Speakers - Friday, June 7, 2024

08:15 am – 08:55 am 

"Steel, pipe and tube markets – where do we go from here?"

Rye Druzin, Steel Market Reporter, Argus Media

Rye Druzin is the associate editor for steel, pipe and tube at Argus Media. For five years he has covered the flat steel markets in the Americas, making Argus’ market coverage a must in the industry. In September 2022 Argus acquired leading pipe and tube index Pipe Logix, and Rye has been integral in transitioning the index’s pricing and news reporting over to Argus.

08:55 am – 09:35 am

"Employee Engagement & Culture: The Reality if We Don't Care"

Dr. Sheila Nevarez

A dedicated administrator, researcher, nurse, and leader who has devoted more than 4 decades to the underserved, impoverished, and infirmed at all levels of care. I started my career as a CNA on an Alzheimer's unit at age 16. After receiving a ROTC scholarship, I graduated with my BS in Nursing in 1987 from Salve Regina University. I was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Providence College and began my U.S. Army career at Ft. Bliss, TX. I graduated from the U.S Army's Adult Nurse Practitioner program in 1990 specializing in endocrinology, dermatology, and women's health. After Desert Storm I left the Army to pursue graduate studies at Yale University. I obtained my MSN in 1994, publishing research on Type 2 DM. I later specialized in psychiatry focusing on forensics, complex SMI, and inpatient behavioral health. This led me to my work as a transitional CEO in 6 states and 8 inpatient psychiatric hospitals. As a clinician and administrator my focus was to take a fiscally or regulatory challenged hospital and transition the culture to one of prudent patient care and exceptional teamwork. I received my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from UOP in 2017 after successfully defending my dissertation on workplace bullying. I am committed to leadership that promotes positivity, empowerment, mentorship, and the freedom to be curious. I love gardening, reading, Broadway musicals, and all sports! I love college football (GO BLUE!!) and UCONN basketball. I am a NE Patriots fan and cheer for the Boston Celtics & NY Yankees. I have completed seven 70.3 Ironman races and did my first full 140.6 Ironman distance at age 54 thanks to my coach and husband! This year (2024) I will attempt to complete two 140.6 Ironman races.... living and embracing the phrase "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE"!!!

09:45 am – 10:25 am

"Navigating Data Privacy Regulations for Steel Pipe Distributors"

J.P. Vogel, Gray Reed

In today’s digital age, the vast accumulation of personal data, upticks in cyberattacks, and a rapidly changing threat landscape have led to the implementation of stringent data privacy regulations worldwide.  For steel pipe distributors, adherence to these regulations is paramount as it dictates the handling of various types of personal data collection and processing applicable to employee, customer, and supply chain vendors and contractor information.  Effective data privacy practices and governance activities not only foster trust with stakeholders but also shield companies from potential fines and penalties. Join us for an insightful exploration of the fundamental data privacy laws and regulations impacting the steel pipe distribution industry and guidance on how to identify your privacy risks and compliance posture. We’ll delve into what’s required by industry players, the repercussions of non-compliance on businesses, and outline necessary steps to demonstrate adherence to these regulations.  Our discussion will encompass recent updates to privacy legislation in the US, EU, and other jurisdictions, covering aspects such as personal data collection, processing, storage, usage, and sharing. Moreover, we’ll shift the focus beyond mere policy compliance to examine how companies can integrate robust data privacy measures into their operational processes to reduce cybersecurity threats and achieve regulatory compliance.  By addressing these critical aspects, attendees will gain valuable insights into ensuring comprehensive data privacy compliance within the steel pipe distribution sector.

10:25 am - 11:00 am

"Forging a Strong Workforce: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Quality Employees"

Amine Qourzal, Baylor University Career Center

Amine is the Assistant Director of Graduate Career Management at Baylor University’s Career Center in Waco, Texas. With close to 2 decades of leadership experience in student financial aid, enrollment management, student affairs, and career services, he has developed specialties in helping the future workforce succeed through coaching, goal setting, and professional development. In his current role, Amine manages multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently through formulating and teaching career development programs for graduate business students. He enjoys collaborating with students and helping them realize their fullest potential to pursue their professional goals. Amine is also a Waco 40 Under 40 award recipient, a 2021 Baylor Distinguished Leadership nominee, and a 2017 Baylor PLUS Service award winner. At the age of 38, Amine was elected as the youngest Mayor of his hometown of Woodway, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree and his MBA from the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University. 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

"Significant Innovations in the Steel Industry"

Marc Liebman is President at AIM Market Research. He has 58 years of experience with a track record of successful assignments in Marketing, Sales and Contracts Administration to industry. Before founding AIM Market Research in February 1988, he was Manager of Market Development for ASEA Industrial Systems (now known as ABB) Metallurgy Division and responsible for the market development activities in the United States for ASEA Metallurgy AB of Sweden. Mr. Liebman has extensive knowledge of the steel industry in North America. He holds a B.S. from Carnegie Tech (Carnegie-Mellon University) and an M.B.A. from Bernard Baruch College -  City University of New York. Mr. Liebman is an assertive, poised professional, a speaker at metals industry trade conferences and contributor to numerous steel industry publications. He has presented papers at the Iron & Steel Society's Electric Furnace Conferences (EFC) in 1988, 1989, 2000, the American Foundry Society Casting Congress in 1989, TMS Recycling & Reclamation in 2000 and AIM Market Research's Symposium on Small Heat Size Ladle Reheating/Refining in January 1991, the AIST in 2004 & 2005. Unrelated to his business experience, Marc is an "Ironman" triathlete and has completed numerous triathlons including four world championship races and the Hawaii Ironman.