Melinda Traynor
President/CEO
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NCCER Certified Master Trainer
NCCER Assessment Administrator
NCCER, MEA & OQSG Train-The Trainer
Melinda has more than 15+ years combined experience in the education, assessment and training of construction and pipeline industry personnel. Her expertise lies in the identification, development, implementation, delivery and administration of customized assessment and training programs.
Phillip Keith
Senior Pipeline Instructor
Phillip has more than 35 years of Oil & Gas Industry experience. He has accumulated a broad base of experience working in the areas of Pipeline Field Services, Risk Assessment/Management, Advanced Electrical Technical Services, Terminal Operations, SCADA and Dispatching. Most recently, Phillip served as the Operator Qualifications Evaluator/Trainer for Sunoco Logistics, where he was instrumental in the development and delivery of the OQ Program on the Mid-Valley Pipeline. In addition, Phillip supervised all SCADA Systems for Mid-Valley Pipeline Co., where he supervised modifications and upgrades, interface of all communications equipment and all maintenance and reliability of all communications and SCADA in Oxford District. Phillip also brings in-depth Risk Management experience to the AYUDA staff, with expertise performing risk assessments on all operational tasks and mechanical and electrical equipment operations in Oxford District, as well as developing and publishing new company operations and maintenance policies, including implementing and amending existing policies to support Risk Management strategies.
Dave Yeager
Dave comes to the AYUDA staff as qualified and experienced Field Service Engineer with 30+ years experience (without any lost time or OSHA recordable accidents) and a Subject Matter Expert on the NCCER committee for DOT Pipeline Operator Qualification testing, with a long term interest in cultivating expertise in OQ and Safety Training. Experienced DOT Pipeline Compliance Manager for major Gas Operator, including OQ training and recordkeeping.
Dean Melton
36+ years of working with the transportation of liquid hydrocarbons by pipeline and truck on crude and finished products pipelines. Dean started as a Measurement Technician in 1985. In 2008, Dean became the Operations Supervisor for Central Texas on three different crude pipelines and Maintenance Supervisor of Corsicana Tank Farm. As the Operation Supervisor, Dean monitored all aspects of the pipeline business; complied with all federal and state requirements on emission, tanks, piping, and maintenance activities; and managed all the paperwork for DOT and state inspections and audits.
Ken Hess
NCCER, Veriforce, EWN, MEA & OQSG Certified Evaluator/Instructor
Oil & Gas Industry Consultant
Control Room Operations Specialist
Qualified and experienced Pipeline, Refining and Logistics Pipeline Controller with 30+ years experience and a Subject Matter Expert in Control Center Operations. Ken has a long term interest in cultivating expertise in OQ and Safety Training. He is an experienced Operations Manager, Senior Pipeline Controller and Process Operator (LEU, PDA & MEK Units) for major liquids operator, with some experience in the gas operations. He also served our country as a US Navy Electrician.
Stephen Traynor
Construction Industry Consultant
Construction Industry Efficiency/Profitability Consultant
Stephen brings to the AYUDA staff more than 35 years experience in the project management, project coordination and construction risk assessment in the industrial/commercial construction industry. Stephen’s project management skills increase company profitability, productivity and quality control. One such area involves blueprint plan review, where his expertise identifying issues/errors, developing critical corrections and working with project engineers/architects through resolution, improves overall performance, profitability and jobsite success. Stephen’s risk assessment experience involves assessment of project risks (maximizing costs and manpower, securing environmental and construction permits, securing support from stakeholder groups) and HSE (careful examination of project worksites, identifying potential dangers). He is currently the Vice President of Operations for Oil Capital Electric.