Signature Sponsor
National Holmes Mining Safety and Health Conference Draws Over 100

 


May 17, 2025 - Over 100 members, partners and guests attended the 2025 National Holmes Mining Safety and Health Conference, held with associated organizations: the Mine Safety Institute of America and the National Mine Rescue Association. The conference was held May 12-16 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach – North Beach, Virginia Beach, VA.

Farewell Jeff Kravitz

Hoover Lifetime: John Rigi, Ron Gradowski, Kyle Scribe

There were 25 presentations on safety and health, as well as mine rescue, presented by national and international experts representing all sectors of the mining industry. There were also a number of annual meetings held during the event including: the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association Executive Committee and General Meeting, the Mine Safety Institute of America (MSIA) and the Holmes Mine Rescue Association (HMRA).

The new President of MSIA is Chris Whitt, who chaired that meeting. Joe Sbaffoni, Secretary-Treasurer, presented the gavel box suitably engraved with the names of all past presidents and reported that there were now over 70 members of MSIA. The President of HMRA, Allen Dupree, chaired its general meeting and among the attendees were industry leaders: Kenny Murray, Brian Millington, Josh Brady, Jim Dean, Todd Moore, and Kent Armstrong.
 
 
 Ival Van Horne: Kyle Scribe, Chris Rachel, Dustin Mowery
 
 

 
Woman of the Year: Kyle Scribe, Brittanie Phillips, Dustin Mowery
 
This year’s Holmes Conference held special significance as the group gathered to celebrate advancements in mine safety and health but also to honor the life of and legacy of Dr. Jeffrey A. Kravitz, who passed in December 2024 and left an irreplaceable void in the mine rescue community. A passionate advocate for mine rescue, Jeff’s contributions will never be forgotten and will continue to provide inspiration for many years to come.

The Conference concluded with the traditional Banquet and after an address by Sam “Safety” Scribe, the annual honors were announced for those providing excellence and making a difference in mine safety and health:

• William “Bill” Hoover Lifetime Achievement Award- Ron Gradowski
• Ival Van Horne Award – Chris Rachel
• Holmes Safety Association Woman of the Year – Brittanie Phillips
• Holmes Safety Association Man of the Year – Kyle Scribe

At the end of the Conference, Kyle Scribe, the Holmes Safety Association President, handed over gavel to the new President, Dustin Mowery. 
 
 
Man of the Year: Bob Glatter, Kyle Scribe, Dustin Mower