Today, I'm excited to introduce Kelly Dobbins, a notable figure in the drug and alcohol screening industry. Kelly's journey is a testament to the unexpected turns a career can take, leading from a rigorous academic journey through banking and criminal justice to pioneering roles in the probation and drug testing fields.

Join us as Kelly shares her story, starting from her unexpected beginnings in banking to her influential role in shaping the future of drug and alcohol screening. In this podcast episode, Kelly will share her firsthand experiences with innovative drug testing technologies, such as oral fluid testing, and her views on the changing landscape of drug and alcohol screening.

Kelly's expertise and contributions to the industry are unparalleled. She has participated in beta-testing groundbreaking methodologies and has a unique perspective on the importance of adapting to new trends in the field.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights into the evolution of drug testing methodologies and hear from a notable figure in the drug and alcohol screening industry.

On today's episode of Clearing the Haze, we're joined by Bill Current, NDASA Board of Directors Nominee, to discuss the future of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA).

Bill's journey from sports journalist to drug and alcohol screening influencer is a testament to the impact we can make when driven by passion and purpose.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Bill's candidacy for the NDASA Board of Trustees is a promising opportunity for growth and impact.

Join us as we explore his motivations for joining the board, his perspective on current industry challenges, and his strategic vision for navigating the future.

From legislative hurdles to new technologies and methodologies in drug screening, Bill's insights will offer valuable perspectives on the path forward for NDASA and the broader industry.

Tune in to Clearing the Haze to gain valuable insights from a dedicated industry leader.

In today's episode of Clearing the Haze podcast, we are honored to interview Angela Moore, a distinguished nominee for the NDASA Board of Directors. Angela's decades of experience in drug and alcohol screening have led to significant contributions to the field, from grassroots initiatives to leadership roles in major organizations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Angela has been an active participant in community service, serving on various boards, including the Junior League of Kansas City, Dacia, and the Kansas City Ballet Guild. Her commitment to community and safety reflects a deep understanding of the importance of service and the role of industry leaders in shaping not just workplace practices but also societal well-being.

Join us as Angela shares her insights on the evolution of the drug testing industry, the significance of innovation and technology, and the importance of community service. Her journey from the ground up in this industry, coupled with her vision for the future, offers invaluable lessons and inspiration for us all.

Listen to this episode to uncover the depth of experience and impact Angela brings to the NDASA board of directors’ candidacy and the drug and alcohol screening industry.

In today’s episode of Clearing the Haze, hosted by Chuck Marting, we take a journey through the extraordinary life of Renee Schofield, a beacon of resilience, innovation, and community service in the challenging terrain of the drug and alcohol screening industry. With a career spanning over three decades as a seasoned business owner, Renee's narrative is not just about professional success but is interwoven with deeply personal experiences that lend her a unique perspective in her field.

Renee's story starts in the heartland of America, where she and her husband nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit, running a farm and owning a newspaper in Iowa. However, her path took a remarkable turn as she moved to a remote island in Alaska, transforming her daily commute into a voyage across waters, amidst charter fishermen and cruise ships, illustrating her adaptability and resolve.

As the matriarch of a family with a personal connection to recovery, Renee brings a compassionate lens to the drug testing industry, influenced by her experience as the parent of someone who has been in recovery for two decades. This personal journey has deeply informed her approach to her work, allowing her to empathize with and support others navigating similar paths.

Renee's impact extends beyond her professional role; she is a pillar in her communities in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Keokuk. Whether it's through contributing to the vitality of her home state, volunteering in community actions, or serving as a vital connector for those seeking guidance in the face of substance use, Renee embodies the spirit of service. Her leadership roles, including chairing the advisory board on alcoholism and drug abuse for the state of Alaska and her tenure with the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, highlight her commitment to making a difference.

Join us as we explore Renee Schofield's inspiring journey, a testament to the power of dedication, empathy, and community involvement in forging paths to recovery and resilience in the face of substance use challenges.

Welcome back to another riveting episode of our podcast, where we dive into the intricate world of the drug and alcohol screening industry through the eyes of its veterans. Today, we're honored to host Jan Kornmann, NDASA Board of Trustee’s Nominee, a seasoned professional whose journey through the field offers not just a history lesson but a masterclass in adaptation, growth, and leadership.

Jan's story begins in the late 1980s, a pivotal era when workplace drug testing was in its nascent stages, catalyzed by President Reagan's Executive Order 12564. Jan, fresh from transitioning from a laboratory technician to acquiring a bachelor's degree in management and sales, found herself at the forefront of this evolving industry. She recounts her early days at North Central Laboratories, a time of pioneering and laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of workplace safety.

Perhaps what stands out most in Jan's recounting is not just her professional achievements but her philosophy on leadership and education. A firm believer in the power of knowledge and hands-on experience, Jan has always prioritized equipping her teams with the expertise to navigate the complexities of drug and alcohol screening, thereby fostering environments of trust, efficiency, and unwavering quality.

So, join us as we explore Jan Kornmann's remarkable journey, from the early days of drug testing in America to the challenges and triumphs of establishing drug-free workplaces. Through her insights, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the industry's past, present, and future, and the indelible impact of those who've shaped it."

Here, we engage with leaders and innovators to spark conversations that matter, aiming to provide our audience with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate this complex field.

Welcome back to Clearing the Haze, the podcast where we dive deep into the issues surrounding workplace drug testing and substance abuse prevention. I'm your host Chuck Marting, and in today's episode, we'll be discussing  NDASA Advocacy Day in Washington D.C., planned for March 4-5 2024  where over 40 members of the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) will gather to advocate for the rights of employers to maintain drug and alcohol testing policies in the workplace, ensuring safety and productivity.

Episode Highlights:

As we wrap up today's episode, we thank Chairman Jim Greer and the NDASA members for their dedication to promoting safe and drug-free workplaces. Join us next time as we continue to explore important topics surrounding substance abuse prevention on Clearing the Haze.

Chairman Jim Greer suggested reading; The General vs. The President- MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385540574?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_X89V7W1MPZ3GSD26SWEP

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Clearing The Haze, the podcast that explores innovative solutions and remarkable individuals making a positive impact on our world. I'm your host Chuck Marting, and today, we have a truly fascinating guest with us - Ken Fichtler, the visionary founder and CEO of Gaize, a groundbreaking real-time drug impairment detection platform.

Ken brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as the Director of Economic Development for the State of Montana, where he played a pivotal role in job creation, attracted leading technology companies, and managed the economic response during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He's not just a proven operator and angel investor; Ken is also deeply connected to his community, residing in Missoula, Montana, where he enjoys a diverse range of outdoor activities and actively serves on several boards.

But that's not all – Ken is an avid reader and has shared some of his recommended reading with us. Before we dive into our conversation, here are a couple of books that have influenced and inspired him:

So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us as we explore the mind of Ken Fichtler, a leader at the intersection of technology, economic development, and community impact. Without further ado, let's start Clearing The Haze!

Join us in the first episode of 2024 as we dive into the groundbreaking legal changes shaping the future! In California, a seismic shift in drug testing policies has just taken place. We'll explore why traditional urine drug screening is no longer the norm, except for Safety-Sensitive positions or jobs requiring federal testing. Instead, employers are embracing saliva testing. Find out the driving forces behind this transformative decision and what it means for both employers and employees. Stay informed and stay ahead—tune in to uncover the why behind the switch!"

Medical and Recreational Marijuana has changed the landscape for employers, a lot of the guesswork can be eliminated by implementing sound Drug and Alcohol policies.

The key to the effectiveness of this is in supervisors, managers, and owners knowing and understanding these policies to effectively relay this to their teams to ensure a safe and productive workplace

In today's episode, we dive deep into how a Drug and Alcohol Policy can be an effective tool in maintaining safety in the workplace!