Meet the Auditors

Roger Abercrombie

Professional Background
Started in the steel joist fabrication/management after getting out of the US Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd class, starting a new joist fabrication facility in PA.  Moved on to being a lead assembler/manager of an incentator fabrication line for Clever Brooks boilers.  Have held positions as an industrial electrician, a maintenance manger for a distribution warehouse, an a plastic extrusion facility, then did 7 year in custom steel fabrication shop holding many different positions in management.  Then did a startup for a commercial kitchen vent hood fabrication/ installation company.  Went on to do 3rd party bridge fabrication & rehab inspection for the DOTs for 15 years, and have now been doing contract auditing for QMC for almost 5 years.  Along the way I obtain a PA EMT then Paramedic certification along with PA state light & heavy rescue certification.

Certifications / Licenses
AWS CWI/ AMPP Senior Coatings Inspector

Fun Fact
I drove the School Bus My Senior year of high school.

Kurt Beller

Professional Background
"Learned welding/ fabricating from my Father starting at age 12, Designing & Fabricating go carts, tricycles, etc.2 years High School Vo-tech welding.16-17 years old - Fabrication of ornamental iron products for customers.17 years old ""Officially"" Opened my welding shop.Owner / Operator for 40 years- Welding & Fabrication of Structural, Ornamental, Industrial products, and Construction equipment maintenance. (20 years AISC Certified)Supplied- Installed structural steel on approx. 400 projects in 48 states and Canada.

Certifications / Licenses
AWS CWI.  Past; AISC & Canadian Certified Fabricator, Contractor licenses in several states. AWS Qualified Welder. 

Fun Fact
The 1st go-cart I made didn't have an engine so I thought if I put small diameter wheels on the front and larger diameter wheels on the rear it would always be going downhill and I wouldn't have to push it. 

Robert Borchelt

Professional Background
Worker in metal fabrication shops growing. Completed IW Apprenticeship 1993 -  Certified AWS welder - Owned and operated a Steel Erection company -  Worked in a total of 43 states as IW and Quality Manager. Projects include Refineries, Power Industry, New Build Construction, ASME & API Piping Industry, Nuclear Surveillance (audit) experience, Over 10 years of experience on the Erector side of AISC Audits.

Certifications / Licenses
AWS CWI, AWS CWE, NCCER Training Instructor, US Army Corp Of Engineers CQM, OSHA 510 Safety Manager, AWS Certified Welder (SMAW - FCAW processes) ASTM F2620 - ASTM F3124 Plastic Fusion Inspector, ICC Certified Bolting Inspector,

Fun Fact
I  have coached Pee Wee Basketball. (mixed teams) 

Michael Bowblis

Professional Background
Mike has worked primarily in critical safety systems for aerospace and defense for over 20 years in supplier QA and project management roles; working as an independent consultant for the past 10 years.  He has conducted audits to a large variety of standards, including ISO, aerospace, automotive, medical device, FDA food & cosmetics, and corporate responsibility before working with QMC in steel construction.

Certifications / Licenses
ASQ Quality Engineer (expired)

Fun Fact
Mike has won first place 3 times in an annual standup paddleboard surf competition in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the ‘Shark Bite Capitol of the World’ where he resides.

Ray Braddy

Professional Background
Ironworker (10 years field experience), Fab shop Superintendent (20 years), Fab Shop QC/QA (5 years), CWI (27 years), NACE Level 3 CIP (27 years)

Fun Fact
B.A. in Biblical Studies

Michael Cappelli

Professional Background
Michael has spent the past 23 years involved in steel fabrication, with an emphasis on heavy highway and bridge projects. Starting his career as an estimator and project manager, Michael rose to Vice President for an AISC certified structural steel and simple bridge fabricator. With a desire to give back to the industry that has enriched his professional life, Michael embarked on a consulting career in 2019, leading to him joining QMC in 2021 as an Independent Auditor.

Certifications / Licenses
AWS QC1 Certified Welding Inspector, University at Buffalo Center for Industrial Effectiveness - Lean Boot Camp, State University College at Buffalo, Bachelor of Arts, Communications / Economics

Fun Fact
Michael started his career in insurance risk management, with one of his first projects involving a California structure fire whose narrative was later made into a crime documentary on Apple TV.

Craig Doan

Professional Background
Graduated from Central Michigan University B.S. in Industrial Technology with a Minor in Metals. Also holding an secondary teaching certificate. 30hours of graduate studies in Industrial counseling. Owned and operated a welding & fabrication company for since 1979. 

Certifications / Licenses
American Welding Society Life Member. 

Fun Fact
I Co-own a Christmas tree farm with my sister. I plan on going to Europe in 2026 visiting World War II sites (bucket list)

Tanya Fletcher-Scott

Professional Background
30 years in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Biotechnology in Quality Leadership, Engineering, Quality Systems, Process Engineering and Auditing.

Certifications / Licenses
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor; ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Fun Fact
I love riding in the first row of a roller coaster hands up the whole ride. 

Edward George

Professional Background
Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineer

Certifications / Licenses
P.E., C.W.I.,C.C.I

Fun Fact
I am a lover of Post Impressionist paintings and I am a collector of bad jokes. 

Edward Harmond

Professional Background
Edward grew up in northeast Mississippi and worked on the family farm from a very young age. During college he started in the steel industry with a specialized rigging and transportation company. After relocation from Georgia, he spent 13 years with a geotechnical engineering company, eventually becoming the company’s NDT manager and corporate Level III. After seven years as corporate safety and QA director for an industrial contractor, Edward joined QMC as a contract auditor in 2017. He served in the Army and National Guard in parachute infantry and special operations. After the 9/11 attacks he joined the Air Force Reserve and retired with over 26 total years of service. 

Fun Fact
I had aspirations of becoming a Wall Street investment banker. A happy little accident brought me into this industry, and it’s been an amazing ride. 

Calven Hernandez

Professional Background
Fabrication/Erection business

Fun Fact
I've been in steel since I was sixteen.

Chris Jackson

Darlene Kestler

Professional Background
I began working in the steel industry straight out of high school doing small drawings for a wire mesh partition fabricator while attending a technical school for mechanical drawing. After which I worked for a large Engineering Firm as a Junior Draftsperson, only to find myself longing to provide more details to the drawings. My interest in how it was going to be built pushed me to seek out job opportunities within a fabrication shop. I gained experience at an Aluminum Shop, an Ornamental Iron Shop and a Miscellaneous Metal Shop before finding a home with a Light Structural Steel Fabricator/Erector. The company I spent over 25 years with was a small family-owned operation which allowed me full involvement in the projects from estimating, detailing, purchasing and project management. Highlight of the years spent was being involved with several building renovations in Baltimore City, MD.

Certifications / Licenses
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor

Fun Fact
Worked in the Garden Center at Home Depot watering flowers not to long ago just for FUN

Ping Li

Professional Background
Ping joined QMC as a contract auditor in 2006 and possesses over 18 years of experience of steel fabrication and erection auditing.  At QMC, Ping conducts both domestic and international AISC certification audits.  Prior to QMC, Ping worked as a project manager at Caterpillar and Zebra Technology where she was involved in projects of designing and testing large excavators or small printers.  Ping holds a MS of Industrial Engineering from Northern Illinois University.

Certifications / Licenses
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor

Fun Fact
I used to have the nickname “apple”, since I had a round chubby face like an apple when I was young. 

Fred Moore

Robert Powell

Ron Runk

Professional Background
In 1977 he graduation from Penn State University with two BS degrees (Ag Business Management and Industrial Engineering). In 1996 he obtained an MBA from Penn State.  His first job out of college was with Sperry New Holland (construction and agriculture equipment manufacturer) where numerous management positions were held including a plant manager at two locations in PA and one in KS.  After 24 years, he switched companies and became a plant manager for High Steel Bridge Structures.  He finished his career with High as Director of Quality in 2016 and started as a contract auditor for QMC in 2017. 

Fun Fact
One daughter and two wonderful grandchildren who live in Denver CO. 

Jacob Sexton

Professional Background
Jacob joined the Active Duty Air Force shortly after graduating high school, serving as a System Matter Expert for the Fuel System on C-130 & CV-22 aircraft. During his 11 years in the military he achieved the grade of E-6 and was responsible for coordinating aircraft priorities with other agencies, managing programs such as consolidated tool kits (CTK), calibrated equipment, hazardous materials and supply items. His greatest responsibility was  inspecting subordinates work and certifying aircraft for flight. He transitioned to the Air Force Guard in 2023 to pursue other career opportunities. He joined the QMC team as a contract auditor in the spring of 2024.

Certifications / Licenses
Skidmore Wilhelm: Understanding Bolt Tension Certification, AMPP Basics of Steel Surface Preparation, OSHA Introduction of Steel Surface Preparation and SSTC Seminar: AISC Requirements for Quality Control and Quality Assurance (Chapter N) 

Fun Fact
Recently achieved a childhood dream by obtaining a First-Class Medical Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration following a thorough two-year review process. He intends to resume his pursuit of becoming a private pilot later this year.

Patt Thomashefsky

Professional Background
3M Senior Technical Adviser, Statistics, Quality manager in the construction industry

Certifications / Licenses
AWS-CWI, ASQ-CQA, ASQ-CQM/OE, ASQ-CQE, , ASNT UT & MT level 2.  Retired

Fun Fact
I rode the bull at Gilley’s 

Peter Urbani

Professional Background
Independent Structural Steel Auditor | AISC Compliance Specialist | Merchant Mariner Master CaptainA globe-trotting Structural Steel Auditor with over 25 years of experience in advanced fabrication and erection, specializing in AISC compliance and quality management. Operating as an Independent Contract Quality Auditor for QMC (Quality Management Company, LLC), I conduct advanced domestic and international audits for Structural Steel Fabrication participants enrolled in the AISC program.My expertise spans Building, Highway Component, Advanced Bridge Fabrication, Fracture Critical endorsement , Complex Coating, and Structural Steel Erection. With a deep understanding of modern quality control and manufacturing methods, I ensure compliance and excellence in structural steel fabrication and erection worldwide.“

Personal Interests / Hobbies
When I am not traveling around performing audits, I can be found volunteering with an antique wooden boat racing association and sailing with my friends and family on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

Fun Fact
In addition to my work in structural steel, I hold a Commercial U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Master Captain’s credential. This credential has afforded me the oppertunity to blend my passion for fabrication of structural steel and my love of being on the water. This credential has allowed for me to blend my interests while exploring and consulting for offshore wind, offshore energy production, maritime bridge construction and structural steel for maritime vessels. 

Brandi Vance

Professional Background
Worked in the Quality Management Department for 25 years in a ISO 9000 certified company.

Certifications / Licenses
ASQ Auditing, ISO 9000

Fun Fact
I always have money for iced coffee.

Lloyd E. Walker

Professional Background
Lloyd holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Grenoble School of Management in France. With over twenty-five years of auditing experience, Lloyd is dedicated to helping organizations maximize productivity with implementation of the continual improvement concept in their management system. Today, as a management system auditor, Lloyd E. Walker is dedicated to helping organizations improve the effectiveness of their management system and customer satisfaction rating by implementing the continual improvement concept as required for AISC certification. 

Certifications / Licenses
Certified ISO 9001-2015 Lead Quality Auditor, Certified International Maritime Security Auditor, Certified ISO 14001 Lead Environmental Auditor, Certified ISM Safety-Risk Management Auditor, and Certified ISO 18001 Lead OHSAS Auditor 

Fun Fact
I enjoy ballroom dancing – Waltz

Darren Ward

Professional Background
"Twenty plus years in the oil and gas industry testing electro-submersible pumps, seal and motors. Ten years at HILTI as stockroom attendant. Eight plus years as a mechanic in the Navy and Cummins Engine Company."

Personal Interests / Hobbies
Fishing, grilling and family.

Wendy Worrell

Professional Background
The start of my Structural Steel career began in 1996 as a joist & deck detailer for a small outfit in Denver, Colorado. Since I've been a detailer for a couple steel fabricators, even worked for a Structural Engineer. After September 11th, I joined the Air National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2004. Making my way back to the world of fabrication (AISC Certified), I assisted the detailing department & Project Managers as a Project Coordinator until 2010. December 2017 I returned once again to steel, this time as a Project Manager for a Steel Erection Company (AISC Certified). Fall of 2024 I decided it was time to be on the other side of the AISC auditing table and am excited for this new steel adventure.

Certifications / Licenses
MBA Project Management, AS Architectural Design/Drafting

Fun Fact
Was born in Italy

Matthew Zalat

Professional Background
Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the construction industry, with a track record of supporting companies and government entities over his 25-year career. Starting out as a civil construction engineer in the Midwest, he eventually transitioned to the HSE field as a permit engineer for the State of Indiana. His career then led him to managing a portfolio of Oil & Gas projects, where he gained experience in auditing. In 2021, Matthew made the decision to work independently and joined QMC as a contract auditor. He now calls San Antonio, Texas home.

Certifications / Licenses
ISO Lead Auditor; Project Manager Professional 

Fun Fact
I evaluate hotels based on the temperature of their showers, as I am accustomed to taking daily cold plunges at home. 

Bob Zaykoski