James B. Porter, Jr.
James B. Porter, Jr. is a highly respected engineering executive best known for his long career at DuPont, where he served as Chief Engineer and Vice President of Engineering and Operations until retiring in 2008. He joined DuPont in 1966 as a chemical engineer, later holding senior roles including Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Safety, Health & Environment. Porter is the founder and president of Sustainable Operations Solutions, LLC, a consultancy focused on workplace and process safety, capital effectiveness, and operational productivity. He has chaired the Construction Industry Institute (CII) and received major honors such as the Carroll H. Dunn Award of Excellence.
Deborah L. Grubbe
Deborah L. Grubbe is an internationally recognized expert in process safety, engineering management, and operational excellence. She is the owner and president of Operations and Safety Solutions, LLC, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across DuPont, BP, and major global organizations. A distinguished engineering alumna of Purdue University, she has held senior corporate roles including Vice President of Group Safety and Industrial Hygiene at BP and Corporate Director of Safety and Health at DuPont. Grubbe has contributed significantly to national safety initiatives, serving on the NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel and supporting the Columbia Shuttle Accident Investigation Board. NASA awarded her its Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of her contributions.