Phil Charlton is a pioneer in the field of utility vegetation management. He graduated West Virginia University with BSF, MSF, and PhD degrees in Forest Science. His career spans over forty years, including a significant tenure as President of ECI where he paved the way for hundreds of electrical companies to develop UVM programs for distribution line clearance and transmission right-of-way (ROW) management. Charlton developed the industry’s first electronic system for performance analytics of external workforce management. He has also served on the Right-of-Way Stewardship Council and is an expert witness for UVM. During his ten-year tenure at the Utility Arborists Association, Charlton grew the association’s financials and membership to over five thousand members. Phil served as the latest UAA’s Executive Director.
An industry veteran, Steve Hallmark brings over 40 years of transmission and distribution experience in forestry and vegetation management. He recently served as subject matter expert for the California Governor’s Office Operational Observer pertaining wildfire mitigation efforts and Public Safety Power Shutoff activities. Prior, Hallmark acted as senior advisor for some of the nation’s leading utilities. He also led Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) teams in both the Transmission and Distribution Management program and Customer Services Operations. Hallmark holds a B.S. degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Forest Management, plus ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certifications. Aside from playing an active leadership role throughout his career in multiple integrated vegetation management associations, Hallmark has also published articles in key publications and is largely accountable for creating the Utility Arborist Specialist credential.
Chris Peppler brings 17 years of health, safety, environmental, consulting and occupational medicine leadership experience. Prior to joining Iapetus, Peppler led teams supporting several clients, including Southern California’s Edison Contractor Safety Management program, as well as major oil and gas clients in the US and abroad. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Health and holds several safety-related certifications.
Chris Coker
Director of Health, Safety, and Operational Risk
Chris Coker serves as the Director of Health, Safety and Operational Risk for Iapetus Holdings companies. Prior to joining Iapetus, Coker spent 15 years at Southern California Edison (SCE), where he held leadership responsibilities in different departments including Law, Vegetation Management, Safety and Distribution. Most recently he served as Senior Manager in the Wildfire Program Management organization. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Risk Management from La Sierra University.
Matt Parker
Director of National Field Operations
Matt is affiliated with the National Center for Construction Education and Research and is a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional through the Tree Care Industry Association. He has extensive experience in oil and gas midstream operations, environmental services and firearms manufacturing. Matt manages the day-to-day AFS field safety support for one of the largest utilities in the U.S.
Myles Parma
Business Development Account Manager
Myles holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. He brings a wealth of experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders while identifying business opportunities with new and existing clients. He represents the voice of the customer within AFS, working closely with our field representatives to ensure clients receive top-quality services.
