Speakers

Emily Huesman is the Associate Director of Education Development for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). She is responsible for designing on-demand online and in-seat educational courses at NECA, such as Field Leadership Essentials, Safety Professionals Institute, and NECA’s online Project Management series.

Prior to joining NECA, Emily was the Training Manager for an underground infrastructure contractor and the Manager of Enterprise Learning for the Association for Talent Development. Emily has nearly a decade of experience providing learning solutions to a variety of organizations, from local nonprofits to Fortune 500s.

Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and American Studies from Smith College and her Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Andy Netzel is the Business Manager for Altec Sentry and has over 13 years of leadership experience leading teams.  Altec Sentry helps employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation and believes that industry-leading equipment deserves industry-leading training.  Andy learned the value of training during his time as a United States Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and company commander and continues to emphasize the need for realistic and thorough training in all walks of life.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West point and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University.  Andy is scheduled to complete his Doctor of Business Administration in January of 2024.  Andy resides in Houston, Texas and enjoys golfing and camping in his free time.

Anna is responsible for implementing programs and resources that introduce students and young professionals to career opportunities in the EC industry. Some of these programs and resources include: the National Project Management Apprenticeship, NECA Student Chapters, ELECTRI’s Industry Connect, and several toolkits to help contractors achieve their workforce development goals. Her focus is energizing and connecting students, educators, and contractors through all phases of the learning and development journey.

Matt Firestone is President of Firestone Consulting Group, a business growth and strategy firm located in Lincoln, NE. Firestone Consulting Group works with the leaders and owners in the construction industry to align their teams, tune their processes, and maximize their profits.
With decades of hands-on experience, Matt and his team bring a real-world approach to working with their clients – through strategic planning, leadership development, and coaching. In addition to owning his own construction firm, Matt has a monthly column in an industry-leading trade magazine and a national presence speaking and teaching on a variety of topics in the construction industry.

Ryan Courtney embarked on his journey in the electrical contracting industry upon completing his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology at Southeastern Louisiana University. With a rich and diverse background encompassing technical support, industrial IT, education, and industrial fabrication and assembly, Ryan has amassed invaluable experience across multiple domains.

Over the past decade, Ryan has dedicated himself to the trade association sector, leaving a lasting impact at every level. He began his career as the Chapter Manager for the Kansas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), where he showcased exceptional leadership abilities and developed a solid foundation in labor relations. He then served as the Executive Director of Labor Relations for NECA and later served as the Assistant Manager for the Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter of NECA, allowing him to deepen his expertise and expand his industry knowledge.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of National Labor Relations for NECA, Ryan holds a pivotal position in shaping and guiding labor relations strategies, actively contributing to the association’s continued success and growth.

With an unwavering passion for the electrical contracting industry, combined with his technical acumen and extensive experience, Ryan Courtney stands in a unique position to drive positive change and advancement within the field.

Anthony Sparkling is an Assistant Professor in Construction Management Technology (CMT) at Purdue University. Before joining the CMT department, he worked in construction for over twenty years. He started as a journeyman electrician quickly ascending to Project Foreman/Superintendent. Then, he moved into Project Management working for a mid-size GC/CM company in the US. Anthony received both his Ph.D. and M.S. in CM from Michigan State University. His research interests include organizational processes and practices, knowledge management systems, workforce development, and construction education. He has a growing research interest in the skilled trades and technical workforce shortages in the United States.

Amanda King is a leadership coach and trainer for the electrical industry. In 2016, she began developing leadership training programs for NECA contractors. Amanda has a marked skill for connecting, engaging and inspiring her audiences. As the owner of Wired Leadership, Amanda works exclusively with NECA contractors and their IBEW partners to increase productivity and profitability, through training, coaching and development. 

Colby Bruce has been with Stewart Electrical Contracting since 2004, working his way up from being an Apprentice Electrician to his current integral position as Vide President. He holds a Master Electrician License in 6 States including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition to having over 20 years of expertise in the electrical contracting industry, he is also a recent alumni of the NECA Innovation Institute’s Bell Cohort. Here he was able to hone his skills to become a visionary thinker with the essential innovation tools for practical deployment.

Lori is a construction and commercial litigator, representing owners, developers, general contractors and trade subcontractors on both private and public construction projects throughout the country. Clients turn to Lori for assistance with contract negotiations and up-front risk management as well as her effective and efficient project management advice throughout the entirety of a construction project. In her trial and dispute resolution practice, she regularly prosecutes and defends complex construction claims in mediations, arbitrations and various state and federal courts, including claims for delay, disruption, inefficiency, breach of contract, and the assertion of mechanic’s liens.
Lori is actively involved in the construction industry and regularly presents to NECA chapters across the country. She is a recent graduate of the inaugural cohort of NEXTWomen, a year-long leadership program that focuses on developing women leaders in the construction industry.