Meet the Team
Michael Hopwood
Michael Hopwood is a seasoned technology executive and the innovative leader unifying and driving Risk Data Analytics (RDA) vision forward. With first hand experience in developing and marketing leading technologies in semiconductors, Software as a Service, Industrial Automation and IoT Networks, Mike brings a unique set of skills and vision to RDA.
Prior to Risk Data Analytics, Mike held various sales, technology and executive positions at leading companies in their field, including Intel as a Sales Engineer, focused on Networking and CPU market growth. Mr. Hopwood joined PLX Technology at its inception and helped grow the company to be the top PCI Express technology provider, enabling the next generation innovation in networking and server platforms. As VP of Sales and Business Development he was key in helping the company grow from inception to a public company on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Soon after the success at PLX, he became the founder, President/CEO of Platte River Systems, one of the first companies to provide Software as a Service for enterprise level sales, design and commissioning solutions for the high-tech companies. As VP of Sales for Entomo, a top provider of Channel Data and Revenue Management solutions, Mike established strong relationships with fortune 500 companies like Brother, Rukus Wireless, Broadcom, Dolby and others well know companies.
After settling in Idaho, Mike joined Invar, as a site manager and automation engineering director for Simplot's automated warehouse development throughout North America. Most recently Mike was asked to join Rigado, a provider of Unified IoT Network technology to Retail, Transport, Commercial Real Estate and Smart Building applications, as the WW Business Development Director.
Mike holds a B.S. Degree in Physics/Engineering from Pacific Lutheran University
Richard Emery
Rick is the owner and Managing Director of Emery & Karrigan. Emery & Karrigan specializes in Crane Insurance, Crane Service, Crane Rigging, Heavy Hauling and Millwright Insurance. Licensed in 48 states, Emery & Karrigan has become the leading agency in the country for the placement of these insurance products.
Rick holds a B.A. Degree in Accounting from Pacific Lutheran University
Jim Wiethorn, P.E., PhD.
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.,
Stephen is a valued advisor to Risk Data Analytics.
Stephen has over four decades of experience in the construction and engineering industries. His areas of expertise include civil engineering, construction, and project management, claims analysis, and transportation engineering. Stephen’s project experience includes bridges, ports and harbors, rail and transit, roads and highways, sewage systems, renewable energy, storm water handling and facilities, urban renewal and development, water supply, and hazardous materials in the United States.
Stephen is an expert at bridge construction and pre-construction; project planning; contract preparation, negotiation, and award; and personnel administration and development for multimillion-dollar public works projects.
Stephen holds a BS., Civil Engineering from CSU, Sacramento and is a Professional Engineer in California and Idaho