LEAP 2023-2024 Class - Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association

Ryan Baughman

COATINGS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST | PARAGON TECHNICAL SERVICES

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Employed with Ergon for 15 years, all at Paragon. Spent 11 years in paving emulsions as an Emulsions Chemist and the past 4 years in the asphalt coatings division as a Coatings Development Specialist. Married with one 4-year-old daughter.

Cody Branch

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & STRATEGY | TALLEY OIL INC.

I’m Cody Branch, the Director of Operations and Strategy at Talley Oil Inc., where I focus on optimizing operations, driving growth, and leading our EOS implementation. I started as a Business Analyst after earning my Ag Business degree from Fresno State and now oversee all aspects of Talley Oil, including manufacturing, transportation, finance, and our construction division. Beyond the business, I have a passion for leadership and problem-solving, whether it’s in business or managing our family’s small cattle operation.

Bryan Champion

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER | ERGON ASPHALT & EMULSIONS INC.

Bio coming soon!

Brenna Collins

SCIENTIST | ARKEMA

I moved to Tulsa, OK from College Station, TX, where I completed my PhD in Chemistry, and started working for Arkema about 2 years ago. I also have experience in additives and have recently moved to the emulsions team.

Wesley Geiger

OPERATOR 3 | ASPHALT MATERIALS INC.

I specialize in the manufacturing and quality control testing of asphalt emulsions. I’ve worked at our Edison facility since 2010.

Thomas Henderson

SALES ASSOCIATE | ERGON aSPHALT & EMULSIONS INC.

I recently graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science. I was born and raised in Mississippi and am excited to learn more about the asphalt industry and what it has to offer.

Aidan Ketterer

PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR | RUSSELL STANDARD

I am the Procurement Coordinator at Russell Standard, supporting sourcing, supplier management, and material procurement across the company’s asphalt operations. I recently earned my Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business and hold an undergraduate degree in Sustainability from Chatham University.

Edgar Mondragon

LEAD FOREMAN | SUSTAINABLE EMULSIONS

I have 5 years of experience in the milling industry, supporting daily plant operations, production goals, and team leadership. I am committed to improving productivity, reducing downtime, and maintaining a safe work environment.

Rachid Ridouane

LEAD TAB TECHNICIAN | RUSSELL STANDARD

I'm Rachid, a laboratory technician with Russell Standard, specializing in asphalt and emulsion products used in road construction and pavement preservation.

Ty Roebuck

AREA SALES MANAGER - KS | eRGON ASPHALT & EMULSIONS INC.

I am a Kansas Area Sales Manager for Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions, specifically serving the western Kansas emulsion market. I spent over 10 years in the Entertainment and Hospitality industry, where I developed a strong skillset in customer service and business operations. I joined Ergon in the fall of 2025 and am excited to participate in the LEAP program to gain knowledge of the industry, emulsion manufacturing, and develop valuable relationships. A native Kansan, I grew up and have spent the majority of my life in southeast Kansas, and now reside in Andover, KS. When not in the field, I enjoy spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing, or with my wife and daughter.

Hannah Smiley

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR | RUSSELL STANDARD

I am the Product Development Supervisor at Russell Standard. Originally from California, I earned a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Metropolitan State University of Denver. With many years of laboratory experience and strong skills in troubleshooting and R&D, I look forward to expanding my industry knowledge through the LEAP program. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my husband, as well as spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and kayaking. I also love cooking and exploring new recipes.

Alex Walker

emulsion chemist | paragon technical services

I am a Mississippi State University graduate (2022) from a small town called Crystal Springs. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering while attending college. While going to school and during breaks, I worked as an uncertified veterinary technician. I became an Emulsion Chemist for Ergon a year after graduating college and married my wife, whom I met in college, in October 2025.

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LEAP 2026-2027 Class