sergeant Bjes has been with the Addison Police Department since Stefan Bjes2000. He has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Valparaiso University and has a Master of Science degree in Criminal and Social Justice from Lewis University. While Sergeant Bjes was assigned to the Field Services Division, he worked as a Juvenile Officer, Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician and a Breath Alcohol Operator.
GARRET RAIN
Garret Rain retired as a Captain from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) after 27 years of service. He led the PSP Domestic Security Division (DSD) where he was responsible for the administration of the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Team (RVAT) that conducted detailed physical site security assessments of schools throughout Pennsylvania. Rain lead the RVAT in publishing the 2015, K-12 School Safety Report that detailed common vulnerabilities identified from over 300 RVAT school safety assessments.
MICAH STOLL
Possesses a diverse background and trainings in the field as well as years of law enforcement experience. Works with a wide range of clients, colleagues and community partners to conduct Vulnerability Assessments and develop Emergency Operations Plans.
TIM MURPHY
Tim Murphy is a psychologist and national leader in mental health reform. He attended the University of Pittsburgh for his doctorate degree, Cleveland State University for his Master’s Degree and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Wheeling Jesuit University. Dr. Murphy has been on the staff of a number of Pittsburgh area Hospitals and had his own private practice before becoming a Pennsylvania State Senator and then a Member of the US House of Representatives.
GENE KOMONDOR
Gene Komondor is the Emergency Management Coordinator for North Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County, PA and co-chairs the Safe Schools Committee for the Norwin School District (5,700 students). He is a partner in a company that provides emergency management-related services including plan reviews, site assessments, training and exercises to schools, healthcare facilities and private sector companies. Mr. Komondor has been designated as a Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students, Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center.
RYAN SEARLES
Mr. Searles develops customized curriculum on topics ranging from Workplace Violence Prevention, Active Shooter Response Training, self-defense, OSHA, CPR, weapons, and tactics. He possesses a comprehensive background in complex problem-solving and relationship-building derived from conducting domestic and global operations across five continents. Mr. Searles has managed enterprise-wide risk management programs to protect life and safety, critical infrastructure, as well as high-value property and equipment.