VECAT Welcomes Two New Instructors
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As the VECAT program continues to grow, with more MCS certification classes added to the schedule and the responsibility of proficiency testing in Germanna’s court, VECAT administrators have sought to grow the staff that supports the program. We are excited to welcome to our instructor list two long- time industry professionals who will be helping with Plant schools and the proficiency testing required for each. Welcome Dickie Maddox and Rob Lawson.
![](https://www.naylornetwork.com/vaa-nwl/assets/dicky%20maddox%20150.jpg)
Perhaps better known as "Father Asphalt", Dickie comes to VECAT on the heels of retirement from a 34-year career with Superior Paving Corp. Dickie will be helping to teach the Field I & II and Plant I & II classes and will oversee the proficiency testing for Plant I & II and Mix Design classes. At the time of his recent retirement, Dickie held the position of "Director of Asphalt Technology" but over the span of his career with Superior, he also oversaw nine asphalt labs acquired by the company. Prior to his long and industrious career with Superior, Dickie worked for VDOT in both the Culpeper and Northern VA districts. In his spare time, Dickie enjoys taking day trips, spending time with his family, eating out, and anything related to horse racing – a topic that he can discuss at length and in great detail.
![](https://www.naylornetwork.com/vaa-nwl/assets/rob%20lawson150.jpg)
Rob recently joined the VECAT team to assist with MCS classes and proficiency testing at the VTTI and Virginia Western Community College locations. When he retired from VDOT in March 2011 after 32 years of service, he was working as the QC/QA Field Manager for VDOT's Salem District Materials Division. During his tenure with VDOT, he also assisted in developing and teaching VDOT’s Soils & Aggregate Compaction School and Nuclear Safety School. He also partnered with the Materials division to develop the original Asphalt Field School. Since 2011, Rob has worked as a QA senior inspector for NXL Construction Services and on VDOT design/build projects on Interstates 81 & 581.His hobbies once included a wide variety of sports, but now he enjoys playing golf, fishing and watching other sports on TV.