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Keynote Address

McDonald’s Secret Sauce: The Power of Partnership

Monday, July 14, 5:00 – 6:00PM

Cesar Pina, McDonald’s North America SVP/Chief Supply Chain Officer, will explore how partnership and collaboration have been the recipe for success, helping McDonald’s become an iconic brand with a global footprint. This session will dive into the company’s franchise model and its Three-Legged Stool approach- uniting Owner/Operators, Corporate, and Suppliers to drive innovation, sustainability and growth. Cesar will share how McDonald’s continues to strengthen partnerships within the environmental health community while maintaining its commitment to feeding families and communities worldwide.

Speaker - Cesar Piña, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America McDonald’s USA .

As Senior Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America, Cesar leads teams that foster supplier partnerships- an enduring competitive advantage for McDonald’s. He oversees the company’s $16 billion supply chain spend, driving sustainable sourcing, innovation, and efficiencies across 15,000+ restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.

Previously, as Vice President of Global Strategic Sourcing for Food, he strengthened supply chain resiliency and spearheaded sustainability initiatives, including developing a deforestation-free beef supply chain in Latin America. Prior to joining McDonald’s, he worked at General Mills, supporting manufacturing operations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Cesar is a passionate advocate for advancing youth education and fostering inclusion. He mentors young professionals, serves on his Local School Council, and works to create opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Cesar lives in Chicago with his wife and three children.

Grand Educational Session Kickoff

The Current 2015-2025 Global Increase in Domestic Rodents and it’s Relevance to NEHA Professionals.

Tuesday, July 15, 8:00 – 8:50 AM

Dr. Bobby Corrigan, a leading expert in urban rodentology, will examine the rise of global rodent populations and their impact on public health, safety and quality of life. This session will highlight the role of NEHA professionals in addressing these challenges through education, collaboration and science-driven strategies. Dr. Corrigan will share cutting-edge technology, sustainable control methods, and real-world applications to help communities, businesses, and civic agencies implement effective, long-term rodent management solutions.

Speaker - Bobby Corrigan, Ph.D, Urban Rodentologist, RMC Pest Management Consulting.

As a leading expert in urban rodentology, Dr. Bobby Corrigan has spent over 30 years developing science-based rodent management solutions for cities, businesses and public health agencies worldwide. He has designed control programs for major urban centers, airports, universities, and commercial industries, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

Previously, as a researcher and educator at Purdue University, Dr. Corrigan conducted groundbreaking studies on rodent behavior and management. He has authored multiple books, contributed to extensive research and advised municipalities on best practices for rodent control.

Beyond his professional work, Dr. Corrigan is dedicated to public education and community outreach. He frequently appears in documentaries and media to raise awareness about urban rodent issues and sustainable solutions.

Dr. Corrigan holds his B.S degree in urban entomology and his M.S. and Ph.D. degree in urban rodentology from Purdue University. He splits his time as a research scientist with the City of New York’s Department of Health and as a private rodent consultant on an international scale.

Closing Session

Conversation with Dr. David Begay, Dine’ Tribal Elder.

Thursday, July 17, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

This plenary session explores the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and modern science in understanding environmental health, as a Navajo medicine man and classically trained scientist engage in a thought-provoking conversation moderated by NEHA CEO David Dyjack. Through storytelling and scientific insights, they will discuss the deep connections between traditional ecological wisdom, land stewardship, and human well-being. Attendees will gain a richer perspective on how Indigenous approaches to sustainability and healing can inform contemporary environmental and public health strategies.

Speaker - David Begay, Ph.D. Associate Research Professor, Community ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Program, University of New Mexico.

David Begay, Ph.D. is currently Associate Research Professor with the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, in the College of Pharmacy, Community ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Program working with several federal health research projects, including NIH, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Disparities, among others. David is a former part-time faculty at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy for 15 years. He is also a former professor and academic dean and VP for Dine’ (Navajo Nation) College.

He is currently VP for the Indigenous Education Institute, Friday Habor, Washington. He has also worked with NSF and other federal projects including NASA for 20 plus years, Jet Propulsion Lavatory, and Goddard Space Flight Center on space science and heliophysics education outreach. David is considered a tribal elder and provides cultural consultant services to many organizations and corporations both in the United States and internationally.

David also works with several local community grassroots people and non-profit organizations, including the Dine’- Centered Research and Evaluation. He served 20 years on the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board appointed by the Navajo Nation Council.