2021 Agenda

Dr. Ariaratnam is a professor and construction engineering program chair in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. He has published more than 250 technical papers, holds four patents and is active in numerous professional organizations. He is the immediate past chairman of ISTT and was appointed to the Executive Committee of the ASCE Pipelines Division. He is co-author of the “HDD Good Practices Guidelines” and the “Pipe Bursting Good Practices” books.

Matthew Wallin is Principal Partner and Senior Project Manager with Bennett Trenchless Engineers, located in Folsom, California.  BTE’s engineering practice is focused entirely on trenchless technology design, construction management, and claims assistance with clients and projects located throughout California, as well as Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

Matthew holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.  Matthew has focused his practice on geotechnical engineering and the design and construction management of new pipeline projects using horizontal directional drilling, microtunneling, open-shield pipejacking, pipe ramming, and auger boring.

Mary Neher is a Senior Project Engineer with Bennett Trenchless Engineers in Folsom, California. She has 11 years of experience in trenchless and geotechnical engineering. Mary received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of California, Davis.

Tom has led the Underground Solutions, Inc. development of Fusible PVC® from its inception to record setting product it now is in the HDD industry for thermoplastic pipe. He has also led development of the necessary tools for the training, handling, and installation of Fusible PVC® in trenchless applications.

Aaron is a lecturer at Arizona State University teaching courses that focus on heavy/civil construction methods in the Del E. Webb School of Construction, and is also the Director of Estimating Products for InEight, Inc, a construction industry software solutions provider.   Aaron holds bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s from DePaul University. Prior to joining ASU, Aaron served for 10 years as the president and owner of Apollo Trenchless Inc.

Chris has worked at Halliburton, focusing on drilling fluids for industrial drilling applications, for over 10 years. This includes technical field support, logistics, customer service, and operations. Chris currently manages business development for the construction market for Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC, a Halliburton company.

Jason founded LaValley Industries in 2006 with the mission of bringing new innovative technologies to the pipeline and HDD industries with a focus on safety & efficiency by leveraging the experience of industry veterans. Since the 2015 release of his three-time award winning TONGHAND exit side wrench; Jason and his team have been hard at work designing three new industry advancing products with an early 2019 release. Prior to founding LaValley Industries in 2006, Jason spent the better part of a decade working in the directional drilling industry throughout North America, spending the last 5 years as a superintendent. In his career, Jason has worked on several world record directional drilling projects.

Jason founded LaValley Industries in 2006 with the mission of bringing new innovative technologies to the pipeline and HDD industries with a focus on safety & efficiency by leveraging the experience of industry veterans. Since the 2015 release of his three-time award winning TONGHAND exit side wrench; Jason and his team have been hard at work designing three new industry advancing products with an early 2019 release. Prior to founding LaValley Industries in 2006, Jason spent the better part of a decade working in the directional drilling industry throughout North America, spending the last 5 years as a superintendent. In his career, Jason has worked on several world record directional drilling projects.

Siggi Finnsson has an engineering background and has been involved in the underground construction industry for 31 years. Since 1995 he has been involved in the development of most of DCI’s locating products, additionally working in customer service and marketing activities. Finnsson is currently a Product Manager, primarily involved with new product development and product and design definition.

Mark Gallucci has 24 years with Digital Control Incorporated. Mark has held many positions over the years including Western States Field Manager, Training Manager and General Manager of DCI Australia. Mark currently looks after the In-house Customer Service Group and is responsible for much of the DCI’s training materials.