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Meet the Panellists & Moderators

Day 1 - 16 November
day 2 - 17 November

Day 1 - Panellists & Moderators

KEYNOTE: Evolution of Auditing: Unveiling the Future, Embracing Value

Rachelle Jackson (APSCA CSCA)

Rachelle Jackson, an APSCA CSCA, is our key moderator for the 2023 AMM. To read a comprehensive account of Rachelle’s experience in the profession and a recap of her credentials, please click here. 

PANEL: Year in Review & 2030 Strategy with Q&A

Rona Starr (moderator)

Rona Starr is the President & CEO of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA). She has been with APSCA since 2016 and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission to enhance the professionalism and credibility of social compliance Auditors and organizations. 

Before joining APSCA, Rona spent 21 years at McDonald’s, where she played a pivotal role in implementing the company’s social compliance program in various regions. She later led global efforts to enhance the auditing industry, including the development of training programs for auditors. Rona is a highly influential business leader with expertise in risk management and supply chain management across emerging markets. She holds an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business.

In early 2023, Rona announced her retirement, with her departure slated for the end of the year. For further insights into her significant contributions during her tenure at APSCA, click here. 

Avedis Seferian (WRAP)

Avedis H. Seferian is the President and CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). Avedis also serves as Chair of the APSCA Executive Board and resides on the Stakeholder Advisory Board as a Collaborative Program Representative. He’s an expert in social responsibility within global supply chains in the apparel industry. A recognized leader in corporate social responsibility, Avedis frequently speaks at international forums and has contributed to industry publications. He also holds leadership roles in professional organizations related to social compliance. Avedis has a diverse background, having worked in business and legal research, and taught at the University of Maryland University College. He holds degrees from three continents and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar. He resides in Fairfax, Virginia, with his family.

Frank Dorrsers (TÜV Rheinland)

Frank Dorssers is the Senior Vice President of Systems at TÜV Rheinland, with 12 years of experience in social compliance and customized auditing, and also a Member of the APSCA Executive Board. He plays a key role in developing TÜV Rheinland’s services for third-party supply chain auditing. Frank is a strong advocate for the profession of Social Compliance auditors and actively engages in collaborative programs across various industries. He believes that through positive dialogue, the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) can deliver the results sought by the industry and stakeholders.

Greg Gardner (ARCHE)

Greg Gardner, President & CEO of ARCHE Advisors, is a seasoned expert in corporate social responsibility with almost three decades of experience. He has conducted 2,400+ audits and investigations in 80+ countries, starting as a social auditor in Los Angeles garment factories in 1995. Greg’s remarkable journey includes investigating child labor in Honduras in 1996, audits in China, Saipan, Baghdad, Kathmandu, North Korea, and Siberia, among others. He’s been an expert witness post the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013 and continued to explore supply chain risks. His clients trust him for candid feedback and pragmatic solutions to complex ESG issues in global supply chains. Greg received his CSCA credentials in 2019 and holds an educational background in Political Science, an MBA, and international management education. His passion lies in the field, improving working conditions by connecting with owners, managers, and workers.

Jon White (Omega) 

Jon White, based in Hong Kong for 37 years, is a leader in global supply chain compliance. He’s fluent in Cantonese and has extensive experience in responsible sourcing and traceability programs for major brands. Jon is the Managing Director of Omega Compliance Ltd, a specialist monitoring company based in Hong Kong, known for its strong client relationships. He’s also a member of the APSCA Executive Board. Jon is committed to making a difference on the ground, particularly for vulnerable workers. His background includes service in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and expertise in anti-corruption initiatives.

PANEL: Beyond Boundaries: Innovation in Building Auditor Capacity

Stephanie Ragan (moderator)

Stephanie Ragan, the APSCA Director of Code & Compliance, brings 25 years of expertise in regulatory compliance and ethics. She has a background in managing compliance and ethics in the global offshore petroleum EPCI sector and consulting on trade compliance and corporate compliance and ethics programs. Stephanie holds several certifications, including Certified United States Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) and Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP). Her work has focused on ethics investigations and remediation, contributing to constructive changes for the APSCA Ethics Team. Stephanie is also an active volunteer and board member for B.I.G. Love Cancer Care Services and is involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a dedicated committeeperson.

Rajan Kamalanathan (Bureau Veritas) 

Rajan Kamalanathan, the Vice President for Sustainability and CSR at Bureau Veritas, is based in the USA with a global responsibility. He is known as a global pioneer and thought leader in supply chain sustainability. Previously, he served as the Director of Sustainable Supply Chain for C&A in Hong Kong, where he played a key role in achieving social and environmental compliance in the supply chain, including a zero discharge of hazardous chemicals (ZDHC) program. Prior to that, Rajan was the VP of Ethical Sourcing for Walmart, overseeing ethical and social responsibility activities. He was also an executive board member of the Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP), working to reduce audit fatigue and promote collaboration among retailers and brands. Rajan is a graduate of the University of London, King’s College, and has received the Sam Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his work on Sustainable Supply Chain. Rajan is also a member of the APSCA Executive Board. 

Greg Gardner (ARCHE)

Greg Gardner is the President & CEO of ARCHE Advisors, with almost 30 years of experience in the Corporate Social Responsibility industry. He is a respected leader, visionary, and strategic thinker, known for helping global retailers and brands improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights worldwide. Greg has audited over 2,300 factories, farms, and processing plants for Fortune 500 companies in over 80 countries. He has also worked on various human rights and supply chain projects in African countries. 

Greg Gardner serves as the Treasurer and is a member of the Executive Board of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA). He received his CSCA credentials and holds degrees in Political Science and an MBA. Greg’s passion lies in the field, where he interviews owners, managers, and workers to enhance business by improving working conditions.

Arta Beikzadeh (LRQA)

Arta Beikzadeh is a prominent figure in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Australia, serving as the Founder of Sustainable Assurance Solutions (SAS) and Director of Australasia Assessment post its acquisition by LRQA. She’s highly experienced and holds a Global Executive MBA along with certifications in Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management. Arta is also a CSR Trainer and Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) by APSCA.

She’s known for her work in improving operational efficiency, revenue, and profitability. Arta is considered a pioneer of CSR auditing in Australia and is sought after as a speaker, consultant, and mentor in CSR auditing. She has guided numerous organizations globally to embrace ethical and sustainable sourcing, driving growth. Born in Tehran, with education and experience across multiple continents, Arta believes that corporate responsibility and profit should go hand in hand.

Tobias Göpel (SAC)

Tobias Göpel, based in Recklinghausen, Germany, with an office in Barcelona, Spain, has extensive experience in the TIC (Testing, Inspection, and Certification) industry since 2014. He has conducted over 1,400 audits across more than 10 countries. Tobias is the Founder and CEO of SAC Experts and achieved APSCA CSCA status in 2022. His firm, SAC, provides auditor capacities for third-party Certification Bodies and collaborates with over 40 auditors in Europe, LATAM, Asia, and Africa. SAC is actively building a community of experts and nurturing new talent in the industry.

PANEL: The Audit Journey: Unveiling the Autobiography of an Audit Report

Rachelle Jackson (moderator)

Rachelle Jackson, an APSCA CSCA, is our key moderator for the 2023 AMM. To read a comprehensive account of Rachelle’s experience in the profession and a recap of her credentials, please click here. 

Shannon Hess (Clorox)

Shannon Hess is the Director of Responsible Sourcing for The Clorox Company and also serves as Co-Chair of AIM Progress. She has nearly 25 years of experience in global natural cosmetics, working in various countries. At The Clorox Company, she has been instrumental in expanding responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency. Shannon’s role involves advising on cultural factors in supply chains, ESG priorities, and multistakeholder engagement. She is actively involved in AIM-Progress, focusing on human rights and plays a role in ISO’s global technical cosmetic working group. She is committed to natural ingredients and fostering supplier relationships for over 1,000 ingredients sourced from more than 100 countries.

Todd Nash (The Home Depot)

Todd Nash is the Director of Responsible Sourcing at The Home Depot in Atlanta, GA, with over 24 years of experience in retail and regulatory compliance. He oversees responsible and ethical business practices within the company, as well as compliance with the SEC Conflict Minerals rules and the Lacey Act. Todd is actively involved in professional organizations like the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors and the Responsible Labor Initiative.

Before joining The Home Depot, he held leadership roles at Amazon.com and West Marine, and worked as a consultant with government agencies at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Todd holds a B.A. in Political Science and English from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Fabiola Varga (APSCA CSCA)

Fabiola Vargas, originally from Honduras, holds degrees in marketing, Quality Control, and a Master’s in business management with a logistics focus. With a career spanning 17 years, she specializes in Corporate Social Compliance Audits, including labor laws, health and safety, and environmental standards. Fabiola’s expertise extends to quality management, food safety, and facilities security programs, covering Mexico, Latin America, and Caribbean countries. In 2023, she was promoted to Regional Operation Manager for the same regions. Fabiola holds multiple accreditations, including APSCA CSCA and WRAP Certified.

PANEL: Unlocking Learning Potential: Collaborating with Training Leaders and Organizations

Colleen Vien (moderator)

Colleen Vien, the inbound President & CEO of APSCA, is due to assume the position in November 2023. In this role, she will be dedicated to enhancing the professionalism and credibility of social compliance auditors. Her career at Timberland focused on upholding human rights and environmental standards in global supply chains. Colleen’s active involvement in various industry associations demonstrates her collaboration and leadership skills. Prior to APSCA, she worked at Porter Novelli, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies on social impact, sustainability, and communication strategies. Her experience in media relations adds depth to her leadership role at APSCA.

To read more about Colleen and her experience in the profession, please click here. 

Emily Sims Turin (ILO)

Emily Sims is a Senior Specialist in the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency. She specializes in workers’ rights and responsible business conduct, managing the ILO Helpdesk for Business. Emily has contributed to key international responsible business instruments, authored articles, and co-authored books. She holds a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics. She also teaches at Bocconi University and guest lectures at various institutions.

Sanjiv Singh (WIRE)

Sanjiv, based in Dubai, has a rich background in tea plantation management and accreditation auditing for organizations like SAAS and ASI. With 25 years in social accountability, he’s conducted audits for major brands, trained auditors for various standards, and founded WIRE, a consulting and training firm. WIRE works closely with the UAE government, offering training to their Labor Inspectors and developing the Smart Inspection System. They provide social auditors with expertise, and their courses are recognized by APSCA, including the recent ‘Holistic Triangulation for High-Quality Verified Data’ course in partnership with SLCP.

Susanne Gebauer

Susanne brings over a decade of dedicated expertise to the realm of social responsibility, with a career spanning back to 2008. She leverages her extensive background in benchmarking programs, establishing industry standards for renowned brands, offering insightful guidance on supply chain program enhancements, and crafting robust risk and audit tools to drive the mission of SLCP (Social and Labor Convergence Program).

In her current role, Susanne leads a dynamic team focused on upholding the integrity and precision of verified data. Her responsibilities also extend to ensuring that the Converged Assessment Framework aligns seamlessly with the diverse needs of stakeholders, fostering a holistic approach to social responsibility and sustainability.

Ben Bostock (Impactt)

Ben Bostock is a Principal Consultant at Impactt, specializing in forced labor investigation and remediation, as well as broader labor and human rights issues. He has led numerous investigations in Europe, the Gulf, and Asia, covering forced labor, modern slavery, and worker welfare. Ben provides consulting and training support for remediation efforts, addressing all 11 ILO Indicators of Forced Labor. 

From 2019 to 2023, Ben played a key role in developing Impactt’s in-house Forced Labor methodology, aligning it with the ILO’s 11 Indicators. His expertise also includes responsible recruitment and wage theft, and he has co-authored important guidelines on migrant worker recruitment fee repayment and wage non-payment rectification. Ben has contributed to academic papers on forced labor in UK medical procurement supply chains during the pandemic and has been involved in independent worker welfare monitoring reports in Qatar leading up to the World Cup.

Day 2 – Panellists & Moderators 

KEYNOTE: Converging Forces: Human Rights Due Diligence and Social Compliance Due Diligence

Paul Lalli (The Coca-Cola Company)

Paul Lalli is the Global VP of Human Rights, Labor & Employee Relations at The Coca-Cola Company. He oversees the company’s global human rights program, ensures compliance, and advises senior leadership. Previously, he held a similar role at General Electric. Paul is actively involved in initiatives promoting responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains, including serving as the Manufacturer Co-Chair of the Consumer Goods Forum’s Human Rights Coalition. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Emory University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

PANEL: Response to Keynote with Q&A

Avedis Seferian (moderator)

Avedis H. Seferian is the President and CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). Avedis also serves as Chair of the APSCA Executive Board and resides on the Stakeholder Advisory Board as a Collaborative Program Representative. He’s an expert in social responsibility within global supply chains in the apparel industry. A recognized leader in corporate social responsibility, Avedis frequently speaks at international forums and has contributed to industry publications. He also holds leadership roles in professional organizations related to social compliance. Avedis has a diverse background, having worked in business and legal research, and taught at the University of Maryland University College. He holds degrees from three continents and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar. He resides in Fairfax, Virginia, with his family.

Paul Lalli (The Coca-Cola Company)

Paul Lalli is the Global VP of Human Rights, Labor & Employee Relations at The Coca-Cola Company. He oversees the company’s global human rights program, ensures compliance, and advises senior leadership. Previously, he held a similar role at General Electric. Paul is actively involved in initiatives promoting responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains, including serving as the Manufacturer Co-Chair of the Consumer Goods Forum’s Human Rights Coalition. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Emory University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Linda Kromjong (amfori)

Linda Kromjong became President of amfori in 2022, a global business association for sustainable trade. She leads efforts to enhance the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of over 2,500 member companies worldwide. Linda’s career includes roles as Global Labor & Human Rights Director at Samsung Electronics, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and positions at Deutsche Post DHL.

She currently chairs the Stakeholder Board of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors Inc. (APSCA) and co-chairs the B20 India Action Council on ESG in Business. Linda is an advocate for sustainable trade, engaging with various organizations and institutions. She is of Dutch nationality and holds degrees in Hotel Management and Business Management.

Frank Dormers (TÜV Rheinland)

Frank Dorssers is the Senior Vice President of Systems at TÜV Rheinland, with 12 years of experience in social compliance and customized auditing, and also a Member of the APSCA Executive Board. He plays a key role in developing TÜV Rheinland’s services for third-party supply chain auditing. Frank is a strong advocate for the profession of Social Compliance auditors and actively engages in collaborative programs across various industries. He believes that through positive dialogue, the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) can deliver the results sought by the industry and stakeholders.

PANEL: Emerging Legislation Unveiled: Charting the Course in a Changing Landscape

Rachelle Jackson (moderator)

Rachelle Jackson, an APSCA CSCA, is our key moderator for the 2023 AMM. To read a comprehensive account of Rachelle’s experience in the profession and a recap of her credentials, please click here. 

Benedikt Wiedenhofer (BIAC)

Benedikt Wiedenhofer is a policy manager at Business at OECD (BIAC), the business stakeholder at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. He manages BIAC’s policy initiatives related to investment, responsible business conduct, anti-corruption, and development/emerging markets. Before joining BIAC, he worked in the International Relations Department of BusinessEurope in Brussels, representing European business interests to the EU. Benedikt holds a master’s degree in international relations with a focus on Global Political Economy and a bachelor’s degree in European Studies. He started at Business at OECD in April 2023.

Jason Pegat-Toquet (IOE)

Jason holds a master’s degree in international relations and has spent the last two years leading international engagement on responsible business conduct and human rights at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). In this role, he represents employers’ interests within the UN system, particularly at the ILO, addressing issues like supply chains, ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Better Work, and the MNE Declaration. He’s also involved in international negotiations such as the UN binding treaty on Business and Human Rights and Alliance 8.7. Jason manages the IOE Global Business Network on industrial relations and IOE’s network of partner companies. He frequently speaks at high-level events, including regional business and human rights forums and international conferences.

Linda Kromjong (amfori)

Linda Kromjong became President of amfori in 2022, a global business association for sustainable trade. She leads efforts to enhance the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of over 2,500 member companies worldwide. Linda’s career includes roles as Global Labor & Human Rights Director at Samsung Electronics, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and positions at Deutsche Post DHL.

She currently chairs the Stakeholder Board of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors Inc. (APSCA) and co-chairs the B20 India Action Council on ESG in Business. Linda is an advocate for sustainable trade, engaging with various organizations and institutions. She is of Dutch nationality and holds degrees in Hotel Management and Business Management.

Brian Hoxie (US CBP)

Brian M. Hoxie is the director of the Forced Labor Division at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade. He leads a team responsible for forced labor investigations and enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Previously, he directed investigations on anti-dumping and countervailing duty evasion under the Enforce and Protect Act. Brian has a background in planning, risk analysis, and border security missions within CBP and DHS. He holds multiple master’s degrees and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Computer Science.

PANEL: Dynamic Transformations: Unveiling the Evolving Landscape of Key Concerns

Justin Bettey (Intertek)

Justin Bettey is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Intertek’s Business Assurance division. His role involves aligning Intertek’s supply chain and responsible sourcing services with client and market needs. Justin has over ten years of experience in the environmental management systems sector and has worked with various monitoring and advisory firms in the FMCG sector, focusing on ESG risk and human rights. He is dedicated to developing the business case for supply chain investment and improvement.

Ross Nova (LLBean)

Ross Nova, Head of Global Compliance at L.L.Bean, Inc., brings 20 years of experience in international labor law and corporate social and environmental responsibility. In his current role at L.L.Bean, he oversees the responsible sourcing program for over 300 facilities and manages a global team while embedding his efforts throughout the organization. He also handles regulatory compliance matters, including product safety, licensing, marketing, and sustainability.

Internally, Ross is involved in L.L.Bean’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Sustainability Leadership Team, and Pandemic Team. He actively participates in various industry initiatives and has advised organizations on establishing standards. Ross is a licensed attorney in Maine, Wisconsin, and the US Court for International Trade. Outside of work, he is the President of the Brunswick Schools Performing Arts Board and a musician who plays clarinet and sax in two bands.

Rita Yip (IOE)

Rita Yip is a Senior Adviser at the International Organisation of Employers in Geneva, specializing in international labor standards. She provides legal advice on cases before the ILO standards supervisory bodies and works on policy matters related to employment and industrial relations in the Asia-Pacific and Arab States. Rita is also involved in initiatives to combat child labor and has a background in human rights and international criminal law. She is recognized for her contributions to international employment law and holds multiple degrees, including an LL.M. in International Law (cum laude) from the Graduate Institute of Geneva. Rita is multilingual, speaking English, French, Chinese, and studying Spanish.

Brian Hoxie (US CBP)

Brian M. Hoxie is the director of the Forced Labor Division at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade. He leads a team responsible for forced labor investigations and enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Previously, he directed investigations on anti-dumping and countervailing duty evasion under the Enforce and Protect Act. Brian has a background in planning, risk analysis, and border security missions within CBP and DHS. He holds multiple master’s degrees and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Computer Science.

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