top of page
Regional Conference Information
More information about hotels, speakers, events and more can be found below!


Speakers


Morning Keynote - David Poirier
David Poirier is the founder and CEO of The Poirier Group and former President of IISE. David and his team create value for organizations through comprehensive change processes to develop sustainable value creation.


Speaker A - Luis Mesen
Luis Mesen is the Sr. Manager of Technical Operations – Data Analytics at United Airlines. In his role, he’s responsible for managing a team of data scientists that deliver actionable, data-driven insights across all of aircraft maintenance.


Speaker B - Katy Lucchesi
Katy Lucchesi is a Managing Consultant at Simpler where she helps healthcare organizations apply Lean thinking to improve business processes resulting in better outcomes, patient experiences, and engagement of the organization in daily problem solving.

Speaker C - Bill Hovey
Bill Hovey is the Director of Business Excellence & Master Black Belt at BAE Systems, Inc. This discussion will include a review of the types of problem solving biases you learn to avoid with the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Speaker D - Brandon Harbridge
2012 RIT Alumni: Industrial Engineer w/ 10 years field experience including manufacturing engineering, operations and continuous improvement roles
Current Role: Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist at Xylem Inc.
Relevant Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt
Presentation Focus: The path I took through my first 10 years in industry and what I have learned. Specifically, I will emphasize how to leverage the IE toolkit that you are given to become successful in any position you desire.
Current Role: Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist at Xylem Inc.
Relevant Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt
Presentation Focus: The path I took through my first 10 years in industry and what I have learned. Specifically, I will emphasize how to leverage the IE toolkit that you are given to become successful in any position you desire.

Speaker E - Wendi Latko
Wendi Latko is Global Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability at Xerox, where she oversees all EHS&S aspects across the value chain. As a function that touches every part of the business, EHS&S is full of opportunities to apply industrial engineering principles to process improvement and waste reduction.


Speaker F - Victoria Stephen
Victoria is the Executive Director, Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Program at USPS combining engineering and entrepreneurial skill sets, positioning USPS as technology and business leader.

Speaker G - Tarun Veeraraghavan
I’m an Industrial Engineer keen to share how valuable IE skills are in today’s world. Looking forward to sharing my experiences from college and professional life while providing some insight into how Industrial Engineering shaped my career, and hopefully answering any questions you may have! I will also touch on Discrete Event Simulation, and IE tool that I specialized in and found great value from in my work. I’m keen to learn what new skills IE’s are learning today and look forward to discussing career opportunities at Cummins with those interested!

Speaker H - Tony DiVasta
Tony DiVasta is a Lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and also is the Director of the Toyota Production Systems Lab. Tony worked in the
private sector for 34 years. His last assignment prior to coming to RIT was a New Product Project Manager for a local company. Tony also has experience in Facilities Planning and as Lean practitioner. The discussion will focus on how Lean principles and philosophies were used in a facilities planning project.
Tony graduated from RIT with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and a M.S. in Manufacturing Management and Leadership. He received his APICS certification and has a certification as a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma.
private sector for 34 years. His last assignment prior to coming to RIT was a New Product Project Manager for a local company. Tony also has experience in Facilities Planning and as Lean practitioner. The discussion will focus on how Lean principles and philosophies were used in a facilities planning project.
Tony graduated from RIT with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and a M.S. in Manufacturing Management and Leadership. He received his APICS certification and has a certification as a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma.


Evening Keynote - Bob Bechtold
Bob is the President at HARBEC, Inc. Utilizing his 45 years of industry experience, he manages business development, sustainability, and innovative solutions.

RIT Inn & Conference Center
We are offering discounted stays at the RIT Inn for the conference. The RIT Inn is also the site of the formal networking dinner, the evening keynote speaker, and the award ceremony. Find more information about the RIT Inn on their website.


Friday Night Event!
Bowling, lawn games, food and more! Join us at Radio Social on Friday night to enjoy it all!
bottom of page