Brent Kynoch is the Managing Director of the Environmental Information Association, headquartered just outside of Washington, DC in Chevy Chase, MD. He has been the Managing Director of the Association since 1996, but previously had served EIA in other volunteer roles on the Board of Directors as an officer, and ultimately as the President of EIA in 1988 and 1989. EIA has spent over 30 years at the forefront in providing its members with the information needed to remain knowledgeable, responsible and competitive in the environmental health and safety industry. Mr. Kynoch is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. He is called upon frequently as a speaker, as a writer and as an expert regarding environmental contaminants. He has testified before both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate regarding asbestos, and has written numerous articles on asbestos management and control.
Linda Reinstein is a leading public health advocate and serves as the President & CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Her journey into advocacy began in 2003 when her husband, Alan, was diagnosed with mesothelioma — a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In response, she co-founded ADAO in 2004, focusing the organization on increasing awareness about the hazards of asbestos, advocating for a global asbestos ban, and providing support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases. ADAO has grown into the largest independent nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, eliminating asbestos-related diseases, and pushing for regulatory reform. Reinstein has been a vocal presence, frequently testifying before Congress and other governmental agencies, and influencing national and international policies related to asbestos. Reinstein’s work has significantly contributed to asbestos awareness and the protection of public health around the world. She continues to be a key figure in advocating for a global asbestos ban and supporting individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. Currently, she is involved in organizing the 19th Annual ADAO Awareness and Prevention Conference and advancing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN).
Greg Russell serves as a Government Affairs Representative with the International Association of Fire Fighters, he oversees a diverse and expansive portfolio of fire and EMS operational issues. Joining the fire service in 1983, Greg immersed himself in the fire and emergency medical service career field climbing through the operational ranks to serve as an engine company Lieutenant before transitioning to the Fire Marshall’s Office. Greg retired as a Fire Marshal and Fire/Arson Investigator in 2016 after 33 years of uniformed service. Progressively rising in the IAFF since 1996, he continues to advocate for the issues of importance to the men and women of the fire service.
Robert Sussman, JD, is the principal in Sussman and Associates, a firm that offers legal representation on environmental issues to clients in the non-profit and private sectors. He has been an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and a Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School. Bob served in the Obama Administration as C0-Chair of the Transition Team for EPA and then as Senior Policy Counsel to the EPA Administrator from 2009-2013. He served in the Clinton Administration as the EPA Deputy Administrator during 1993-94. At the end of 2007, Bob retired as a partner at the law firm of Latham & Watkins, where he headed the firm’s environmental practice in DC for 10 years. Bob was a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in 2008. He is currently a Commissioner of the Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin and member of the Advisory Board for the University of Indiana O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Bob is a magna cum laude 1969 graduate of Yale College and a 1973 graduate of Yale Law School. Bob has posted numerous blogs on the Brookings Institution Website and elsewhere and published articles in the Environmental Law Reporter and other publications.
Dan Whu, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAMA, ABOIM, DNBPAS, PMD-T, Chief Medical Officer, International Association of Fire Fighters, is the esteemed Chief Medical Officer of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Dr. Whu always knew he wanted a career in medicine. He first became a paramedic and then a firefighter aiming to swiftly transition into medical school. His plans evolved as he grew passionate about the firefighter’s noble mission—serving humanity. This newfound dedication led him to devote over three decades to the fire service and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Dr. Whu retired from one of the nation’s largest fire-rescue and EMS departments, having ascended to the role of Division Chief for Operations. He also served as the Miami-Dade County, FL, Assistant Director for the Office of Emergency Management and Deputy Incident Commander of the Emergency Operations Center. Dr. Whu also joined one of FEMA’s Urban Search & Rescue Teams 32 years ago where he currently serves as Senior Medical Team Manager and Disaster Emergency Physician for Florida Task Force – 1. In this capacity, he has deployed nationally and internationally to many major disasters, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the Haiti earthquake that killed nearly a quarter of a million people, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the Surfside condominium collapse in Miami Beach. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Whu has seamlessly integrated his medical expertise with his commitment to public service, significantly enhancing the health and safety protocols within the firefighting community.
