Course Instructors

Anne Bracker has over 30 years of experience in the field of industrial hygiene. She has helped employers and employees identify and control workplace hazards through her work as an industrial hygienist with Connecticut OSHA’s private and public sector consultation programs; the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at UConn Health and Federal OSHA. Ms. Bracker received her MPH in Industrial Hygiene from the University of California at Berkeley. She has been certified in the Comprehensive Practice of Industrial Hygiene since 1991.

Chip has provided occupational safety & health and risk management consulting and training services for over 30 years to general industry, construction, utilities, and emergency service organizations (EMS, fire/ rescue, law enforcement). Chip was recognized as Safety Professional of the Year by the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut in 2022. He has been an instructor for the OSHA Training Institute Region 1 Education Center for over 20 years, presenting OSHA regulations courses for construction and general industry, outreach trainer courses and refreshers, and many specific safety & health topics. Chip is the lead instructor for the 3-day Scaffold course and 3-day Fall Protection course, and he developed and delivers the 1-day Work Zone course. Chip is a frequent presenter at local, regional and national conferences and has provided OSH consulting and training across the US and internationally. He also frequently serves as an expert witness in safety-related legal matters. Chip is a member of ASSP, NFPA, ATSSA, IPAF, and other professional organizations, and serves on consensus standards development committees for ANSI, ASTM, and NFSI. Chip has been a certified EMT for 45 years, and has served as an elected Commissioner for the Cromwell Fire District in Connecticut.

Mr. Tony Gomes is an instructor with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center Region 1/Keene State College since 2011 having completed five certificate programs including Safety and Health Specialist in General Industry and Construction plus Fire Prevention Life Safety and Certified Safety and Health Official certificates in General Industry and Construction.Tony has over 20 years teaching experience in general industry standards, 24 years of hazardous materials emergency response experience, 38 years in the fire service with 24 years as shift commander. In addition to being adjunct faculty at Keene State College OSHA Education Center, he has been adjunct professor at Massasoit Community College for 24 years. Tony brings years of experience, training and knowledge to safety and health education.

Kim Lindgren is a site safety officer for AECOM on the South Coast Rail project in Massachusetts. She has  40 years of experience in the safety and health profession. Prior to coming to Region 1 OTIEC, she served as the Construction Curriculum and Industry Director for the OTIEC in San Diego for 20 years. Her expertise is in construction and maritime with previous employment with general contractors, specialty contractors, general industry, insurance companies and trade associations. Kim is also a former compliance officer for Cal/OSHA. She is a Professional Member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), past president of the San Diego Chapter and 2018 recipient of the Construction Safety Professional of the Year award.

Mike Needham has over 25, years in the field of safety management, is a Board Certified Safety Professional, has served as President of the Eastern NY Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), is a registered Environmental Scientist, and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. He has completed the prestigious Executive Program in Safety Management by the ASSE, and currently serves as adjunct faculty for Keene State College, where he is an instructor for Region 1 OSHA Training Institute Education Center.

Bob Sands works as a safety and health consultant and as an instructor for the OSHA Training Institute Education Center, Region 1/Keene State College. He performs gap analysis, safety and health management reviews, and VPP assistance for companies interested in VPP. Bob was the OSHA Region 1 VPP Manager, working in OSHA VPP for 14 years performing on-site safety and health management system reviews, VPP application reviews, and VPP gap analysis. Bob also worked in the OSHA Regional Office in Enforcement Programs. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston and is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

John Murray, CHMM, CSP, CIH is continuing his 40 plus year career in occupational safety and industrial hygiene as an instructor with the Region 1 OSHA Training Institute.  He specializes in industrial hygiene, occupational exposure assessment, and other general industry safety related topics.  John served as safety director for a large healthcare system in Massachusetts and as an environmental manager for a manufacturing facility in Connecticut.  He is a frequent lecturer on safety and industrial hygiene for review courses in hazardous materials and is on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals.  John is a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals.

Simona Holacsek is a Senior Industrial Hygienist working for the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department of Tufts University and as a trainer for the Region 1 OSHA Institute.

Simona is a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with over 15 years’ experience in the EH&S field.  She is a skilled professional with extensive technical knowledge of laboratory practices; occupational health standards, regulations, and good practices and has work experience in the consulting and academic sector.

As an IH professional Simona has a good understanding of various industries and regulatory compliance as well as specific challenges faced by the health and safety professionals in educational, private, public or hospital settings.  As an occupational health and safety professional Simona recognizes the importance of adequate training programs in maintaining a successful safety culture.

Simona Holacsek is a Senior Industrial Hygienist working for the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department of Tufts University and as a trainer for the Region 1 OSHA Institute.

Simona is a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with over 15 years’ experience in the EH&S field.  She is a skilled professional with extensive technical knowledge of laboratory practices; occupational health standards, regulations, and good practices and has work experience in the consulting and academic sector.

As an IH professional Simona has a good understanding of various industries and regulatory compliance as well as specific challenges faced by the health and safety professionals in educational, private, public or hospital settings.  As an occupational health and safety professional Simona recognizes the importance of adequate training programs in maintaining a successful safety culture.

Simona is an active member of professional groups such as: American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) and Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA).

Jay Fitzpatrick has worked exclusively in the field of construction safety and health for nearly 35 years. For the past 10 years, he has served as safety manager for bridge construction contractor E.D. Swett Inc., based in Concord NH. Previously, Jay spent 18 years as an independent construction safety and health consultant and trainer, assisting New England contractors in developing and implementing corporate safety policies/ procedures. Since 1990, he has served as the main safety and health instructor for the Associated Builders and Contractors of NH/VT. Jay first became an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer for Construction in 1989, at OTI in Des Plaines, IL, and has been associated with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center Region 1 from 1994 through the present time.

Peter has over 35 years of occupational safety and health experience. His past employment include the United States Postal Service, Pratt and Whitney, Rand whitney, and the MBTA through Hatch LTK Engineering services.  His education includes a Masters of science degree from Rochester Institute of technology in environmental health and safety management, a master of science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in organizational behavior, and his undergrad is from Central Connecticut State University in business administration. He also holds safety certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professional’s as a CSP, CIT, CHST, and SMS.

David retired as Assistant Professor in the Safety Studies Program at Keene State College where he taught industrial hygiene and OSHA related courses. He spent 29 years employed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, much of which was as Area Director of the Concord, New Hampshire area office. He is also Principal of Concord Cymorth, LLC, a small research/consulting firm.

Lev Pobirsky, CHSM – Senior Director, Safety & Security,Pepsi-Cola & National Brand Beverages, LTD. In his role with Pepsi-Cola, Lev Pobirsky provides focused safety leadership to over 5,000 employees at over 20 manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and transportation depots across the United States. In Keene’s Workplace Violence course, Lev addresses violence in the workplace, a risk that must be addressed by employers and safety leaders.  Lev is exceptionally knowledgable about online learning platforms and delivers OSHA’s courses online, as lead instructor and/or facilitator. He brings extensive OSHA Education Center experience to the team in Region 1, both for in the seat as well as online learning. Lev is national and regional conference presenter.

Scott Ptak, ARM, SHRM, M.Ed., CEAS, CUSP, brings over 35 years of safety, risk management, consulting and teaching experience to the OSHA Training Institute Region 1 Education Center clients. Scott served as a Vice President for Risk Management and Safety in retail, manufacturing, electric utility and general industry with both national and international organizations. Additionally, he owns and operates Ethos Consulting Group, LLC, a Management and Safety consulting firm that specializes in providing solutions to complex risk and safety issues across a variety of industries. Scott is the author of several White Papers in the areas of Safety and Risk Management and is a nationally recognized practitioner who speaks on a regular basis in the areas of Risk Management, Safety, Communication, Organizational Development and Leadership. Additionally, he has served as an Adjunct Professor in the University of Georgia system teaching business, communication, industrial safety, and management classes for both undergrad and grad students.  Mr. Ptak has a passion for teaching and lives for the “ah-ha” moments of clarity in the lives and hearts of his students.

Randy began his electrical career in 1985 as an electrical apprentice for the IBEW. In 1991, he became a licensed Master Electrician and worked for a local union contractor in Vermont. He worked for IBM as a contractor, primarily in the industrial field, before being hired to work in their high voltage department. Randy attended specialized training at the AVO Institute in Dallas, Texas and at the University of Tennessee, becoming a 3rd year instructor in the IBEW Apprenticeship Training Program. In that capacity, Randy taught industrial motor controls, semiconductor electronics, safety and PLCs. He also spent several years at the Champlain Cable Corporation as the Facilities Master Electrician, prior to joining Workplace Safety Solutions, Inc. He is currently adjunct faculty with OTI Education Center Region 1/Keene State College, where he is a lead instructor in electrical courses.

John Murphy is a P.E., RCDD, Master Electrician, S-License holder, OSHA Electrical Instructor, and OSHA 10 & 30 hour Instructor.

John is a Professional Engineer (PE) registered in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, and also a Master Electrician. He has owned an electrical construction and engineering firm since 2006. Mr. Murphy holds a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) license from BICSI and has a security contractor license.John retired as a Major from the Massachusetts Air National Guard after nearly 26 years, serving as an F-15 Avionics technician, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, a Cyber Warrior, and Communications Officer at Otis Air National Guard Base. He also teaches the National Electric Code to hundreds of electricians in five New England states.

John possesses degrees in Avionic System Technology from the Community College of the Air Force, Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with honors from the Franklin Institute of Boston, and a Bachelors Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology with honors from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

He is actively involved in volunteer work with Special Olympics, Pan Mass Challenge, Tri-County, and South Shore Vocational High Schools. Additionally, he serves as a Den Leader for Wrentham Cub Scouts Pack 131 and was recently elected First Vice Commander at American Legion Post 225. Mr. Murphy also holds a private pilot’s license and enjoys flying whenever possible.

After retiring with 30 years of service to the State of Vermont in the fall of 2024, Dan started an independent safety consulting company, focusing on training, jobsite safety evaluations and solutions-based safety culture improvement. Prior to retirement Dan spent 27 of his 30 years, at the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA). During Dan’s tenure at VOSHA, he served 11 years as a compliance officer, accident/fatality investigator and discrimination investigator, as well as 5 years as the Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS)/Green Mountain Voluntary Protection Programs (GMVPP) Coordinator and his final 11+ years as the VOSHA Program Manager.

Prior to his employment at the State of Vermont, Dan graduated from New Hampshire VOCTEC College in Berlin, NH. He then spent ten years in the machine tool industry holding several different machining and supervisory positions. Dan retired in 2023, as a 29-year member of the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department, where he held the rank of Second Assistant Chief for many years.

In addition to volunteering at the Vermont Safety and Health council, Dan currently serves as a volunteer hunter and bowhunter safety education instructor, as well as an instructor at the Region One OSHA Training Institute, Education Center.

Dan also loves all manner of outdoor activities, walking in the woods with his yellow lab Abby, working on his sawmill, gardening with his wife of 40 years, Diane, and most especially, spending time with his grand daughter Maeve.

Martha is a safety and health consultant who has been an instructor with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center Region 1/Keene State College since 1999, instructing both general industry and construction related courses. She owns a New England-based consulting firm, which services the construction, mining and general industries. She has BS degree in Applied Adult Education and an AAS in Occupational Safety and Health.

Stephen Gauthier has almost 40 years of experience as a machinist and leader in EH&S programs in the manufacturing sector, VPPPA, and agencies impacting safety and health in the workplace.  OTI Education Center, Region 1 instructor for OSHA Machine Guarding courses, Safety and Health Management, Incident Investigation and key OSHA learning objectives in General Industry.  As an OSHA Special Government Employee SGE he served as a team member for many OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) on-sites audits reviewing and improving Safety Programs. On the National level, Steve was a member of the Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association (VPPPA) Board of Directors. Author of published articles on Green Chemistry and Metalworking Fluids, Steve remains a critical voice for workers, active in the Toxic Use Reduction (TURA) program having served 10 years as member of the TURA Advisory Committee.

Stephen has been an occupational and environmental health professional since 1973, a certified safety professional since 1980, and a certified industrial hygienist since 1981. He has served as the director of comprehensive occupational and environmental health and safety programs at hospitals, universities, and scientific research institutions. Stephen was also a radiation control officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1999-2004. Stephen has been on the faculty of several institutions.

Steven R. Myers, CFI has 25 years experience in safety and health. Steve is a former occupational safety compliance officer with Vermont OSHA and is an experienced trainer in a variety of regulatory fields. Steve has spent many years working in the private sector in both general industry and construction. He brings a unique perspective to employers and employees with his knowledge and understanding of safety regulations, and experience managing workers compensation claims in the insurance industry.

Jack has 40 years of global experience in Steelmaking, Shipbuilding, General Industry, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Consulting.  He has developed and implemented award winning management systems. He has held positions as a Utility Engineer Assistant (USWA member), EH&S Engineer/Specialist, Global EHS&Security Director, EHS&QA Director, Vice President – Technical Services, and as a Lead Auditor (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, RBA).  Jack is a Professional Member of ASSP (ASSE) and a Board Certified Safety Professional (CSP) in Comprehensive Practice.  He is a graduate of Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania (B.S. Environmental Health 1979), and studied Fire Protection/Sprinkler System Design at Oklahoma State University.   Jack is a past President of the ASSE Boston Chapter, served on Board of Directors of ASSE Boston Chapter and ASSE International, and was a recipient of the ASSE Region VIII Safety Professional of the Year award. He has served as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) SGE (Special Government Employee) assisting OSHA’s Region 1 and Region 3 in conducting OSHA VPP certification audits. Jack was a multiple recipient of OSHA’s Region 1 SGE of the Year Award.  Jack is a past Chair of the VPPPA (VPP Participants Association) Region 1 Board of Directors, and a past member of the VPPPA National Board of Directors. He was a multiple recipient of the VPPPA Region 1 Mentor of the Year award for his OSHA VPP outreach and guiding companies to VPP STAR status.  He was a past Member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Safety Council.  Jack specializes in Management Systems; Hazard Recognition/Evaluation/Control; Employee Engagement; Accident Investigations; Advanced Manufacturing; and Assessments/Audits.  Jack has presented at regional, national, and international safety conferences.

Mark has been a Safety and Health Professional in the construction, general industry, transportation and environmental businesses since 1979. He was most recently the Sr. Safety and Health Specialist OSHA Region 1 Boston Office 2006 where he served as the primary liaison to federal, state & local, government agencies.  His duties also included conducting Construction & General Industry workplace inspections; provide safety training internally and externally. He has also been a presenter of Safety and Health subject matters at Professional Development and Safety Symposiums.

Michael serves as General Industry and Disaster Site Worker Curriculum Director and Chairperson and has been teaching courses in general Industry, construction, maritime, and disaster-site worker programs since 1999 and at the University of New Haven since 1991. He has over 35 years of experience in EH&S, as president of Field Safety Corporation since 1983 and previously, a corporate H&S director, air pollution engineer and a hazmat specialist. Michael is a fellow of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management and serves on AIHA and NFPA committees involved with chemical protection and emergency response.