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.

Dave Baxter

Professional Background

I started my career programming welding robots for a small company in Jackson, MI.  After that I worked as a quality engineer for TRW Automotive in their automotive braking division.  In 2005 I started at Davco Technology as a quality engineer.  They are the industry leader for diesel fuel filtration for the heavy truck market. Over the 20 years there I held many positions, Quality Manager, Plant Manager, Director of Manufacturing Technology and lastly, Director of Operations.  In that position, I was responsible for Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Purchasing and Shipping/Receiving.  I was also responsible for our China and South America operations.

Certifications / Licenses

4 year apprenticeship for Metrology, IATF16949 lead auditor, ISO14001 lead auditor 

Fun Fact

I like hunting, fishing, riding the trails in Northern Michigan on my side by side and muscle cars.

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. 

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)

Daniel Dombrovski 

Professional Background
Seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in electro-submersible and horizontal pump systems. Bringing 15 years of hands-on expertise in the assembling, coating, and testing. Additionally, spent approximately a decade conducting technical audits, authoring manufacturing documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards and drive operational excellence. 

Certifications / Licenses
ISO Lead Auditor; ISO Internal Auditor

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

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
C.W.I., AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector

Fun Fact
Surfer and Disc Golfer

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. 

Carson McCain

Professional Background
"Independent Construction Auditor | Quality Management Specialist

An experienced Construction Auditor with over 20 years in the field, I bring a comprehensive background in structural and civil construction quality management. As an Independent Contract Quality Auditor for QMC (Quality Management Company, LLC), I perform advanced domestic audits across North America for fabricators, suppliers, and contractors engaged in major infrastructure and building projects.

My experience includes 10 years of third-party inspections for Departments of Transportation, 10 years of internal auditing for general contractors overseeing fabrication and supply operations throughout North America, and 3 years conducting audits for governing bodies in the construction materials industry. My work spans the heavy civil infrastructure sector, with a focus on transportation, oil and gas, buildings, water treatment, power, and industrial projects. Grounded in a deep understanding of modern fabrication, quality control, and compliance systems, I help ensure integrity and performance across every phase of construction."

Fun Fact
"When not traveling for audits, I enjoy exploring new places through food and culture—often bringing unique flavors home to cook for family and friends. I’m passionate about photography, discovering great coffee shops, and performing and singing with my world soul band.

I find that auditing and music share something in common—both require deep listening and a sense of rhythm. Whether reviewing a quality system or performing on stage, I approach each experience with the same goal: connection, precision, and authenticity."

Fred Moore

Professional Background
QMC Auditor-6-yrs, ASME Pressure Vessels-Division Manager, USNavy submariner-Chief Eng USS Dace (SSN-607)

Certifications / Licenses
Professional Engineer, Certified Welding Inspector, Bridge Coating Inspector I, NDT Level III (expired), Certified Quality Manager (expired)

Fun Fact
In the Navy, an "oulie" was a little-known fact you might use to stump someone on an oral exam (ex: the location of an insignificant valve under the deckplates in the engineroom)

Logan Rathburn

Professional Background
"I’ve worked in construction for over ten years, managing and supporting projects across a wide range of sectors. From power and industrial facilities to higher education, religious institutions, and custom homes. My background blends field experience with formal training; I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and a Master’s in Construction Engineering.

Alongside operating my own construction company, I serve as a quality auditor for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). In this role, I work with fabrication and erection firms to ensure compliance with AISC’s quality management standards and help strengthen consistency across the industry. I’m passionate about construction done well, work that’s precise, organized, and built to last and I enjoy collaborating with teams that share that same commitment to quality."

Certifications / Licenses
CQA

Fun Fact
When not working, you’ll find me in the mountains! 

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 walked 15ft on burning coals (Tony Robbins conference)

Boyce Towell

Professional Background
I am a seasoned QA/QC professional with 3 decades on experience in the nuclear, oil & gas, structural, and power generation industries. I have over 15 years of auditing experience. I volunteer time as an member of AWS committees and board of directors. I am glad to part of the QMC auditing team.

Certifications / Licenses
AWS SCWI, AWS D1.5 Endorsement, ISO 9001 Internal Auditor, CP-189 UT II, CP-189 MT II, CP-189 PT II, 

Fun Fact
I enjoy reading codes and standards.

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.

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.

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.