Leadership
Meet our leadership team and learn how their experience helps make CHEMTREC the industry’s leading source of hazmat information and support.
Leadership
Andrew LaVanway
Chief Executive
Andrew is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the company as well as leading the senior management team. Andrew came to CHEMTREC from ICF, where he led a series of mission-driven businesses serving both public- and private-sector clients. He is an active angel investor, former chairman of the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, a certified firefighter, and an emergency medical services officer.
Chris Brown
Chief Counsel
Chris joined CHEMTREC in 2018 and serves as Chief Counsel to CHEMTREC and the TRANSCAER program. Chris works closely with CHEMTREC’s Chief Executive and the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) General Counsel to ensure CHEMTREC’s legal compliance and strategic direction are supported while continuing to fully align with ACC’s overall mission and member support.
Erica Fischer
Training, Outreach, and Partnerships Director
Erica joined CHEMTREC in 2019 and oversees training, outreach, and public service initiatives. She cultivates partnerships with private and public sector entities such as government agencies, chemical manufacturers, distributors, emergency responders, trade associations, and transportation carriers. She spearheads the hazmat training program and manages the execution of federal grant projects to bring new resources and train thousands from the emergency response community annually through TRANSCAER.
Erika Palfrey
Technical Resources & Information Management Director
Erika started with CHEMTREC in July of 2003. Erika and her team are responsible for 24/7 support of CHEMTREC operations. Her main responsibilities at CHEMTREC include upgrading all CHEMTREC systems — from customer and document management systems to communications systems — along with ongoing enhancement and system maintenance. She is also responsible for information management, business process, and KPI development.
Greg Cottrell
Controller
Greg is responsible for all of CHEMTREC’s accounting and finance operations, financial systems, and financial reporting. Prior to joining CHEMTREC in 2021, Greg worked for 18 years as President-Owner of a Washington, D.C. area consulting firm that provided CFO services to local businesses and performed projects for national companies headquartered in the area. He began his career in public accounting before serving as Controller-Treasurer of an equipment leasing company.
Jennifer Shackleford
Human Resources Manager
Jennifer joined CHEMTREC in 2022 and manages full-cycle recruitment, making sure that the company attracts and retains top talent. She spearheads training initiatives aimed at enhancing the interpersonal skills of all employees. Investing in staff development helps cultivate a cohesive workplace culture, fosters improved communication, and deepens the appreciation of each employee’s unique personality, while applying initiatives to foster employee engagement and morale. She is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, making sure that staff feel supported and valued, and champions diversity and equity.
Jonathan Starling
Senior Director of Operations
Jonathan began at CHEMTREC in 2024 and serves as the Senior Director for Operations. He is responsible for the oversight of the CHEMTREC Emergency Operations Center. Jonathan works closely with the CHEMTREC Senior Executive to ensure effective and efficient emergency operations in support of the CHEMTREC and ACC mission.
Joe Milazzo
Standards Director
Joe has been with CHEMTREC since 1988 and has served the majority of his time as the Director of the Operations Center where he oversaw the complete operational overview of the CHEMTREC emergency services. Now, he serves as the Director of Standards, working with partners and government agencies.
Kevin Bryan
Sales and Business Development Director
Kevin joined CHEMTREC since May of 2013 and is responsible for spearheading the sales and business development team, devising and executing sales strategies, and propelling revenue growth. With over 15 years of experience in sales and business development, Kevin has a verified history of accomplishments in achieving targets and cultivating strong customer relationships.
Michelle Thiell
Marketing Director
Michelle began at CHEMTREC in 2016 and she spearheads the establishment of the organization's worldwide marketing approach. Her responsibilities encompass the oversight of brand consistency, alongside guiding and bolstering the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting market research data. Michelle collaborates closely with the product development team to devise content and deployment strategies for CHEMTREC offerings.
Rich Davey
International Business Director
Rich joined CHEMTREC in 2019 and leverages more than two decades of experience to assist both public and private sector entities in navigating their intricate risk and compliance hurdles. Through close collaboration with internal specialists, clients, and a strategic network of partners, Rich provides multinational corporations with a highly valued service, mitigating operational risks, supporting compliance, and safeguarding their financial interests.
Robert Havlu
Customer Care Director
Bob started at CHEMTREC in 2011 and oversees the Customer Care Department, including customer service and dedicated account management teams. Bob and his team interact with CHEMTREC’s current customers on a regular basis to learn how CHEMTREC can improve our current service offerings, identify new ways to help our customers, and how to continually grow as an organization.
Who We Are
Legacy of Safety
With roots going back to 1918, CHEMTREC was created to respond to the growing need for timely information during chemical and hazmat incidents.
Career Opportunities
Help make the world a safer place by joining the CHEMTREC team. Browse our current openings and apply on the portal.
