Team Members

Jeff Lankford is the Center Director in Gadsden where he works to assist companies by providing training and assistance in the areas of Industrial Maintenance and Lean Manufacturing.

In addition to over 20 years with ATN, Lankford also has 8 years of manufacturing experience.

Prior to joining ATN, Jeff was a Project Engineer at United States Steel, Fairfield Tubular Operations, where he was responsible for projects. Before US Steel, Jeff was an Electrical Engineer in the Plate Products Division for Gulf States Steel and was responsible for electrical maintenance and projects for that division.

Jeff has been certified in the following:

• AME Lean Bronze Certification

A graduate of Auburn University, Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. When not hard at work for ATN, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Brooke Waldrop is the Office Manager for the Sumiton center where she efficiently manages the daily operations of the center which include accounts payable and receivable, maintaining ATN policies and procedures, inventory management, maintaining relationships with clients and the community, clerical support, record keeping and database management. She also provides support to the directors and field staff by monitoring and assisting with preparation for project work.

Including her five years with ATN, Waldrop has a total of ten years of office administrative experience. In her previous role in the healthcare field, Waldrop developed her strong customer service, communication and organizational skills.

A graduate from the University of North Alabama, Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in Marketing. When not hard at work, she enjoys reading, fishing, spending time with family and raising her two beautiful little girls.

Brandon Lineberry serves as a Project Engineer where he specializes in Continuous Improvement training and implementation.

In 16 years at ATN, he has trained hundreds of executives, managers, engineers, and operators on the Principles of Lean Manufacturing. He has facilitated over a hundred Kaizen Events in various industries including, chemical, paper, automotive, aerospace, foundry, shipbuilding, steel, textile, assembly, and office.

Brandon has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, certified NIST Lean Trainer, SME Lean Bronze, and Six Sigma Green Belt. He served as ATN’s Lean Team Leader for six years and received ATN Practitioner of the Year awards in 2006 and 2012.

When not serving clients, Brandon enjoys spending time in God’s great outdoors on the water and in the woods.

Becky Estes serves as the Business Manager, where she works to support ATN staff by processing payroll, accounts payable, and human resources.

In over thirteen years with ATN, Estes worked as Center Office Manager prior to moving to Central Office Business Manager in October 2018. She won the MEP National Unsung Hero award in 2010, an achievement made possible by going above and beyond to promote ATN in client, stakeholder, and staff relations.

Prior to joining ATN, Becky was the Assistant Manager and Loan Officer for Colonial Bank, responsible for daily branch operations and loans. While there, she achieved sales goals by relating to her customers and helping them achieve their financial goals.

A graduate of the University of North Alabama, Becky holds a degree in Business Management. When not hard at work doing accounts payable, payroll, and human resources duties, she enjoys traveling and reading.

Ashley Lackey is the Office Manager in Cullman, where she provides assistance and support to the Cullman Center. Ashley is the backbone of the day to day operations, including purchasing, time reconciliations, contracts, and invoicing.

In 14 years with ATN, Lackey has developed a close relationship with the community by volunteering with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. Lackey has a passion for her position and has mastered meeting the needs of clients to help grow the workforce community.

Before joining ATN, Ashley was a Facilitator for the North Alabama Skills Training Consortium and was responsible for assisting clients with creating resumes for client job search. She also counseled clients with career planning and educational options available.

A graduate from Auburn University, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, specialization in Technical Writing. When not hard at work, she enjoys spending time with her four kids and her husband of 14 years.

Camie Huett serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director, where she brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the table with expertise in scheduling, planning, and correspondence.

In the 15 years with ATN, Camie has become an asset in data management and project coordination. Camie has a total of 27 years with the Alabama Community College System. Camie also serves on the Alabama Community College Association Executive Committee for 20+ years; most recently serving as the Registration Coordinator and Auxiliaries Coordinator.

In addition, Huett represents ATN in the Birmingham Chapter of Executive Women International, where she has held numerous board positions and serving on various committees.

Prior to joining ATN, Camie was the Administrative Assistant to the President for Bessemer State Technical College.

Certifications

• Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
• Certified Public Notary

A graduate from Jefferson State Community College, Camie holds a degree in Business/Office Information Processing. When not hard at work, she enjoys spending time with family and Alabama football.

Gina Webb is a Project Engineer, where she travels the great state of Alabama providing training and consulting services to existing business and industry.

In 11.5 years with ATN, Webb has 23 years of experience in business and industry. She specializes in Industrial Maintenance and Information Technology.

Prior to joining ATN, Gina was a Plant Engineer for 3M Company and was responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting for the Guin plant. She also has also worked as a database programmer and C/C++ programmer for Southern Company Services.

A graduate from The University of Alabama in Birmingham, Gina holds a master’s degree in Information and Engineering Management and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. When not hard at work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

James Hammonds is a Project Engineer located in Gadsden where he works to assist companies by providing training and assistance in the area of Industrial Maintenance.

In addition to my 5 years with ATN, Hammonds has 30 years of manufacturing experience.

Prior to joining ATN, James was a Maintenance Manager, Technician, and Instructor in the steel industry and responsible for training and managing technicians. As a technician, he was responsible for maintaining equipment for daily operation.

A graduate from DeVry Institute of Technology, James holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. When not hard at work for ATN, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Jada Freeman is the MEP Program Coordinator where she is responsible for assisting the ATN Director of MEP Program with all National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) reporting and compliance functions within ATN. She has worked with ATN for over 13 years.

A graduate from Athens State University, Jada holds a degree in Management. When not hard at work doing NIST MEP activities, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Jared Choat is an EHS Project Engineer where he works to improve environmental, health, and safety outcomes and compliance by delivering training, technical services, and conducting audits.

With his first year at ATN, Choat has a total of 10 years of experience and adds diversity as an industrial hygienist to provide additional elements of occupational health and safety training and technical services for ATN.

Prior to joining ATN, Jared was a Senior Industrial Hygienist for Alabama Power and responsible for health and safety training, programs, and risk assessments. While there, he impacted many projects as a subject matter expert and implementing risk controls.

Jared is certified in the following:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Jared graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene, and a Master of Business Administration. Jared is also a graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he earned a Master of Public Health focusing in Environmental Health Sciences. When not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing music, and golf.

Jeff Graham is a Center Director for the following ATN locations: Alex City, Eufaula, and Montgomery. Jeff works to assist manufacturers across the state by providing delivery and management of projects that promote continual improvement through training programs and technical assistance services.

In 15 years with ATN, Graham has managed multiple centers, delivered LEAN, Leadership and Excel training, assisted with Kaizens, and been involved in local, state, and federal programs that help manufacturers to improve their business.

Prior to joining ATN, Jeff was the Engineering Supervisor for Russell Corporation and responsible for crewing analysis, machine requirements, operation procedures, and weekly product scheduling. While there, he achieved GS&D certification.

Graham is certified in the following:

• GSD (General Sew & Design)
• Alabama Workforce Development Professional
• LEAN Bronze SME
• TM 309 Mastering the Front of the Room
• TM 209 Focus on the Front of the Room
• Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute
• SC 101 RFID Basics Workshop
• LE101 Principals of Lean Manufacturing with Live Simulation
• SC 401 Introduction to RFID with Simulation Train the Trainer Workshop

A graduate from Auburn University, Graham holds a degree in TMT from the School of Engineering. When not at work helping ATN clients, he enjoys playing music and fishing.

Whitney Barlow serves as the Supplier Development Manager at the Alabama Training Network (ATN), where she plays a key role in strengthening Alabama’s supply chain by connecting manufacturers with critical resources, training, and growth opportunities. She works closely with businesses and ATN partners across the state to enhance supplier capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and support industry expansion.

With extensive experience in business development, manufacturing support, and workforce training, Whitney specializes in helping companies optimize operations and establish strategic partnerships. She is passionate about fostering economic growth and ensuring Alabama’s manufacturers remain competitive in an evolving market.

Before joining ATN, Whitney served as the Executive Director of the Industrial Development Authority of Chilton County, focusing on industry engagement and supplier relations. Her leadership in economic development equipped her with the expertise to help businesses navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

Beyond her professional role, Whitney is actively involved in community and industry organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Outdoor Ethics and Education Partnership, CAWCO R C & D, the City of Thorsby Chilton County Strawberry Festival Committee, and Outdoor Women Unlimited, Inc.

Whitney is married to Ben Barlow, and they share three children: Addison, Easton, and Stella. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and embracing the outdoors—whether it’s hunting, kayaking, shooting sports, or archery. Her favorite outdoor pursuit is bird hunting, especially turkey hunting.

John Espy is the IT Technology Manager where he works to support and secure ATN’s internal network infrastructure.

In the last 20 years with ATN, Espy has facilitated the MCSE training program at Wallace College and taught numerous Microsoft certification programs for businesses and industries in Alabama. He has also spearheaded a number of special projects including the advancement of wireless technologies in remote areas. In addition, he is currently working to protect ATN from cybersecurity threats.

Prior to joining ATN, Espy was the Math and Computer Science teacher for The Lakeside School in Eufaula, Alabama. While there, he achieved Teacher of the Year and coached Junior Varsity football.

Espy achieved the following certifications:

• MCP- Microsoft Certified Professional
• MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• MCT- Microsoft Certified Trainer

A graduate of Auburn University, John Espy holds a degree in Math and Computer Science. When not hard at work, he enjoys saltwater fishing and watching college football.

Since 2018, Joey Massey has served as the MEP Program Director. Alabama Training Network is the recipient of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Award for the State of Alabama. Joey is responsible for managing all aspects of this award. Some of these responsibilities include budgeting, financial planning, project analysis, and reporting.

Joey has a BS in Applied Science from the University of Alabama and has worked for ATN since 2001. His previous positions with ATN have included Field Engineer, Technical Specialist, and ERP System Administrator.

Jody Upchurch serves as the Director of Finance and Accounting based in Montgomery. Jody is responsible for the overall financial operations of ATN, including accounting and reporting.

For the last 12 years, Upchurch has provided leadership and supervision of personnel for fiscal operations, including general accounting, payroll, purchasing, and asset management. In addition, he coordinates the annual audit, monitors fiscal policies and procedures, and prepares annual and interim financial statements for ATN and appropriate state and federal agencies.

Jody has over 25 years of experience with the Alabama Community College System and oversees the purchasing function in accordance with the Alabama Competitive Bid Law.

A graduate from the Auburn University of Montgomery, Jody holds a bachelor’s in finance and master’s in business administration. Outside of work, Jody enjoys being with his family at the lake, golfing, and reading a good book. He is married with two boys and a devoted Alabama fan.

Michael Reaves is a Project Engineer where he works to help small and medium manufacturing facilities by training their employees to work safer. This save companies money by having reduced work-related accidents costs and savings from OSHA penalties.

Including 2 years with ATN, Michael has 15 years of experience. He also has many certifications, an achievement made possible by his many years of safety training and on-the-job experience.

Prior to joining ATN, Michael was a Project Manager for AIDT and responsible for primarily overseeing the FreightCar America/Navistar/Alabama Steel Car project in the Shoals area.

Michael is certified in the following:

• OSHA 10 General Industry Trainer
• OSHA 30 General Industry Trainer
• HAZWOPER 40 Waste Site Worker Trainer
• HAZWOPER 24 Spill Response Technician Trainer
• HAZWOPER 8 Refresher Trainer
• PIT Trainer
• Overhead Crane Trainer

A graduate from Jacksonville State University, Michael holds a master’s degree in Computer Science. When not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and selling Dinky Donuts at street fairs and festivals.

Mark Thompson is a Project Engineer where he works to teach and implement continuous improvement solutions by utilizing methodologies such as lean manufacturing and six sigma. He also teaches quality-related tools and implements management systems.

Mark has over 25 years of experience facilitating kaizen events using tools such as 5S, single minute exchange of die (SMED), standard work, point-of-use storage (POUS), and value stream mapping. He is also proficient with automotive core tools such as SPC, MSA, FMEA, and DOE.

Prior to joining ATN, Mark Thompson was the Quality Assurance Manager for Superior Manufacturing Group and responsible for continuous improvement and the quality/environmental management systems at the Moselle and Calhoun facilities. While there, he achieved, by working as part of a cross-functional team, throughput increases, scrap reduction, and working to maintain the appropriate levels of inventory within the Moselle and Calhoun facilities utilizing continuous improvement methodologies.

Mark Thompson is certified in the following:

• Six Sigma Black Belt
• Lean Bronze
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
• Engineering Intern, EI-6712

A graduate from Mississippi State University, Mark Thompson holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering. When not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, all things soccer, reading, and actively putting his Catholic faith in action by volunteering his time at his church and community.

As the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Paige Caulfield is diligent and committed to her profession. With over 15 years of experience, she joined Alabama Training Network (ATN) in November 2019 and quickly took ATN by storm.

Through her chief ambition to one day control the internet, Paige busies herself by providing technical and professional support in developing, designing, and producing written and graphic products for recruitment, advertising, ATN website, and social media presence.

In addition to holding a B.S. in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Faulkner University, Paige has completed several Web development-related courses, including topics such as HTML, Flash ActionScripting, JavaScript, Photography, Video Production, and Blogging 101.

Before coming on board ATN, Paige served as the Director of Events and Marketing with Manufacture Alabama.

Paige is an avid sports fan. In her spare time, she enjoys impromptu singing and dancing, making others laugh, and spending time with her family. Paige is married with two children and lives a beautiful life of chaos.

Steven Moore is a Project Engineer at Alabama Training Network (ATN), where he assists clients in Industrial Maintenance by providing high-quality instruction and engineering services.

Steven has 36 years of experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Steven also has 38 years as an instructor for the Military in the following areas, as well as experience performing the work: generator mechanic, electronics tech, and ammunition specialist.

Prior to joining ATN, Steven was the Industrial Automation Instructor for Bevill State Community College and was responsible for class development, preparation, and presentation. While there, he achieved the goal of developing a skilled workforce in the industrial maintenance field by understanding the industry’s needs and then training students to a high standard of efficiency.

Steven is certified in the following:

• Maintenance Management

A graduate from R.E.T.S. Electronic Institute, Steven holds a degree in Electronic Technology. When not at work, he enjoys hunting, restoring old vehicles and riding motorcycles.

David Wilbanks is an EHS Project Engineer at the Alabama Training Network (ATN), where he supports businesses and industries across the state through environmental, health, and safety initiatives.

With more than 35 years of experience, David has held both on-site and corporate roles in the mining and steel industries, as well as served as a principal consultant with Det Norske Veritas (now DNV GL). He holds a B.S. from Murray State University, an M.P.H. from Tulane University, and a Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before joining ATN, David was a tenured Associate Professor in the Occupational Safety & Health Department at Murray State University.

He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and holds the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, relaxing by the beach or pool, tackling home improvement projects, and writing.

Brian Collyer is a skilled leader focused on designing and delivering training and technical support in Leadership and Management Development. With over 25 years of experience across various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare, Brian has held key training and leadership roles, consistently driving operational excellence.

Before joining ATN, Brian served as a Transformation Partner at iMpact Utah and Continuous Improvement Champion at Optum Health Care. He led impactful leadership and process improvement initiatives, including kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Leader Standard Work, across the five-state Mountain West Region. These efforts enhanced patient satisfaction, staff engagement, and achieved significant cost savings, while also increasing capacity.

Beyond his professional success, Brian is passionate about continuous learning and personal growth. He actively volunteers in community service, supporting organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and Blake Assisted Living. Currently, he advocates for the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) community, exploring how robotics can enhance independent living for its members.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts from North Central University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cooking, editing short films, hiking, playing pickleball, traveling, beach outings, and sharing plenty of laughter.

Peyton Moncrief is a valued member of the Leadership and Management Development team at the Alabama Training Network (ATN), where she supports business and industry through training and technical assistance. Her role includes delivering presentations, facilitating interactive sessions, and preparing customized training materials for ATN’s partners. Peyton is passionate about helping individuals identify and apply their personal leadership strengths within their teams to drive growth and performance.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Birmingham-Southern College, earned in 2016. Before joining ATN, Peyton spent several years with Chick-fil-A, where she focused on operational excellence, team development, and food safety.

Peyton is married to Dawson Moncrief. In her free time, she enjoys being with family, attending sporting events with her husband, and traveling. Her favorite adventure so far has been exploring Japan.

Andrew Buttkee is a Project Engineer in Industrial Maintenance Technology at ATN, where he develops and delivers training and technical assistance for businesses and industries, specializing in Industrial Maintenance Technology.

With 35+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Andrew has played a key role in launching six new manufacturing facilities, leading the development of LEAN systems, training programs, and preventive maintenance strategies that are still in use today. His expertise extends to EHS compliance, working closely with state and federal officials to ensure regulatory adherence.

Andrew’s success is driven by his commitment to hiring and training a sustainable workforce, continuous learning, innovation, and dedication to the industry.

Before joining ATN, Andrew served as the Manager of Facilities Maintenance, Safety, Environmental, and Security at CMI, Inc. in Florida, overseeing daily operations, production, projects, and EHS initiatives.

Tina Arthur-Peterworth is an Environmental Health and Safety Project Engineer at Alabama Training Network (ATN), where she works to ensure Alabama workers understand the requirements for workplace safety and environmental compliance. Her goal is to be a resource for businesses and their employees, where she can assist them in elevating their safety and environmental programs and goals.

Tina has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. She is a Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). She is also certified in HazWoper.

Prior to joining ATN, Tina was the Environmental, Safety, Health, and Security Senior Manager for Hager Companies, where she was responsible for regulatory compliance in safety and environmental, managing workers’ compensation, and facility security. While there, she implemented and managed a safety incentive program that encouraged employee participation in safety. She also implemented a training program that ensured the employees had the necessary skills to conduct their jobs safely. Under her leadership, safety and environmental compliance were always mandated to be the standard, not the exception. Working safely is priority number one.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management and her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. When not at work she enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Phillip A. Kelly is a Project Engineer where he works to educate and empower Alabama’s workforce by providing instruction on industrial maintenance technology, theory, application, and best practices.

Including 8 years with Georgia Pacific, 13 years with Boise Paper, and 3 plus years with ATN, Mr. Kelly has 40 total years of industrial experience. He is the co-author of five publications. He is a Member (Emeritus) of Couch Pit University, an organization, consisting of 100 expert North American papermakers, and paper engineers, that exists to advance the pulp and paper industry and assist young papermakers.

Prior to joining ATN, Phil was a Senior Process Technology Engineer and most recently Technical Capability Leader for Georgia Pacific Corporation, where he was responsible for productivity improvement and education of the Georgia Pacific Container and Packaging Group workforce.

A graduate from The Institute of Paper Science and Technology, a school of Georgia Institute of Technology, Phil holds an MS degree with an area of concentration in Chemical Engineering. He earned his BS at Charleston Southern University. When not hard at work, Phil enjoys time with his family, music, and Southwest Alabama country living.

Jimmy Marley is a Project Engineer – Quality Engineering/Systems at Alabama Training Network (ATN), where he works to Improve Client’s quality performance by developing, managing, and implementing technical assistance and training projects in the areas of Quality Engineering and Quality Systems.

Prior to joining ATN, Jimmy was the Sr. Quality Engineer for SL Alabama and Quality Engineer for Briggs & Stratton. Responsibilities include: Overseeing the Reliability Test Lab, Teaching and Mentoring Green Belts as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Train the Trainer, Teaching SPC, and Leading Warranty Reduction/Continuous Improvement Projects. While there, he achieved the ability to help others develop an understanding of continuous improvement by applying the concepts he learned through leading projects and teaching Lean Six Sigma to other employees.

• Jimmy is certified in the following:

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Air Academy Associates, Colorado Springs, CO
A graduate from Auburn University, Jimmy holds a degree in Materials Engineering. When not hard at work doing Project Engineer – Quality Engineering/Systems, he enjoys running, fishing, refereeing soccer, and supporting L.F.C.

John Hilb is the Project Engineer of Quality Management Systems and Quality Engineering at the Alabama Training Network (ATN), where he partners with manufacturers across Alabama to strengthen quality systems, improve operational performance, and drive continual improvement. In this role, John develops and delivers targeted training, provides hands-on technical assistance, and leads projects that help companies achieve and maintain ISO and other industry quality standards.

With more than 27 years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain management, John brings extensive expertise in applying manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies. He has successfully guided organizations through lean transformations, compliance initiatives, and the implementation and sustainment of manufacturing systems, all resulting in measurable business outcomes.

Before joining ATN, John held leadership roles in supply chain and plant management with several organizations. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of North Alabama, and he is certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt and APICS CPIM.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family, camping, gardening, farming, reading about history, and swimming.

Ronnie is an EHS Project Engineer serving the Montgomery area. A native of Montgomery, Ronnie graduated from Auburn University Montgomery in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ronnie began his career as a workers’ compensation claims adjuster where he investigated workplace accidents and paid loss time accident claims. Later, he transferred to the safety field and has worked as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional for over 25 years. Ronnie has experience in both the public and private sectors and has extensive EHS experience in a manufacturing setting.

Ronnie is certified in the following:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP, Board of Certified Safety Professionals)
• OSHA OTI Authorized General Industry Trainer
• Licensed Grade II Water Operator (Alabama Department of Environmental Management)

Before coming on board with ATN, Ronnie worked for the Department of Finance, Division of Risk Management where he assisted state agencies with workplace safety.

Tanesha Richburg serves as the NetSuite Administrator where she manages and maintains ATN’s NetSuite ERP system and works with various business areas such as operations, purchasing, finance, and NIST/MEP regulations. Tanesha is responsible for all aspects of NetSuite including implementation, upgrades, updates, configuration, coordination, control, maintenance, troubleshooting, security, usage, monitoring, and development.

Prior to joining ATN, Tanesha Richburg was an Accounts Examiner for Examiners of Public Accounts and responsible for auditing state entities.

A graduate from Troy University, Tanesha Richburg holds a master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. When not hard at work doing administration, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Tim Croley is a Project Engineer that works to provide training and technical assistance services for both hourly and management level personnel across all industries throughout the state, by researching company needs and working to customize solutions to meet those unique needs.

In seven years with ATN, Croley has a combined 14 years of experience in the Safety, Health, and Environmental profession. He has also obtained status as a Certified Safety Professional, an achievement made possible by a dedication to the profession and continuous education of regulations, standards, and best practices.

Prior to joining ATN, Tim was the Safety and Environmental Manager for Coastal Forest Products and responsible for the safety and environmental compliance, site security, risk management, managing various systems and programs, and ensuring all employees received required training. While there, he achieved a 35% recordable incident reduction by establishing site safety committees for all operations and working to educate and empower committee members to eliminate hazards and control risks.

Tim is certified in the following:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP, Board of Certified Safety Professionals, 2016)
• OSHA OTI Authorized General Industry Trainer (Georgia Tech, 2018)
• Certified Crane Operator and Instructor through CIC/CIA (Crane Institute Certification/Crane Institute of America, November 2019)
• ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification (AQS Management Systems, Inc., 2015)
• HAZWOPER Instructor through the Hazardous Material Training & Research Institute (HMTRI, updated 2018)
• HAZMAT DOT Train-the-Trainer (Sustainable Workplace Alliance, 2014)
• Six Sigma Green Belt (Alabama Training Network, November 2019)

A graduate from Columbia Southern University, Tim holds a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Health & Safety. When not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his family as they travel, attend various sporting events, participate in sporting events, fish together, and work to serve others in their local community.

Bruce Perdue is a Project Engineer, where he provides environmental/health/safety services and training to assist manufacturers to comply with regulatory obligations.

With over ten years with ATN, Bruce has almost 30 years of experience in researching and solving EHS problems for employers and clients.

Prior to joining ATN, Bruce was an Environmental Engineer with the consulting firm of TTL in Tuscaloosa. As a consultant and as an ATN Engineer, he has done EHS work in a wide variety of fields: transportation, petroleum refining, electricity generation, and distribution, chemicals, electronics, and iron foundries.

Bruce is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

A graduate from Auburn University, Bruce holds a degree in Physics. When not hard at work for ATN, he enjoys sailing and “pioneer craft” such as making soap and beer, hunting, and fishing.

Amanda Rials is a Project Engineer where she works to develop and administer training as well as provide technical assistance to food and food allied manufacturing organizations.

Rials has over 20 years of experience in food safety and quality while working in the food industry.

Prior to joining ATN, Rials was the Senior Manager in Food Safety Quality Assurance for Tyson Foods, Inc. and responsible for Supplier Management. While there, she gained knowledge and experience developing and managing food safety and quality operations in both USDA and FDA facilities.

Amanda Rials is certified in the following:

• International HACCP Alliance HACCP Certification
• American Society of Quality Certified Quality Auditor
• FSPCA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual for Human Food
• FSPCA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual for Animal Food

A graduate from Auburn University, Amanda Rials holds a degree in Poultry Science with a minor in Agribusiness. When not hard at work keeping the food supply chain safe, she enjoys riding her bike and volunteering with the Junior League and being an active board member at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the U.S.

Brad James is a Center Director with the Alabama Training Network at Coastal Alabama Community College in Thomasville. He has worked with continuous and Discrete industries for over 18 years with ATN, working in all aspects of the process, including operations management.

Brad has over 30 years manufacturing and industry experience and has led Lean Kaizen and delivered Lean manufacturing training. He has developed and implemented Lean for continuous industries. He is also trained in the Six Sigma Black Belt.

Prior to joining ATN, Brad held various positions in the Pulp, Paper, and Chemicals industry responsible for Operations Management and Process Improvement. While there, he achieved process improvement and production increases by implementing Lean principles and other operational improvements.

Brad is certified in the following:

• NIST certified Lean trainer and Implementer

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Brad holds a degree in Chemical Engineering. When not hard at work, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

Sheri Compton is a Project Manager who works to manage and develop Industrial Maintenance/IT/EHS and Engineering Service Projects working with clients relative to the Electrical/ Instrumentation and Mechanical Workforce. Sheri works to increase manufacturing employees’ technical skill levels by developing, implementing, and providing quality training programs in areas requested and needed by manufacturing industries throughout the State of Alabama.

Including 15 years with ATN, Sheri has over thirty years of experience in Electrical and Instrumentation Maintenance, engineering, and repair.

Before joining ATN, Sheri was the electrical engineer for ESAB welding and cutting and was responsible for designing and implementing new projects for cutting machine product lines. While there, she achieved a $250K cost reduction across the SABRE, Avenger, and Silhouette product lines and implemented a new low-cost I/O system on the SABRE product lines.

Sheri Compton is certified in the following:

• NCCER Training (The National Center for Construction Education and Research)
• MSSC Training (Manufacturing Skills Standard Council)
• Allen Bradley PLC 5, SLC 500, ControlLogix Training
• Siemens Simatic Step 7 Training
• TriNova Instrumentation Training

A graduate from Auburn University, Sheri holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. When not hard at work, Sheri enjoys spending time with her three children, Shoni (age 21), Shaelin (age 20), and Shon Kristopher (age 16). Sheri also enjoys cooking, baking, fishing and hunting and spending time in her garden. She is also a member of the Demopolis Kiwanis Club and Fairhaven Baptist Church.

Sandy Lee is the Office Manager for the Mobile and Thomasville centers, where she engages her management skills to work closely with the center directors and field staff. She is responsible for the day to day operations including procurement, invoicing, and quality control while providing administrative support for center employees.

For over 12 years with ATN, Lee has been dedicated to ATN and its mission of helping Alabama develop a highly skilled and trained workforce. Lee serves on several internal committees, facilitating ATN’s continuous improvement.

Sandy came to ATN with a vast array of knowledge, experience, and skills obtained through many years of prior employment in diverse industries.

Sandy holds a BS degree in Management of Technology, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Athens State University. She also holds two Associate degrees from Coastal Alabama Community College (formally Faulkner State Community College). When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Perry Shields serves as the Center Director for the Cullman and Hanceville locations where he works to assist Alabama Manufactures by finding the needs of companies and connecting them with ATN resources.

Including the 14 years with ATN, Shields has 27 total years of manufacturing experience. Shields is a Certified Maintenance Manager, an achievement made possible by the years of experience he has in Industrial Maintenance Management.

Prior to joining ATN, Shields was the Maintenance Superintendent for Union Foundry, A McWayne Company, and was responsible for Plant efficiency maintenance.

Perry Shields is certified in the following:

• Certified Maintenance Management

A graduate from Jacksonville State & Gadsden State, Shields holds a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. When not hard at work, Shields enjoys hunting & fishing.