Speakers
Textile Research Scientist
Standard Textile Corporation
Textile Research Scientist
Standard Textile Corporation
Apurba Banerjee
Textile Research Scientist
Standard Textile Corporation
Apurba Banerjee is a Textile Research Scientist at Standard Textile Corporation (STC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. At STC, she is part of the Research and Development Group that helps bring sustainable, value-added products to market in the field of Hospitality, Healthcare, and Interiors. Prior to STC, Apurba has had a diverse career in Sourcing, Product Development, Polymer Research while leading projects at companies such as Glowforge, Milwaukee Tool and brrr˚Inc. Outside of work, Apurba volunteers in leadership positions of many international standards organizations such as AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) and ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials
She is a 2017 graduate of the PhD program of Polymer, Fiber, and Textile Science from the University of Georgia and a 2013 graduate of the master’s program of Apparel and Merchandising at Colorado State University.
CEO
Core Linen Service
CEO
Core Linen Service
Mike Barner
CEO
Core Linen Service
Mike Barner serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Core Linen Services, a national leader in Healthcare Laundry and Linen Services, catering to over 1,000 locations across the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in food and facility services, Mike has held numerous operational and technology leadership roles, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field.
Mike earned his MBA with a concentration in Information Services from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. His extensive education and experience enable him to lead Core Linen Services with a clear vision and an innovative approach.
Under Mike's leadership, Core Linen Services continues to set the industry standard for quality and reliability, making significant strides in healthcare laundry and linen services. His dedication to excellence and his commitment to advancing the industry make him a distinguished figure in his field.
VP of Corporate Development
Nixon Medical
VP of Corporate Development
Nixon Medical
Ben Berstein
VP of Corporate Development
Nixon Medical
Ben joined Nixon Medical in 2005 and has held leadership roles in service, sales, operations and marketing. In 2015, Ben was promoted to Vice President, Sales where he served for eight years before becoming Nixon Medical’s first Vice President of Corporate Development.
As VP, Corporate Development, Ben is responsible for developing the company’s strategy to expand geographically, to identify and pursue opportunities and administer plans to advance Nixon Medical’s vision.
Prior to joining Nixon Medical, Ben spent several years in marketing research roles, which included management roles with IRI supporting client services for Johnson & Johnson and Campbell’s Soup Company.
Ben earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, his MBA from The George Washington University and has completed executive coursework in Sales Management and Business Marketing Strategy at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.
Ben is a second-generation shareholder of Nixon and works directly with his two brothers as stewards to the business founded by their father. Ben resides in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Erica, three children, and two dogs.
Vice President of Supply Chain
American Dawn
Vice President of Supply Chain
American Dawn
Syed Binali
Vice President of Supply Chain
American Dawn
Syed Binali is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in supply chain management, manufacturing, quality, product development, and engineering. He has worked with suppliers and partners across 25 countries, developing strong expertise in global sourcing and international operations. His career spans a variety of industries, including medical devices, textiles, environmental services, and workplace safety products. Throughout his career, Syed has consistently delivered measurable improvements in cost efficiency, lead times, and product quality.
He currently serves as Vice President of Supply Chain at American Dawn, Inc., a leading importer and distributor of textile products for the foodservice, healthcare, and hospitality industries. In this role, he oversees the company’s purchasing, planning, sourcing, and product development functions. Syed focuses on improving operational efficiency, enhancing vendor performance, supporting commercial growth initiatives, and collaborating with executive leadership on strategic planning and business scalability.
President / CEO
Association for Linen Management
President / CEO
Association for Linen Management
Sarah Brobeck
President / CEO
Association for Linen Management
Sarah Brobeck serves as President and CEO of the Association for Linen Management (ALM), where she leads with a deep belief that the strength of any organization lies in its people. With nearly two decades in textile care services, Sarah is known for her collaborative nature and her commitment to working alongside other associations, organizations, and professionals to move the industry forward-together.
Since joining ALM in 2022, she has focused on listening to members and delivering programs that meet their real-world needs. Under her leadership, ALM has delivered record-breaking IMPACT conferences and launched Elevate, a hands-on workshop intensive created in direct response to member feedback. Its overwhelming success led to immediate expansion through 2026, reflecting Sarah’s commitment to practical, accessible education that empowers the workforce.
Her leadership is grounded in the belief that people are a company’s greatest asset-and that investing in their development leads to stronger teams, greater satisfaction, and better outcomes across the board. Under Sarah’s leadership, ALM is actively refining its educational framework to meet the evolving demands of the industry while laying the groundwork for long-term leadership development from the wash floor to the c-suite.
Sarah is passionate about helping people grow in confidence, skill, and purpose-so they can thrive in their roles and make meaningful contributions to the organizations and communities they serve.
President & CEO
George Courey Inc
President & CEO
George Courey Inc
Jeff Courey
President & CEO
George Courey Inc
Jeff Courey is the President & CEO of George Courey Inc, a prestigious 114-year-old institutional textile business renowned for manufacturing and distributing reusable healthcare products across North America. A visionary leader, Jeff collaborates with global manufacturing partners, implementing hedging strategies and country diversification audits to navigate complexities successfully. With a global perspective, Jeff is at the forefront of the institutional textile industry, actively collaborating with manufacturing partners from diverse corners of the world. His keen eye for market trends and unparalleled strategic thinking have led him to expertly navigate complex challenges, leveraging hedging strategies and conducting meticulous country diversification audits.
A prominent figure in the institutional textile community, Jeff's influence extends far beyond the boardroom. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, captivating audiences with insightful presentations on the evolving state of the global textile industry. Jeff's charismatic presence graces educational conferences and conventions throughout North America, igniting discussions and inspiring innovative solutions.
Jeff's influence extends to esteemed industry organizations, where he sits on the Board of Directors of both the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) and the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA). He also has the privilege of contributing to the American Laundry News publication regularly as a member of their Panel of Experts. Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree from the John Molson School of Business and a Master's degree from McGill University.
Futurist & Former Chief Economist
Consumer Technology Association
Futurist & Former Chief Economist
Consumer Technology Association
Shawn DuBravac
Futurist & Former Chief Economist
Consumer Technology Association
Acclaimed futurist and trendcaster, Dr. Shawn DuBravac is author of the New York Times Best Seller Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate, which explores how the world’s mass adoption of digital technologies portends the beginning of a new era for humanity in the realms of business, healthcare, finance, transportation, and culture.
DuBravac is an internationally-recognized thought leader and top-rated keynote speaker, delivering pragmatic and provocative insights on the trends, technologies, and paradigms transforming the globe. His research focuses on the forces shaping tomorrow that are percolating on the periphery of society and business today. By providing an elevated view of developing trends, DuBravac empowers leaders and their organizations to improve strategic decision-making capabilities by understanding the changing landscape and identifying the opportunities that lie ahead.
DuBravac is president of Avrio Institute. Borrowing from the Greek Αύριο meaning tomorrow, the Institute helps leaders prepare for uncertain and divergent futures. Clients include Fortune 100 and Global 1000 companies, scrappy start-ups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Grounded in economics, DuBravac served over 12 years as chief economist for the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the U.S. trade association representing more than 2,000 consumer tech companies, and owner and producer of CES.
DuBravac writes extensively on disruptive technological shifts and has been widely published on the topics of technology, finance, and economics. His analysis has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post, Wired, Los Angeles Times, Barron’s and on-air with CNBC, Bloomberg, NPR, CBS, and other media outlets. DuBravac has been named one of the top 50 futurist speakers to have at your conference by Readwrite, one of 27 finance thought leaders to read and follow by Prophix, and to Dealerscope’s “40 under 40” list of people to watch in the technology industry. He is a past-President of both the CFA Society of Washington, DC and the Conference of Business Economists, a founding trustee of the CTA Foundation, and a past board member of the National Association of Business Economists.
DuBravac has taught at the George Washington University School of Business, American University’s Kogod School of Business, the George Mason University School of Business, Marymount University School of Business, and the University of Mary Washington. He holds economic degrees from Brigham Young University and George Mason University. DuBravac resides in Virginia with his wife and three sons. When he’s not helping executive teams decipher coming shifts, he can be found climbing 14ers, running marathons, and coaching youth sports.
Consulting Director
CHESP, CLLM & American Hospital Association
Consulting Director
CHESP, CLLM & American Hospital Association
Stephanie Gregg
Consulting Director
CHESP, CLLM & American Hospital Association
Stephanie brings over 25 years of experience in the health care industry. Stephanie’s areas of expertise and professional skills include driving cost savings, realizing operational efficiencies, and maximizing contract compliance through standardization and contract offerings. Stephanie holds the following experience among her key achievements and accomplishments: expanded and enhanced the laundry and linen category, grew revenue more than 20% across support services categories, and assisted key members in regulatory audits and training, helping to reduce readmissions and Medicare penalties for Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP).
Prior to joining Vizient, Stephanie spent six years as a senior healthcare consultant with Source America U.S. Ability One Commission in military hospitals where she assisted with RFPs, and labor estimators on EVS, Food and Nutrition, Transportation, Plant Operations, and Laundry/Linen contracts. Additionally, she provided regulatory training to contractors on OSHA, DOT, and Hazardous Waste compliance, assisted with developing and implementing KPIs, task frequencies, performance improvement plans, and served as infection control environmental expert. Stephanie has robust experience in Environmental Services and Laundry/Linen, where she worked as Director at multiple facilities, including large academic medical centers, for profit, and not-for-profit facilities where she specialized in improving patient satisfaction scores and decreasing overall costs.
President & COO
City Uniforms and Linen
President & COO
City Uniforms and Linen
Rich Kramer
President & COO
City Uniforms and Linen
Director of Certification and Accreditation
TRSA
Director of Certification and Accreditation
TRSA
Samlane Ketevong
Director of Certification and Accreditation
TRSA
Samlane Ketevong is TRSA’s Senior Director of Certification & Accreditation directs and oversees TRSA’s family of certification programs, including Clean Green, Hygienically Clean and individual certification programs such as the Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM), among others. She has more than 15 years of experience running credentialing programs, interacting with subject-matter experts and accrediting institutions and is a Credentialing Specialist with the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
Director of Linen & Central Services
Mayo Clinic
Director of Linen & Central Services
Mayo Clinic
Gabe Nowicki
Director of Linen & Central Services
Mayo Clinic
Gabe Nowicki serves as the Director of Linen and Central Services at Mayo Clinic, where he oversees the distribution of clean textiles, sterilization of reusable medical instruments, and disinfection of patient care equipment. With over 20 years in healthcare leadership, including seven years as Quality Management Coordinator, Gabe brings deep experience in operational excellence, infection control, and regulatory compliance within large-scale healthcare environments.
He holds certifications in Certified Laundry and Linen Management (CLLM), Mastery in Healthcare Linen Management (MHLM), and is a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Gabe is also actively involved in industry advocacy and education, serving as Vice President of the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter of the Association for Linen Management (UMVAILM), where he supports professional development and continuous improvement across the region.
Gabe has been instrumental in launching process improvement initiatives focused on patient safety, sustainability, and staff engagement. He is a passionate educator who teaches Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) for ALM’s Laundry and Linen College, emphasizing practical tools and leadership strategies for advancing linen services.
University Director of Buildings & Grounds
UConn Health
University Director of Buildings & Grounds
UConn Health
James Odom Jr.
University Director of Buildings & Grounds
UConn Health
James E. Odom Jr. (J.J.) currently serves as the University Director of Buildings & Grounds at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut. With a career spanning 38 years in the health care industry, J.J. began his journey in frontline roles—including Environmental Services, Laundry, and Floor Technician—before rising to the director level, a position he has held for over 33 years.
Throughout his career, J.J. has also taken on project management responsibilities and has had direct oversight of several departments, including Environmental Services, Patient Transportation, Minor Maintenance, Linen, and Grounds & Landscaping.
An active and dedicated member of the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE), J.J. has contributed to numerous AHE committees, including the Advisory Council, Exchange Planning, Nomination, and Knowledge & Education Committees. He also served six years as an at-large board member and one year as Chapter President of the AHE New England Chapter.
As of January 1, 2025, J.J. serves as an at-large board member on the AHE Advisory Board. At AHE’s 2025 Summit in Columbus, Ohio, he was elected Chair-Elect for the 2026–2028 term and will assume the role of Advisory Board Chair beginning January 2028.
Owner
TJP Laundry Maintenance Solutions
Owner
TJP Laundry Maintenance Solutions
TJ Peterson
Owner
TJP Laundry Maintenance Solutions
TJ (Anthony) Peterson, is the owner/operator of TJP Laundry Maintenance Solutions, with 25 years of healthcare linen experience. TJ has worked with small independent operators to large multi plant operations, always with the focus on safety, efficiency and cleanliness in his facilities. Having been on the maintenance side of inspections and certification programs over his career, TJ brings that experience to the TRSA certification process.
President and CEO
TRSA
President and CEO
TRSA
Joseph Ricci
President and CEO
TRSA
Joseph Ricci is President and CEO of TRSA, the largest organization representing international, national, regional and independent operators serving the $40+ billion linen, uniform and facility services for businesses, retailers, hospitals, long-term care, restaurants and hotels. TRSA advocates for fair, balanced regulation and helps members improve productivity, safety and sustainability through professional development, benchmarking and certification. His leadership has led to unprecedented membership retention and growth, as well as launching certification programs that quantify the industry’s commitment to professionalism, cleanliness and sustainability including Hygienically Clean and Clean Green. In addition, he has helped forge improved relationship with the international laundry community by working closely with the global organizations to establish the International Textile Services Alliance (ITSA) and World Textile Services Congress. Ricci has 30+ years of practical experience in association and business management and has testified before the United States Congress on issues ranging from homeland security to organized labor and was recently named one of the Top Association CEOs by CEO Update. Ricci is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), is an active member of in the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations and serves on the Virginia Tech Pamplin School of Business Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board. Member of the Capitol Hill (Republican) Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Old Dominion Boat Club. He earned a Master in Business Administration from George Mason University and a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from Virginia Tech.
Infection Preventionist
Moffitt Cancer Center
Infection Preventionist
Moffitt Cancer Center
Jenna Rivers
Infection Preventionist
Moffitt Cancer Center
Jenna Kay Rivers is a certified Infection Preventionist at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she has served since 2020 in her current role. She partners with leadership to implement and monitor infection control strategies, utilizing principles of epidemiology to prevent the spread of disease across high-risk oncology environments. Her work includes conducting compliance audits, supporting staff education, and applying infection prevention principles tailored to patients across all life stages.
Jenna began her career at Moffitt in 2013 as an outpatient scheduler and registrar, steadily advancing into infection prevention through dedication and continued education. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) with a dual concentration in Epidemiology and Global Communicable Disease from the University of South Florida. She holds certifications in Public Health (CPH) and Infection Control (CIC).
In 2024, Jenna received the National APIC Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention Award, recognizing her professional growth and commitment to advancing infection prevention and control on both local and national levels.
Her professional interests include Environmental Services (EVS), Facilities and Construction, Intensive Care Units (ICU), and Dialysis — areas where she is especially focused on reducing infection risk through proactive collaboration and evidence-based practices. She is an engaged member of APIC and FPIC.
President
Sanchez Advisory Group
President
Sanchez Advisory Group
Dan Sanchez
President
Sanchez Advisory Group
Dan Sanchez, a seasoned professional with 36 years of industry expertise, has traversed diverse roles within the commercial landscape. A significant portion of his career was dedicated to Medline Industries, a global leader in manufacturing and distributing medical supplies. Serving as the VP of National Accounts, he collaborated with Healthcare Group Purchasing Organizations, Integrated Delivery Networks, and the Commercial laundry industry across the USA and Canada. His commitment extended further as a Board member for both TRSA and the American Reusable Textile Association. Apart from his tenure at Medline, Dan ventured into diverse industries, taking the helm as the Chief Business Officer at Eleks, where he directed operations across North America for this Ukrainian-based Custom Software Development company. Subsequently, his journey led him to the role of VP of Sales and Marketing at Emerald Textiles in San Diego, immersing himself in the commercial laundry domain. Presently, Dan has embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Sanchez Advisory Group. His company serves as a hub of knowledge and experience for all stakeholders within the Commercial Laundry business, connecting laundries, suppliers, and healthcare delivery networks. With a wealth of insight and a comprehensive understanding of the industry, Dan offers his expertise to propel businesses forward.
VP, Government Relations
TRSA
VP, Government Relations
TRSA
Kevin Schwalb
VP, Government Relations
TRSA
President
Stangle Co.
President
Stangle Co.
Gregory Stangle
President
Stangle Co.
Greg Stangle is founder and President of Stangle Co. Advisors and IG2. Greg is an experienced M&A investment banker advising clients on exit strategies, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions in a multitude of industries. Greg has a track record of successfully engineering the sale of private companies to public companies and private equity firms for maximum value. Greg is also a corporate, M&A, securities and technology attorney. Greg has advised hundreds of clients on transactions with total deal values into the billions of dollars.
An entrepreneur by nature, Greg has been a founder and investor in other private businesses and real estate. Greg founded and built his own records management, data storage, shredding, imaging and software escrow businesses, which he sold to publicly traded companies.
Greg is a frequent speaker at various industry events on M&A, business and legal topics. He has been involved with organizations including i-SIGMA, NAID and PRISM on policy and best practices. Early in his career, Greg practiced law with the firm Piper Rudnick (now DLA Piper) and worked for the investment bank Kemper Securities, Inc.
Greg has been featured in Fortune Small Business magazine and his businesses have been nominated for prestigious industry awards. Greg has served as an expert witness in high stakes business litigation.
Greg earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law. While at DePaul, his article on diplomatic relations was published in the DePaul Digest of International Law, and he completed a federal legal internship with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Greg is an active member of his community including as a parishioner at St. Isaac Jogues Church, a coach in youth sports, a judge at the Illinois Regional and State Science Fairs, and participant in philanthropic activities including Feed My Starving Children and local food drives. Greg is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jacaranda of Naples Condominium Association, Inc. In his free time, Greg can be found on the tennis court, golf course or ski slopes with his family. Greg lives in Hinsdale, Illinois with his wife and three sons.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Dyan Troxel
Registered Nurse
Dyan Troxel, MSN, RN is a registered nurse holding a master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in education. She has extensive experience in clinical and non-clinical settings including Surgical ICU, Neonatal ICU, Education, Process Improvement, and Healthcare Leadership. Currently serving as Director of Clinical Education at HandCraft Linen Services, Dyan leads the Linen Awareness Program, crafting integrated strategies to help clients effectively prevent linen loss.
Industrial Engineer
Superior Linen Services
Industrial Engineer
Superior Linen Services
Laura Waldman
Industrial Engineer
Superior Linen Services
In her previous life as a scientist, engineer, and university professor, Laura learned to lead teams with diverse skillsets and combine sources of knowledge to develop solutions to challenging problems. And now, Laura is honored to follow the family laundry tradition as the fourth generation Waldman at Superior Linen Service.