Panel Speaker Bios

Joël Richer, National Health and Safety Leader
Emco Corporation


Joël Richer is the National Health and Safety Leader at Emco Corporation. He has over 10 years of experience in the fields of corporate risk management and health, safety and wellness. He holds a BA and MA in history from Western University, and an MBA with a specialization in health and safety leadership from the University of Fredericton.  Joel is a two-time OHS Honours winner, earning a spot on the prestigious OHS Canada Top 10 Under 40 in 2021, and winning the OHS Rising Star Award in 2023. 

 

Adam Palmer, Safety Manager, Faculty of Health Sciences
McMaster University

Adam Palmer is a nationally recognized safety leader, named one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40. He leads the Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office at McMaster University, supporting over 5,400 faculty, staff, researchers, and learners across hospital and campus sites in Central Ontario. His collaborative, strategic approach has helped shape a strong culture of health and safety at one of Canada’s top research institutions. 

Adam is a passionate advocate for mental health and workplace wellness, co-chairing McMaster’s Healthy Workplace Committee and a Facilitator of “The Working Mind” training. He also plays a key role in advancing safety across the sector as Co-chair of the OHS Subcommittee with Western Ontario Academic Health Sciences and Hospitals Education Network (WOAHSHEN), a Brand Ambassador for the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), and a Chair of the Tourism & Hospitality Advisory Committee and member of Executive Advisory Committee with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). 

Outside of work, Adam serves as Director of Events for the Hamilton Burlington Mountain Bike Association. He’s an avid mountain biker and runner who thrives on outdoor adventures and loves spending time with his young family. 

 

Roma Rana, Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
CRH Canada 

Roma Rana is a seasoned safety professional with over eight years of experience in field, she moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue postgraduate studies in OHS Management, driven by a passion for building safer, more resilient workplaces. As an Occupational Health and Safety Advisor at CRH Canada’s Materials Group, Roma leads initiatives to strengthen safety culture, reduce risk, and promote employee well-being. Her expertise in regulatory compliance and safety program development is matched by a leadership style rooted in fairness, consistency, and a deep commitment to ensuring every worker returns home safely.  

She embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur, continually striving to improve and evolve into the best version of herself each day. Her leadership style is a testament to the impact of dedication and resilience in achieving professional excellence. Her impact on workplace safety has earned national recognition, including a place on OHS Canada’s prestigious Top 10 Under 40 list in 2025 and the OHS Young Achiever Award in 2024. As a panelist at the 2024 #PROTECTHER Symposium hosted by OHS Canada, Roma inspired over 800 global participants, championing women’s empowerment in safety leadership. That same year, she was honored as an Emerging Leader by the Canadian Association of Women in Safety (CAWIC). Her unwavering dedication to safety and well-being makes her a valuable asset in any professional setting. 


Brandi Cowen, Editor, OHS Canada & Talent Canada
Annex Business Media 

Brandi Cowen is the editor of OHS Canada magazine, the national media source for occupational health and safety professionals, and Talent Canada. A storyteller at heart, Brandi engages and educates audiences with content tailor-made to answer their most pressing questions.  She has nearly a decade of experience in business-to-business media and holds a Master of Journalism degree from the University of British Columbia.