Subject Matter Experts

Michael Atkinson

Michael Atkinson, Editor, joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., in 2016, bringing with him over two decades of experience in military logistics. His career spans a wide spectrum, encompassing operations, management, hazmat preparation, inspection, logistics, and material handling.

Michael supports the PHMSA hazmat regulations for highway, air, and water, and he has experience with the international dangerous goods regulations.

Michael plays a vital role in developing and updating hazmat-focused manuals, online services, forms, and handbooks. Additionally, his expertise is used in the development of innovative products, including online hazmat training.

Michael’s strong work ethic and desire to exceed customer expectations have made him an invaluable asset to J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. He is the editor of the Hazardous Materials Compliance manual and the Hazmat Made Easier handbook.

Mishka Binns

Mishka Binns joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. in 2022, stepping into the role of an Environmental Industry Business Advisor as part of the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Editorial Team. With a rich background in environmental compliance, Mishka boasts exceptional expertise spanning The National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems Program, and Spill Prevention Plans.

Her knowledge extends to project management, strategic permit navigation, and coordination with regulatory authorities. A graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science (BS), Mishka is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management, showcasing her unwavering dedication to deepening her understanding and contribution to a sustainable world.

Tom Bray

Tom Bray, Senior Industry Business Advisor, has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., since 2005. Tom has a wealth of experience in DOT compliance, policy development, safety management, and driver hiring/HR. Tom was even a driver early in his career, so he’s seen the industry from almost every angle.

Tom presents his knowledge at live events around the country and supports our customers through on-site visits. Tom’s deep expertise has helped countless customers with the stickiest of situations in DOT compliance.

Tom creates driver training programs covering a wide range of topics. The articles, whitepapers, and blogs he writes focus on the management side of trucking.

In addition to his vast contributions to J. J. Keller products, Tom’s work has been featured in trade magazines and he’s a sought-after speaker at industry events. He actively participates in the Wisconsin Safety Management Council (WSMC) and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). He is also a regular webcast presenter with the National Private Truck Council (NPTC).

Ray Chishti

Ray Chishti is a dedicated EHS Editor at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Prior to joining our team in 2017, Ray held prominent roles in EH&S, executing audits, steering management strategies, and spearheading executive leadership endeavors, all while overseeing multimillion-dollar projects. Ray’s extensive expertise spans over 18 years and three diverse sectors, including fossil fuel power plants, utilities, retail establishments, warehousing, and college campus construction.

Holding a Juris Doctor with a concentration in Occupational Safety and Health, Ray is also an authorized OSHA trainer for both general industry and construction. He also holds first aid, AED, and CPR certifications, signifying a steadfast commitment to a comprehensive safety landscape.

Darlene Clabault

Dolly Clabault, a seasoned Editor since 1996, specializes in some of the most complex employment laws. She is a passionate expert on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state leave provisions, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). With a knack for translating complex regulations, Dolly helms publications like the Essentials of FMLA and Essentials of Employment Law manuals.

In addition to guiding the FMLA Manager service, Dolly expertly bridges compliance and customer queries on a daily basis. Her insights also shine in a variety of trade publications and at conferences, supported by her membership in both national and local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapters. Dolly Clabault epitomizes professionalism within the realm of employment laws.

Kathy Close

Kathy Close, Editor, has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., since 1999. Kathy has hands-on driver file auditing and DOT drug and alcohol program management experience. Her DOT drug and alcohol program management experience is second-to-none and she helps customers navigate this complex area on a daily basis.

Kathy jokingly refers to herself as a “reg nerd” because she loves diving into the regulations to help customers with compliance. She has answered thousands of regulatory questions in her time with J. J. Keller. Her mission: help customers stay compliant and reduce risk.

Kathy’s DOT drug and alcohol expertise has been showcased in various products and services, including reasonable suspicion and driver drug and alcohol training programs. Kathy is also well-versed in the CSA enforcement program, driver qualification, and transportation security.

Terri Dougherty

Terri Dougherty, PHR, SHRM-CP, has been an Editor with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. since 2011. She's driven by a heartfelt dedication to assisting others, which shines through in her customer-centric approach to answering questions and finding solutions, as well as her contributions to community and professional organizations.

In addition to directing content for employment law posters, Terri oversees several publications, including the Employee Health and Wellness Training Advisor: LivingRight and the Everyday Drug & Alcohol Program Management manual.

As a member of local and national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapters, Terri shares insights on marijuana laws and drug testing, addressing audiences at various industry events. With degrees in journalism and English, she has also authored more than 100 children's books, a testament to her diverse talents.

Gina Godeen

Gina Godeen is an Editor at J. J. Keller & Associates who joined the EHS Editorial team in 2023. Her commitment to safety and her talent in making complex regulations easy to understand make her a valuable asset for our customers.

Gina has 10 years of hands-on experience as a safety manager in the construction, mining, and manufacturing industries. Her strengths and interests include writing about safety topics such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), confined spaces, and working from heights. You may have seen her work published in OHS Online and EHS Today.

Gina's safety journey began with the completion of her master’s degree in environmental health and safety from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2014.

Daren Hansen, CTP

Daren Hansen, CTP, is a Senior Editor and one of J. J. Keller’s experts on transportation safety. Since starting in 1996, he’s had his finger on the pulse of industry trends. His deep understanding of the FMCSRs makes him the go-to guy for all things trucking safety.

He loves sharing what he knows with our customers and has helped thousands of motor carriers with their toughest compliance questions. His knowledge is often showcased in the articles, handbooks, training materials, and newsletters he’s created. Daren’s work has also been featured in various trade publications.

Daren stays involved in the trucking industry as a member of the National Private Truck Council's (NPTC) Legislative and Regulatory Advisory Committee. In 2022, Daren proudly earned NPTC’s Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) credential.

Michelle Higgins

Michelle Higgins, an Associate Editor at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., joined the company in 2011. Before moving to the Editorial team, Michelle managed Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave administration for clients around the country, and she holds a bachelor's degree in communication processes with a public relations emphasis.

Combining her empathetic nature with creative skills, Michelle crafts insightful content spanning recruiting, hiring, workplace violence, and beyond. With her strong writing skills and a unique ability to translate complex concepts into accessible language, Michelle paves the way for informed, empowered workplaces.

As a seasoned editor and member of the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Michelle’s role isn't just informative; it's transformative.

Tricia Hodkiewicz

With over 25 years as Editor on our Environmental, Safety, & Health (EHS) Editorial Team, Tricia Hodkiewicz specializes in OSHA and EPA regulations. Her knowledge excels in compliance areas such as written safety plans, signs/labels, hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, HAZWOPER, oil spill prevention, and EPCRA.

Tricia's versatile content creation spans webcasts, online tools and training, videos, guides, manuals, handbooks, posters, safety signs, and whitepapers. As a technical advisor and writer, she contributed to the Telly Award-winning video kit, "Bloodborne Pathogens: Safety in the Workplace."

Tricia also pens feature articles for esteemed trade journals such as Occupational Health & Safety, Safety+Health, Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, BIC Magazine, and more. In addition, she has successfully fielded several thousand, regulatory questions from EHS professionals nationwide.

Judy Kneiszel

Judy Kneiszel joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., in May 2018. As an Editor, she has become an expert on a wide array of HR topics, from communication and employee discipline to background checks; discrimination; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and policies. Judy is responsible for the content of the Employment Law Regulatory Alert newsletter and Essentials of Employee Relations manual. She also specializes in employment law posters.

In addition to J. J. Keller publications, Judy's work has appeared in forwardHR (Wisconsin SHRM) and Insight on Technology (Insight Publications). With two decades of entrepreneurial experience, encompassing freelance writing, editing, and advertising copywriting, Judy's insights reflect real-world business acumen. In addition to holding degrees in journalism and political science, she is a member of the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Judy excels in translating complex topics into understandable language and crafting engaging content while applying a comprehensive perspective to problem-solving.

Rachel Krubsack

Rachel Krubsack joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. in 2010 with a background in library and information science. She is an Editor on the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team. Rachel edits two manuals – OSHA Rules for General Industry and Hazard Communication Compliance. She also contributes content to Safety Management Suite and Compliance Network and various trade publications. Her topics of expertise include hazard communication, hearing conservation, and OSHA general industry training requirements. In 2023, she completed OSHA 30 training for general industry.

Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in English from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Josh Lovan

Josh Lovan, Industry Business Advisor, is a seasoned professional with a diverse 15-year tenure in the transportation industry. Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As a former Director of Safety & Security for a prominent carrier, he handled accidents, injuries, OSHA compliance, hazmat, and security protocols. Josh also has extensive experience working with Risk Management and Legal departments in trial preparation and depositions.

Josh started at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., in 2021 and specializes in hours of service, hazmat, injury prevention, security, and motor carrier safety management. His background as a detective in law enforcement undercover operations also aids in providing our motor carrier customers with security tips and advice.

Josh is a sought-after speaker at various associations and councils, where he shares his extensive knowledge. Josh also presents a variety of topics at J. J. Keller^® live events.

Rick Malchow

Rick Malchow, Industry Business Advisor, has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., since 2013 bringing over 13 years of experience as an operations manager.

Rick is known for his approachable nature and his ability to explain complex topics in a way that anyone can understand. Through his articles, live presentations, webcasts, and personal interviews, Rick demonstrates his talent for making these subjects interesting, relatable, and relevant.

His areas of expertise include hours of service, DOT operating authority, motor carrier insurance, brokering, process agents, vehicle leasing, state sizes/weights, state authority, DOT markings, and acquisitions and mergers.

Rick has assisted countless individuals with navigating the intricacies of DOT enforcement, particularly with DOT audits and CSA. Rick is active with the American Trucking Association and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Cindy Pauley

Cindy Pauley shines as an Editor and key player on the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Editorial Team. With well over a decade of experience in safety program development across industries including oil and gas, chemical, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, she crafts user-friendly content and offers crucial regulatory insights to J.J. Keller & Associates' valued customers and partners.

As a 911 dispatcher, American Red Cross volunteer, and search and rescue team member, Cindy is an experienced go-to person for all things related to emergency operations and response.

Cindy’s professional credentials include Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) and Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC). She holds a distinguished academic record, possessing a Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) from Central Michigan University.

Corrina Peterson

Corrina Peterson, Editor, joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., in 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in regulatory compliance and best practices in workplace safety, environmental compliance, and hazardous materials.

Corrina most often supports our customers with the operations side of their businesses. She helps them stay compliant with fuel taxes, fleet taxes, vehicle registration, and trip permitting, including state requirements.

Corrina also has experience with the hazmat regulations. Despite the complexity of hazmat regulations, Corrina’s experience and ability to simplify difficult concepts helps put our customers at ease with the topic.

Corrina also keeps up with the environmental impacts of transportation. Her expertise and commitment make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Joe Proulx

Joe Proulx, MS, CSP, became a valued member of the EHS Editorial team at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. in 2023. Before joining the team as an Editor, Joe worked in prominent roles in the manufacturing sector and higher education.

Joe’s background in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) reflects a pragmatic, "boots on the ground" methodology with a focus on continuous improvement for worker safety. He’s passionate about blending regulatory expertise with best practices to help employers minimize worker exposure to workplace hazards and keep workers safe.

His professional credentials also reflect a blend of extensive practical expertise with a strong academic foundation. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Six Sigma Black Belt, his broad academic achievements include an Associate of Science in Industrial Laser Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management, and a Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health.

Mark Samber

Mark Samber, Industry Business Advisor – Canada, brings an in-depth knowledge of Canada’s federal and provincial transportation safety regulations and the National Safety Code standards. He helps countless cross-border customers and creates content specifically tailored for Canada, including articles, forms, handbooks, and software.

Mark joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., in 2022 and his areas of emphasis include transportation safety audits, driver qualifications, and hours of service. He also brings invaluable experience in developing driver training programs. Mark works with industry contacts and Canadian industry associations to further expand his knowledge.

Mark’s knowledge extends beyond motor carrier compliance. He has more than 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety regulations. Mark is also a resource for cross-border operations.

Mark Schedler

Mark Schedler joined J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., after spending 25 years in leadership in the transportation industry. As one of our Senior Editor experts, Mark’s main passion is helping our customers navigate risk.

Mark’s extensive industry experience provides him with a unique perspective. He understands the challenges faced by individuals in various job roles within a typical carrier. He is dedicated to equipping customers with the necessary tools to excel in their jobs.

Since joining the company in 2016, Mark has been committed to providing prompt, accurate, and honest answers to customer questions. His areas of expertise primarily revolve around transportation operations and safety, driver qualification, and passenger-carrier rules. Mark is also a frequent speaker at events and his articles have been featured in several trade publications.

Jill Schultz

Jill Schultz, Senior Editor, is adept at summarizing complex regulatory topics. She is the go-to person for the state DOT regulations. Jill also specializes in entry-level driver training (ELDT).

Jill has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., since 1993. She stays on top of the FMCSRs and keeps tabs on requirements in all 50 states in the areas of driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle inspection and maintenance, parts and accessories, and more. Jill is also our resident expert on the federal commercial drivers’ license (CDL) requirements. Jill uses her expertise to create content and provide support for J. J. Keller^® products and services. Jill’s work has been featured in several industry trade publications. She also serves on the board of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS).

Edwin Zalewski

Edwin Zalewski has been a valued member of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. since 1999. Serving as a Senior Editor on the EHS Editorial Team, he diligently researches laws and regulations to keep customers up to date. In turn, he crafts engaging content covering a wide spectrum of safety-focused subjects.Edwin's expertise encompasses crucial areas like walking working surfaces, powered industrial trucks, and injury/illness recordkeeping. His contributions extend beyond the desk as he frequently addresses audiences at compliance events around the country. Aside from publishing for J. J. Keller & Associates, his insightful articles find a home in various reputable trade publications and media platforms, including Safety + Health Magazine and Industrial Hygiene in the Workplace.