John Vergis
Canton,OH
Summary
Dynamic leader in hazardous materials and environmental safety, recognized for strong problem-solving skills and effective project coordination. Committed to driving safety initiatives and ensuring compliance with regulations to support organizational goals.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Hazardous Materials and Environmental
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway
Brewster, OH
05.1995 - 04.2026
- Oversaw safety compliance and risk management initiatives across all operations.
- Implemented training programs to enhance employee performance and safety awareness.
- Developed partnerships with stakeholders to improve operational efficiencies.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Established vendor and supplier relationships to secure favorable terms for materials and services, contributing to cost-effective operations.
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such consultants and emergency response contractors
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences
- Developed and maintained the company's Storm Water Plans (SWPPP's)
- Operated and maintained the company wastewater treatment plant
- Collected all required monthly water samples and submitted lab results to the appropriate state EPA's
- Developed and maintained the company Emergency Response Plan
- Developed and maintained the company's Oil Response Plan (per High Hazard Flammable Train operation requirements) and was in charge of all required training and drills related to such.
- Trained First Responders along our lines on how to respond to a railroad incident safely, especially when it comes to hazardous materials situation
- Responded to all major derailments and restored the property to pre derailment condition or better
- Responded to all hazardous materials releases from railroad rolling stock and often mitigated the problem myself or used an appropriate contractor if I was unable to. This pertained to all accidental or non-accidental releases.
- Responded to hazardous materials spills at fixed facilities, effectively mitigating risks and ensuring environmental safety.
- Managed the storage and disposal of all company generated hazardous waste
- Assisted the Engineering Dept. in dealing with storm water runoff issues across the entire system.
- Managed the drainage systems across all railyards.
- I monitored the railyards regularly to keep up on housekeeping as far as trash and other waste debris is concerned
- I worked with local code enforcement and law enforcement officials to remove homeless that may have moved onto one of our properties
- I was responsible for obtaining the following permits: Boiler Permits, Elevator permits, General Storm Water Permits, Individual NPDES Permits, Non-Title V Air Permits, Permits by Rule for the various backup generators that we had across the system, Hazmat Registration permits, any permitting pertaining to building maintenance that may have been required
- I handled air quality surveys when it came to interior building environments, I oversaw building lead and asbestos surveys and remediation when needed
- I oversaw the new construction of any buildings, the demolition of any buildings and the general maintenance of our buildings of which there were 32
- I managed the maintenance and inspections of all of the company's hazardous materials storage tanks
- Maintained the fueling facilities and associated oil/water separators
- Made sure that all underground industrial wastewater lines were kept clean and flowing
- Managed encroachment issues with adjoining property owners, ensuring compliance with property boundaries and local regulations.
- I handled all falling tree complaints from adjoining homeowners
- I was very involved with local County LEPC agencies and also local EMAs
- I am currently the Secretary for the Stark County, OH
- I was a member of the Association of American Railroads Hazmat and Tank Car Committees
- I attended conferences to keep up to date on regulations and obtain continued education credits
Airman Basic
United Sates Air Force
San Antonio, Texas
02.1995 - 03.1995
- Underwent hernia surgery resulting in medical separation.
Education
DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation
Circon
Avon, OH09-2025
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management
Circon
Avon, OH09-2025
HAZWOPER Refresher
Circon
Avon, OH09-2025
Derailment Investigation And Prevention
Wolf Railway Consulting, LLC
Brewster, OH01-2016
Ethanol Safety
Renewable Fuels Association
Akron, OH08-2011
Emergency Response To Railcar Incidents
DuPont
Avella, PA07-2011
Advanced Tank Car Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Pueblo, CO03-2009
Advanced Railcar Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Pueblo, CO04-2008
Operations Level Training
The University of Findlay
Findlay, OH03-2008
Hazardous Materials Technician
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Pueblo, CO01-2007
Tank Car Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Pueblo, CO08-2006
Level 1 Presenter
Operation Lifesaver
Columbus, OH01-2006
Locomotive Mechanical
The Railway Education Bureau
Omaha, NE03-1997
High School Diploma -
Canton South High School
Canton, OH05-1994
Skills
- Hazardous materials handling
- Safety compliance
- Environmental regulations
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk management
- Emergency response
- Emergency response planning
- Incident investigation
- Crisis management
- Project management
- Project coordination
- Operations management
- Facilities management
- Data analysis
- Analytical thinking
- Technical documentation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Relationship building
- Task delegation
- Resource allocation
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Problem solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Public speaking
- Training program development
- Corporate social responsibility
- Industry knowledge
- Goal setting
- Rules and regulations
- Operations management
Accomplishments
- TRANSCAER Regional Coordinator Achievement Award for 2018
- TRANSCAER State Coordinator of the year for 2022
Affiliations
- Volunteer for grounds maintenance at North Industry Christian Church in Canton, OH
- Master of my Masonic Lodge in 2025
- Chair of the Safety Committee of Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland, OH from 2020 to 2025
- Was on the Board of Trustees at Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland, Oh from 2019 to 2023
- Current Secretary for the Stark County, OH LEPC
Timeline
Director of Hazardous Materials and Environmental
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway
05.1995 - 04.2026
Airman Basic
United Sates Air Force
02.1995 - 03.1995
DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation
Circon
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management
Circon
HAZWOPER Refresher
Circon
Derailment Investigation And Prevention
Wolf Railway Consulting, LLC
Ethanol Safety
Renewable Fuels Association
Emergency Response To Railcar Incidents
DuPont
Advanced Tank Car Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Advanced Railcar Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Operations Level Training
The University of Findlay
Hazardous Materials Technician
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Tank Car Specialist
Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Level 1 Presenter
Operation Lifesaver
Locomotive Mechanical
The Railway Education Bureau
High School Diploma -
Canton South High School