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# Community Liaisons (CLs)

### About

PHMSA's Community Liaisons (CLs) are responsible for face-to-face outreach and field compliance assistance on the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Their goal is to improve hazardous materials transportation safety and security through increased communication and education. CLs are assigned to each of PHMSA's regional offices and are available to help businesses comply with the hazardous materials transportation regulations through educational and technical assistance. They also provide compliance assistance to federal, state, and local governments.

## Community Liaison Bios

### Eastern Region

TBD

### Southern Region

**Elizabeth A. LaDow**

Elizabeth "Liz" LaDow, joined in March of 2019 and is the lead advisor and liaison for all hazardous material outreach and engagement initiatives and activities for the Southern Regional Office serving the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. She works closely with multiple federal, state and local officials to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials and other energy products.

Liz LaDow is an experienced materials specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. She is skilled in Administration, Training, Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Problem Solving, Public Speaking and Project Management. She is a strong operations professional with over twenty-five years of experience working with fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, DOW, FedEx and Northrop Grumman. Her national public speaking engagements, both in-person and web-based, have included work with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc (COSTHA), and most recently with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and American Craft Spirit Association following the Hand Sanitizer Relief notice that stemmed from the Covid-19 public health emergency.

Liz LaDow, is a veteran of the United States Navy having served in the field of intermediate aircraft maintenance in primarily the location of Misawa, Japan. She completed her bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College University (HBC) in 1996 and then obtained her Master's degree from the University of Kentucky in 1997. Liz is married to her husband, Ralph. The couple live in the Atlanta metro area of Georgia. Her outside interests include both hunting & fishing, youth sports, gardening, reading and cooking.

Have a question? Contact Elizabeth.

### Central Region

**Dan Richards**

Dan Richards began his role as PHMSA's Office of Hazmat Safety's Central Region Community Liaison (CL) back in March of 2019, based in Central Michigan. His main responsibilities are to provide stakeholders with the necessary tool and resources to operate within the federal Hazardous Material Regulation safely and confidently.

Dan started his career with PHMSA back in 2013 as a Compliance Investigator in the Central Region, where he gained years of firsthand knowledge and experience of how the HMR applies to real life transportation/packaging situations.

Prior to joining the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, Dan served in the United States Army from January 2004 until January 2013. During his experience in the Army, Dan trained Iraqi Police Officers in Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as being responsible for the enforcement of Department of Defense regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as a Correctional Specialist at the United States Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth Kansas. Also during his Military career, he gained experience in the safe transportation and handling practices of class one hazardous materials as a member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Field Artillery Units.

Have a question? Contact Dan.

### Southwest Region

**Mayra Ramos**

Mayra Ramos joins the Southwest Region as a Community Liaison. Prior to joining PHMSA, Mayra worked as a Medical Logistics, Training Analyst with the Veterans Affairs (VA) agency. Her duties consisted of providing consultative expertise to support efforts to train, document features and functionalities of the medical logistics system. Mayra also delivered instructor-led training to employees virtually and on-site. Prior to working with the VA, Mayra served in the United States Air Force for 12 years as a Medical Logistician and an International Curriculum Developer. Mayra studied at Trident University International and obtained her bachelor's degree in Business Administration (B.S.B.A) in 2022.

Mayra was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and raised in the central coast of California. She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Carlos and her four children. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and loves to travel.

Have a question? Contact Mayra.

**Michael S. Senigo**

Mike Senigo, a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background and a passion for serving others. After dedicating 24 years of his life to military service, Mike recently retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and leadership. Throughout his military career, he gained invaluable experience in various fields including security, aviation, training, education, curriculum development, leadership, Human Resources Management, strategic planning, and program management. Mike's academic achievements are equally impressive, holding a Master's degree in Executive Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education. Furthermore, he has acquired multiple certificates that enhance his professional capabilities. Mike's remarkable career and unwavering commitment to safety, education, and community engagement have established him as a respected leader and a trusted advocate. His dedication to serving others and making a positive impact in the world is truly inspiring.

With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Mike embarked on a new journey with the US Department of Transportation, where he has assumed the role of Community Liaison for Hazmat Safety. In this capacity, he actively engages with communities, leveraging his skills to ensure the highest levels of safety and preparedness in hazardous materials transportation.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mike possesses a genuine love for the outdoors and enjoys engaging in various outdoor activities. Whether it's golfing, hiking, hunting or exploring nature's wonders, he finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. He is dedicated to serving at his church and also enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children.

Have a question? Contact Michael.

### Western Region

**Evelyn Yang**

Evelyn joined PHMSA's Western Region in March 2023. As the Community Liaison for the Western Region, she serves as a bridge between the regulated industries, local communities, and the Federal Government. She takes pride in facilitating information exchanges and resource support to increase awareness of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), promote the safe transportation of hazardous materials, and ensure the safety of the American public.

Evelyn started her service career in public defense as a forensic specialist before transitioning to an investigator. She communicated complex scientific data and intricate case details effectively to audiences of various sizes and levels of understanding to obtain the best outcome for her clients. She graduated from George Washington University with a Master's in Crime Scene Investigation and from The University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry/Cell Biology.

Have a question? Contact Evelyn.

**Wayne Lalicon**

Wayne Lalicon has been PHMSA's Eastern Region Community Liaison for hazardous materials since August 2020. His primary responsibilities include cultivating relationships with industry partners, federal and local agency counterparts, the public at large, and underserved communities; assisting the public in understanding PHMSA's regulations and resources; and relaying and exchanging information and expertise with government colleagues. In pursuit of new challenges and novel solutions to lingering problems, he approaches each task as a possible learning opportunity. By relying on his ability to make personal connections via substantive conversation and keen listening skills, Wayne connects individuals to key information and resources.

Prior to joining PHMSA, Wayne had served in the Peace Corps in Rwanda (2014-2017) and Benin (2018-2020) where he honed his interpersonal and multicultural communication skills. He is an alumnus of Rutgers and UC Irvine as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Phi Sigma Iota honor societies. For his bachelor's degree and dissertation research, Wayne conducted substantial qualitative research on transnational migration, citizenship, and veterans. He is fluent in French, can converse in Kinyarwanda, and is learning Yoruba.

Have a question? Contact Wayne.

**Nii Amahtey Sampah**

Nii Amahtey Sampah joined PHMSA's Western Region as a Community Liaison in May 2023. As the liaison for the Western Region, his main responsibility is to bridge the gap between US DOT, PHMSA, regulated industries, partner agencies, and community stakeholders in terms of compliance. Nii Amahtey feels privileged to be able to serve the American public in this role.
Nii Amahtey's journey in public service began in the United States Army, where he served as a Special Electronic Device Repairer for over ten years. As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was recognized for his leadership skills and unwavering commitment to his mission and fellow service members. After his military service, Nii Amahtey ventured into the nonprofit sector, providing support services for intellectually disabled adults, including residential care, medical assistance, and community integration. During this time, he also pursued his Associates degree by attending night classes at the Community College of Baltimore County. Eventually, he earned his degree in General Studies. He furthered his education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in business administration with a specialization in global supply chain management from Wayne State University in Detroit. Currently, Nii Amahtey and his wife are in the exciting process of relocating back to their home state of Maryland.
Have a question? Contact Nii.
Last updated: Monday, January 29, 2024
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4433

HAZMAT Registration Help Desk: 202-366-4109

Hazardous Materials Information Center: 1-800-467-4922

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