Panel Topic: Elevating Through Change
Description:
The elevator industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by technological innovation, workforce evolution, sustainability initiatives, and changing customer expectations. This panel brings together industry leaders and experts to explore how organizations can successfully navigate change while continuing to drive growth, safety, and operational excellence.
Panelists will share insights on emerging technologies, talent development, modernization strategies, regulatory challenges, and the leadership approaches needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on embracing change, fostering resilience, and identifying new opportunities to elevate their businesses and careers in the years ahead.
Join us for a dynamic conversation on how the industry can adapt, innovate, and lead through change while shaping the future of vertical transportation.
Moderator:
Susan VanVleet, Draka EHC
Susan VanVleet As Commercial Director, Susan VanVleet leads both market and product strategy for Prysmian’s Elevator & Escalator Business Unit, Draka EHC—an industry leader known for its innovation and breadth of high-performance vertical transportation solutions. She drives commercial growth by aligning product development with evolving customer needs and market dynamics, leveraging her 20+ years of construction industry experience to simplify complex challenges and reinforce Prysmian’s competitive edge across North America.
Panelists:
Greg DeCola, Van Deusen & Associates
More than 3 decades in all aspects of Elevator, Escalator & Horizontal Moving devices on a national scale from manufacturer through field, construction, alteration, service, and supervisory duties.
Former owner of Omega Industries now a division of VDA, an elevator consulting, inspection, expediting & education company.
Past employed by Otis Elevator Company achieving management positions after rising through the field. Responsible for full service, design, maintenance, consulting on escalators, elevators, and people movers on projects of all sizes. Field, supervisory and administrative work for other major vertical and horizontal companies including Century Elevator and Archer Elevator in the New York market. Managed and supervised elevator and escalator crews of more than 100 persons.
Sits on six ASME A17.1 Code Committees, Guide for Emergency Personnel Committee – Chairman, Elevators Used for Construction Committee -Chairman, A17 Inspection Committee, QEI Committee, Hand & Sidewalk Elevator Committee, Ad Hoc Safety Committee. Also serves as Vice Chairman of New York City Elevator Code Committee.
Has written numerous articles for elevator World magazine and is Co-author of Elevator Field Employees Testing Manual 5th Edition.
Kendra Glenn, BTS Elevator Packages
As Managing Member of BTS Elevator Packages, Kendra plays a key role in driving the company's growth, strategic vision, and commitment to delivering innovative elevator package solutions. Kendra's foundation in the elevator industry was built through her leadership role at sister company, G-Tech Elevator Associates, where she oversaw day-to-day operations and contributed to the successful execution of projects across a wide range of markets. Known for her collaborative leadership style, attention to detail, and dedication to advancing the industry, Kendra is passionate about fostering growth, embracing change, and creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals in the elevator industry. Through her work, she continues to advocate for innovation, strong partnerships, and the development of future industry leaders.
Morgan Jones, Hyperion Solutions
Morgan Jones is a passionate advocate for innovation, connection, and meaningful dialogue within the vertical transportation industry. Through her work with Hyperion Solutions and as host of the Let’s Talk Elevators podcast, Morgan brings people together to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and help move the industry forward. As Chair of NexGen, she is focused on fostering engagement, leadership development, and stronger connections for the next generation of elevator industry professionals. Morgan is excited to join this year’s Women in Motion panel, “Elevating Through Change,” to discuss growth, resilience, and navigating transformation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Robert Masterson, Perlen Steel
Robert Masterson is a third-generation elevator industry professional with more than 44 years of experience spanning every aspect of the business, from multiple field operations and custom engineering to executive leadership and strategic growth. Beginning his career in 1982, he developed hands-on expertise across all departments of the elevator industry, building a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and operational leadership.
In 1991, Robert was one of the founders of Garden State Elevator, growing it into one of NY/NJ’s most respected independent elevator companies. During his leadership, he successfully acquired three elevator companies, completed some of the industry’s most unique and challenging projects, and earned a reputation for delivering exceptional service before his company was acquired by Otis Elevator in 2002.
Robert later served in senior leadership roles with both Otis Elevator and TK Elevator. At TK NY, he managed their largest service operations in the country and was selected to develop the groundbreaking 24/7 electronic maintenance program for One World Trade Center, a one-of-a-kind program that remains in operation today.
In 2018 he accepted the role as President of Modernization and Construction at Champion Elevator. During his time at Champion, he also held multiple positions including Senior Technical Advisor, Senior Sales Engineer and was the company’s advisor for all Green Technology and sustainability needs. Robert led several landmark modernization projects, most notably the historic $50 million Co-Op City modernization in the Bronx, one of the largest elevator modernization projects in industry history, involving 160 elevators consisting of 80 duplexes, modernizing 10 elevators at a time. The four-year project was completed four months ahead of schedule, under budget, and exceeded all financial expectations.
As of March of 2025, Robert now serves as CEO of KSJ Perlen Steel Company, a leading supplier of elevator components and custom steel fabrication, continuing his lifelong commitment to advancing the elevator industry through innovation, leadership, and technical expertise.