Allard van Riel, Ph.D.

EDUCATION

Vice Dean, Director
Institute for Management Research
Radboud University Nijmegen
Nijmegen, Netherlands
http://www.allardvanriel.com
Industry: Education
Field: Research Innovation

Following his adage, “Creating knowledge for society,” Allard van Riel pursued a career in academia, becoming the vice dean and director of the Institute for Management Research of the Radboud University Nijmegen, situated in the oldest city in the Netherlands. With an interest in improving and developing new services, Dr. van Riel obtained a chair position with the university and established a department based on such services. He progressed into the vice dean position and has been developing it for the past three years.

Dr. van Riel possesses expertise in a variety of subjects, including research innovation and teaching, and in his current position, he organizes and writes policies for the organization of human resources, teaches marketing and solicits for external funding. He also oversees 140 researchers. Dr. van Riel’s main goal is to bring together experts from different disciplines to address issues of high societal relevance. He is currently gathering doctors and individuals from different public administrations to devise new business models together that are much more efficient and effective. “I am trying to make steps forward in this area,” he says.

Dr. van Riel first earned a master’s degree in philosophy knowledge theory at the University of Amsterdam, and then in 2003, he graduated from Maastricht University with a Ph.D. in Service Innovation. The author of 25 publications, he maintains affiliation with the Academy of Management, a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of management and administration. He also sponsors small entrepreneurs in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, located in West Africa. Dr. van Riel attributes his success to his hard work and watching for opportunities. As the years progress, he intends to assist in the future development of the Institute for Management Research. He also aspires to become well-known for his focus on social management studies and social innovation services. Continue reading

Louis E. Baxter Sr., MD, FASAM

BUSINESS_SERVICES

Baxter, Louis 723589

President, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Medical Director
Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey
Princeton, NJ, USA
http://www.papnj.org
Industry: Business Services
Field: Health Care Professional Assistance

According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey of 1991, health care professional impairment is a serious issue that affects 10-15 percent of the population. As the president, chief executive officer and executive medical director of the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey, Dr. Louis E. Baxter Sr. has dedicated his life to assisting and improving conditions for afflicted health care professionals in the state of New Jersey. He does so by diagnosing individuals with impairing conditions and establishing treatment plans for them.

The PAPNJ provides several crucial services to help improve the situation for health care professionals. From education and identification, to evaluation, treatment and monitoring, the organization truly impacts the bottom line for a healthy hospital setting. “Health care professionals have issues involved with themselves getting diseases, diagnosing themselves and — certainly — with [prescribing] ongoing treatment,” Dr. Baxter Sr. explains. “There are a lot of factors including licensing boards, malpractice insurance issues and hospital privileges that have to be identified and addressed.” To further their positive impact, the PAPNJ also provides assistance to hospitals to help them maintain their JCAHO certification. Each hospital is required to have a committee dedicated to identifying impairment. The PAPNJ provides those services through a contract as a “hospital authorized party.”

Substance addiction is a serious issue that affects the brain and behavior, negatively affecting millions of Americans in their daily lives. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol, nicotine and addictive substances “cost Americans upwards of half a trillion dollars per year,” factoring in the medical, criminal, economic and social consequences. Dr. Baxter Sr. has demonstrated an extraordinary degree of care and concern for those health care professionals (and the general public) who are beset with some kind of addiction. He considers these people to be impaired by a medical disease, much like any other, and considers them a high priority for the PAPNJ.

Dr. Baxter Sr. completed a fellowship in addiction medicine at Portsmouth Hospital, and a residency and internship in internal medicine in 1981 at Cooper University Hospital. He received an MD in 1978 from the Temple University School of Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization and a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1973 from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Baxter Sr. holds board certification from the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He is a certified medical review officer by the Medical Review Officer Certification Council and a certification candidate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Continue reading

Sir Christopher S. Lange, S.B., D.Phil.

EDUCATION

Lange, Christopher 1723914

Professor, Associate Chair of Radiation Oncology
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY, USA
http://www.downstate.edu
Industry: Education
Field: Biophysical and Biological Research

As a professor and associate chair of radiation oncology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Christopher Lange prides himself on his ability to find new ways to approach problems and discover innovative solutions. At the start of his career, Dr. Lange was interested in the application of the physical ways of thinking and approaches to biological problems. Since many of these problems had to do with growth and genetics, with cancer being the quintessential example of abnormal growth, this heavily influenced his movement into oncology.

Prior to taking up his post with SUNY Downstate, Dr. Lange received extensive training from some of the most prestigious schools in the world, including Stuyvesant High School in New York, MIT and Oxford University. From there, he completed his doctoral studies under Laszlo Lajtha, who was his professor at Oxford. Dr. Lajtha would later became the founding director of the Patterson Laboratories in The Christie Hospital and the Holt Radium Institute in Manchester, where the Medical Research Council gave him the omission and the funding to make the institution the premier cancer research facility in all of Europe. To this day, Dr. Lange feels that having worked with Dr. Lajtha was a huge advantage that continues to set him apart from his peers.

Dr. Lange is motivated by studying problems in-depth, essentially pulling something apart and putting it back together again so that he can understand how it works. He considers the moment of insight, when the solution to the problem is revealed at last, to be the most fulfilling element of his career. Dr. Lange considers his most prominent challenge to be the acquisition of funding for research. While SUNY Downstate employs approximately 30 student volunteers to perform clinical tests and laboratory work, automation is still required to process the statistical data from these tests in order to discern meaningful results. This automation would increase Dr. Lange’s output by at least tenfold, if not by significantly more. Continue reading

Craig R. Sanford, DDS

HEALTHCARE

Sanford, Craig 871098

Owner
Craig R. Sanford, D.D.S.
Nantucket, MA, USA
http://www.craigrsanforddds.com
Industry: Health Care
Field: General and Laser Dentistry

Craig R. Sanford graduated from Norwich University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Soon after, he entered the military with the desire to become a physician or dentist. The dental profession aligned more with his interests, and he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University in 1976, and then completed a general practice residency at the Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kan. He worked as a captain in the United States Army Dental Corps before starting a private practice in Connecticut in1982. Moving up to Nantucket, Mass., in 2005, he started Craig R. Sanford, D.D.S.

The first and only dentist in the family, Dr. Sanford is dedicated to creating and preserving beautiful smiles, and fostering wonderful dental experiences. Averaging one new patient a day, his private practice offers several general and laser dentistry services. Dr. Sanford practices total general dentistry, including endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, restorative dental treatments, crown and bridge placements, implant restoration and denture fabrication. He also treats gum and teeth problems with dental lasers, utilizes nitrous oxide analgesia, and offers Invisalign treatment. To keep himself up-to-date on new and improved dental services, he maintains memberships with the Massachusetts Dental Society, Academy of Laser Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

A distinguished military graduate of Norwich University, Dr. Sanford received the American Academy of Oral Pathology Award from Georgetown University, and an Army Commendation Medal and Medical Detachment from the Dental Service Unit. He attributes his success to his hard work, innate skill, honesty and willingness to continue learning. Looking ahead, he intends to continue practicing dentistry and further his education. Continue reading

Debra Stellar

MANUFACTURING

Stellar, Debra 532954

Director of Sales and Marketing
Starlite Sign, LP
Denton, TX, USA
http://www.starlitesign.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Field: Marketing and Sales Management

After realizing that working as a receptionist would not suffice to raise her five children, Debra Stellar set a goal to become involved in sales by the time she turned 30. Beating her own deadline, she was selling lumber by the age of 28, a position she held for 10 years. She later moved to Texas and began working in the sign industry, which led her to the position of director of sales and marketing for Starlite Sign, LP, a sign manufacturing company that provides the design and installation of interior and exterior electrical signs.

Holding 25 years of experience in sales management, Ms. Stellar spends her time carrying out many tasks, including working with high-profile companies, looking for new business prospects, coordinating with municipalities, negotiating, managing projects, and writing proposals. She is also charged with overseeing sales and partakes in obtaining large signage for the best price and value available. She takes time to develop and maintain client relationships, which ultimately results in returning customers. “I have good rapport [with my clients] and [strong] customer service skills,” she says. Her main motivation stems from seeing a customer satisfied.

Ms. Stellar has completed college coursework in business, accounting and psychology. In recognition of her exceptional skills in sales, she was named Vendor Sales Representative of the Year by Hastings Entertainment in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. She also supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When she is able to find a moment away from work, she enjoys watching football and basketball, and spending time with her seven grandchildren. Though she intends to retire at the age of 70, Ms. Stellar plans to continue working as a consultant. She also plans to write a book, something she has always wanted to do. Continue reading

Carolyn Owen Purvis

BUSINESS_SERVICES

Purvis, Carolyn 1645945

Sole Proprietor
CP Quality Consulting
Paris, TN, USA
http://www.cpqualityconsulting.com
Industry: Business Services
Field: Quality Management Systems

With 10 years of experience as the sole proprietor of CP Quality Consulting, Carolyn Purvis prides herself on providing top-quality consulting services to her clients. On a daily basis, she works hands-on with each client in order to share the benefits of her years of experience. Of course, in the consulting field, the learning process works both ways, as Ms. Purvis is obligated to learn the inner workings of each client’s business before improvements can be made.

Ms. Purvis is up-to-date on several series of standards, including ISO 14000, TS 16949 and ISO 9001, which makes her well-equipped to offer effective consulting services to companies in a wide variety of industries. “A system is typically documented, implemented and registered in a span of six to eight months,” says Ms. Purvis. “Each client requires different products and different management systems based on where a business is located. This aspect of our business is what keeps us on our toes. We provide all the information that is necessary to implement a Quality Management System to help a business become more profitable.”

Looking back, Ms. Purvis attributes her success to her ability to create order from chaos. She became involved in her profession because of her prior experiences working for a manufacturing plant; all of the plants had to be registered by a certain date, and she was tasked with coordinating the process. She found that she enjoyed her task, and eventually became the director of the quality system in that plant. From there, she progressed into starting her own business.

She explained, “My business began after I resigned my position as the quality director for a printing plant that was based in middle Tennessee. My husband wanted to move back to Paris, Tennessee, to be closer to our granddaughter and my elderly mother. We made the move, and about a month later a previous boss called and asked if I would like to do some audits with him. We would both be getting credit for audits completed, so we would be certified as ISO 9001 auditors. This was the first step for our business.”

From these beginnings, CP Quality Consulting was born, and it has thrived ever since. Looking ahead, Ms. Purvis hopes to increase her client base and bring her services to a wider group of satisfied customers. Continue reading

Craig Hrkal

MANUFACTURING

Hrkal, Craig 507981

Chief Executive Officer
HN Holdings LLC
Zimmerman, MN, USA
http://www.cellularconcreteinc.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Field: Cellular Concrete Production and Distribution

Growing up in the concrete business, Craig Alan Hrkal’s decision to join the ranks came as no surprise. Previously a salesman at his father’s flagship company, Lightweight Distributing Co., Inc., Mr. Hrkal helped establish Midwest Cellular Concrete in 1992, which is now doing business as Cellular Concrete, Inc. He worked within and acquired 49 percent ownership of both companies in 2001, and purchased the remaining holdings for both in January 2007. He also started another company called Highway Safety Zone, which distributes highway work zone safety equipment as well as permanent safety equipment for highway safety. With 25 years of experience, Mr. Hrkal currently serves as the chief executive officer of HN Holdings LLC, which owns and operates Cellular Concrete Inc, Lightweight Distributing Co., Inc., Hwy Safety Zone LLC and its newest acquisition, Concrete Chemicals Inc.Cellular.

Mr. Hrkal is skilled in the production and distribution of cellular concrete, lightweight aggregate applications, lightweight concrete and construction materials. Heading three companies simultaneously, he oversees credit monitoring services and production and concrete construction, manages finances, and builds relationships with customers. To keep himself updated in the field, he remains affiliated with the National Utility Contractors Association, the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association. He attributes his successful career to his hard work, industry knowledge and financial discipline, and looking ahead, Mr. Hrkal hopes to expand his reach nationwide and offer consulting services internationally. Continue reading

David L. Bush

GOVERNMENT

Bush, David 1418081

1) Director, IQCIA
2) Founder, Chairman of the Board, CSTRA
3) Chief Executive Officer, OSHA Plans, LLC
Industry: Government
Field: IDLH Confined Space Rescue and Aboveground Storage Tanks

David Bush has never lost a life on a rescue mission in 36 years, has logged more than five thousand lives saved, and over five million man hours in IDLH situations without a single first aid incident in his career. A Master Trainer and Level IV Incident Commander, he serves as a director of the Individual Qualification and Certification Institute of America (IQCIA), based in Washington, D.C., which provides the highest recognized  level of certifications for tank entry supervisors, IDLH confined space technical and rescue teams, confined space entry supervisors and safety professionals. Mr. Bush’s experience and expertise is utilized by many governments and state agencies, both domestic and foreign, to improve the standards in training, confined space operations, above ground tank regulations, IDLH confined space rescue and Incident Command.

As one of the directors at IQCIA, his responsibilities include the management and development of the stringent curriculum and quality of the individual qualification and certification programs and qualifying certification officers (instructors). He is the lead author in the IQCIA committee that is responsible for the development and production of the New IQCIA RG’s (recommended guidelines) for the petroleum, petro chemical, power generation, mines and rescue industries. Additionally, he is often called upon to lead highly trained rescue teams into above ground storage tanks, mines, power plants, refineries, and other IDLH confined space technical and rescue disasters wherever they occur.

Mr. Bush is the founder and chairman of the board of the Confined Space Technical Rescue Association based in Houston Texas (CSTRA). Its primary goal is to decrease the number of fatalities in confined spaces, mines, and above ground storage tanks by 50 percent each decade until the number is zero. The efforts of the association resulted in the first recommended guidelines for IDLH confined space rescue operations, above ground storage tanks, and mines that are regulated by MSHA. The CSTRA developed the most intense qualifying certification program and curriculum for Confined Space Rescue Teams.  NFPA clearly states that the quality and skills of the team is what makes a competent rescue team, not an individual’s certification. The team must train and qualify by successfully completing five evolutions (Tier I – Tier 5) within the time required. The rescue job book score must be at least 98 percent accurate.

Mr. Bush is the author of the STOP Accidents Safety Program. The program includes one of the first Injury Illness Prevention Programs used in California. He authored one of the first behavioral-based safety programs called S.O.S., which he later taught at the colligate level at several colleges and universities, including the University of California. He also serves as the chief executive officer of OSHA Plans, LLC, based in Glendale, California. The STOP Accidents Safety Program is utilized throughout the world by thousands of companies, U.S. government agencies and foreign governments. Mr. Bush was one of the three developers of the SMART Testing System (Statistically Measured Analyzed Retainability Testing), one of the most advanced tests that measures the individual’s ability to retain, comprehend and apply the information presented during any course. The system will identify any misinformation, and analyze what the student retains from entry to exit. The statistics provides the instructor with instant knowledge to evaluate the student’s progress and adapt the curriculum accordingly. Mr. Bush is an emergency management specialist through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He is also a certified safety specialist through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Mr. Bush remains the leader in his field through his active affiliation as a board member in numerous organizations, federal and state governments, and various associations, such as The American Society of Safety Engineers and the National Fire Protection Association. He credits his successful career to his persistence and ability to stay focused on the projects and missions, sound safety practices, careful thorough job plans, and most important, hazard recognition and control. He and his crew members all share a common goal, which is to stop accidents through old fashioned training methods, great safe work and execution plans and sound safety programs. “Each person needs to believe that every accident is preventable, at work and home,” he says. “Only you can prevent accidents and save lives. If you can predict it… you can prevent it!” Continue reading