Meet the Team
Michael A. Hopwood - President/CEO, Founder
Michael Hopwood stands as a seasoned technology executive at the forefront of Risk Data Analytics (RDA), bringing a wealth of experience in semiconductors, Software as a Service (SaaS), Industrial Automation, and IoT Networks to guide RDA's innovative vision. Mr. Hopwood is dedicated to unifying and advancing the company's vision, bringing his extensive experience and unique perspective to foster innovation, growth, and strategic risk management solutions. His leadership is defined by a commitment to excellence, integration of cutting-edge technology, and a focus on delivering value to clients across diverse industries.
Before joining RDA, Mike's career was marked by significant achievements in various sectors:
- Intel: As a Sales Engineer, Mike concentrated on expanding the Networking and CPU markets, leveraging his deep technical knowledge to drive sales and market growth.
- PLX Technology (AVGO): Joining at the company's inception, he played a pivotal role in its growth to become the leading provider of PCI Express technology. As VP of Sales and Business Development, he was instrumental in taking PLX from a startup to a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq.
- Platte River Systems: Here, Mike not only founded the company but also served as President/CEO, pioneering one of the first SaaS platforms for enterprise-level sales, design, and commissioning solutions tailored for high-tech industries.
- Entomo: Serving as VP of Sales, he solidified partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, enhancing Entomo's position as a leader in Channel Data and Revenue Management solutions.
Upon relocating to Idaho, Mike took on the role of Site Manager and Automation Engineering Director at Invar, where he spearheaded the automation at Simplot's warehouse projects across North America. His most recent position was with Rigado, where as the Worldwide Business Development Director, he advanced IoT Network technology in sectors like Retail, Transport, Commercial Real Estate, and Smart Buildings.
Michael's academic background includes a B.S. Degree in Physics/Engineering from Pacific Lutheran University, providing him with a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied sciences.
Richard Emery - Founder, Executive Board Member
Richard "Rick" Emery is the owner and Managing Director of Emery & Karrigan, Inc., a leading insurance agency specializing in Crane Insurance, Crane Service, Crane Rigging, Heavy Hauling, and Millwright Insurance. With over two decades of experience in the insurance field, Rick has positioned Emery & Karrigan as the foremost agency in the country for the placement of these specialized insurance products, licensed to operate in 48 states. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for providing reliable, innovative coverage tailored to the unique needs of the crane, rigging, and heavy hauling industries.
Rick drives Emery & Karrigan’s mission to innovate coverage options, addressing deficiencies in standard insurance products to the advantage of its insureds. This focus reflects the company’s core values of empathy for clients facing unjust liabilities, a sense of urgency in meeting their needs, and a commitment to serving as a trusted advisor.
Rick holds a B.A. Degree in Accounting from Pacific Lutheran University
Jim Wiethorn, P.E., PhD. - Advisory Board
Jim D. Wiethorn is an Engineering Specialist and third-generation general contractor in the family business who has been involved in crane use and operations during his entire career. Dr. Wiethorn has analyzed over 1,300 crane accidents during his forensic career and published Crane Accidents: A Study of Causes & Trends to Create a Safer Work Environment-1983-2013 in 2014. Dr. Wiethorn’s dissertation, An Analysis of Critical Factors of Lift Planning to Improve Crane Safety Based on Forensic Causation of Crane Accidents-2018, is based on his 35-year crane study database of over 700 crane accidents.
Dr. Wiethorn is a main committee member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME B30), as well sub-committee member of ASME B30.3-Tower Cranes and ASME B30.29-Self Erect Tower Cranes. Dr. Wiethorn also serves the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator (NCCCO) Tower Crane committee and Rigging Task Force committee.
Dr. Wiethorn is licensed as a professional engineer in 35 states and has testified in over 130 trials and 320 depositions. Dr. Wiethorn holds four patents associated with crane safety operations and telematics, as well as collaborating with a major university to house the largest crane accident database in the world. In 2022 Dr. Wiethorn was inducted into the National Academy of Construction based on his research and findings associated with crane accidents.
Stephen MacLennan, P.E., - Advisory Board
Stephen serves as a valued advisor to Risk Data Analytics, bringing over four decades of experience in the construction and engineering industries to his role. His extensive expertise spans civil engineering, construction and project management, claims analysis, and transportation engineering.
Stephen’s project portfolio is diverse and impressive, encompassing bridges, ports and harbors, rail and transit systems, roads and highways, sewage systems, renewable energy projects, stormwater handling and facilities, urban renewal and development, water supply infrastructure, and hazardous materials management across the United States.
Recognized as an expert in bridge construction and pre-construction, Stephen excels in project planning, contract preparation, negotiation, and award, as well as personnel administration and development for multimillion-dollar public works projects. His deep knowledge and hands-on approach have made him a trusted authority in delivering complex infrastructure initiatives, ensuring efficiency, safety, and innovation at every stage.
Stephen holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both California and Idaho. His academic foundation and professional credentials underpin a career marked by technical excellence and strategic leadership, making him an invaluable asset to Risk Data Analytics and the broader engineering community.