Instructors

Scott D. Coffman, PE, has over 39 years in structural wood design, engineered wood building components and forensic engineering experience. This experience includes product testing, field investigations, FRT lumber, construction related issues, building envelope, expert testimony, and product application and serviceability. He is a past member of the ANSI/TPI 1 Standard Project Committee and has authored and co-authored articles for several magazines. He is currently with Construction Science and Engineering, a REI Engineers Company, and has worked for TusJoist MacMillan, Builders FirstSource, and Motley Structural Design. He is a Purdue graduate currently licensed as a professional engineer in nine states and is certified in the practice of structural engineering. (e-mail: scottcoffman@constructionscience.org)

John Holland, MBA, grew up working in the multi-generational family truss plant and has been “in the industry” for his entire career. Through the years, John has been actively involved in the Structural Building Component Association (SBCA), in particular the Technology and Emerging Leader committees. In 2016, John co-founded Paragon, a software company specializing in software for the wood truss industry. John has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Covenant College. (email: johnh@paragontruss.com)

John “Buddy” Showalter, P.E., is a senior staff engineer with the International Code Council's product development group. He develops technical resources in support of the structural provisions of the IRC and IBC. In addition, he develops publications and technical seminars on the structural provisions of the International Codes for building departments, design engineers and special inspectors. He is the project lead in the development of Mass Timber Buildings and the IBC and associated education programs, jointly developed by the Code Council and the American Wood Council (AWC). A graduate of Virginia Tech, Buddy has also been a member of the editorial board for STRUCTURE magazine for more than 15 years. Before joining the Code Council, Showalter spent 26 years with the AWC where he oversaw its technology transfer program with oversight responsibility for publications, website, helpdesk, education, and other technical media. He has more than 34 years of experience in the development and support of building codes and standards, publishing more than 60 technical articles for industry-related trade journals. (e-mail: bshowalter@iccsafe.org)

Scott Miller, P.E., is the Vice-President of Global Structural System Technology at MiTek where he leads a global research and development team focused mostly on improving wood construction with a focus on driving a Design-Make-Build mindset into construction. In his 26 years at MiTek he has led numerous engineering teams including the US truss engineering and lateral system engineering teams. Scott has regularly presented technical and non-technical topics to a verity of audiences. He currently serves on the Truss Plate Institute Board, the Board of Managers for ICC-ES and the Board of Advisors to the School of Engineering for Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. (email: smiller@mii.com)

Frank Woeste, P.E., Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Biomaterials, Virginia Tech (VT). Frank conducted wood engineering research and taught wood design courses throughout his 26-year tenure at VT. Frank, along with his colleagues at VT and Washington State University, have developed and presented continuing education programs for more than 30-years. He currently serves on the AWC Wood Standards Design Committee responsible for revisions to the national design standards such as NDS and WFCM. On a routine basis, Frank consults with the public, design professionals, contractors, building code officials on various aspects of engineered wood construction and residential construction, including decks and balconies.