Mark Cornelius founded EMTA in 2014 and currently serves as President of Disaster Recovery Industries, while remaining hands-on in the restoration and cleaning industry. With over 30 years of experience, he has been an approved IICRC instructor since 2008 and holds triple Master certifications. A former firefighter and EMT-I for more than a decade, Mark is also a certified NPQ-1 Fire Instructor. He continues to serve the industry as a member of the IICRC Board of Directors since 2021 and was elected 2nd Vice President in 2025.

Mark Cornelius 

Rashelle Cornelius has spent over 30 years in the cleaning and restoration industry, serving as a technician, project manager, business owner, and consultant. Her perspective is shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience, having endured water damage to her own home and later the loss of her five-year-old house to fire. She is an IICRC Master Water Restorer, Master Fire and Smoke Restorer, and Master Textile Cleaner, as well as a certified asbestos inspector and lead assessor. In 2001, Rashelle founded Disaster Recovery Industries, Inc., where she remains actively involved in every phase of production and management.

Rashelle Cornelius 

Rudy Alford began his career with a large franchise firm in Metro Atlanta before pursuing his passion for helping others in the cleaning and restoration industry. After completing numerous certifications, he transitioned into training and became an accomplished instructor, first teaching ethics courses for insurance agents and adjusters. Since then, Rudy has taught thousands of students across the U.S. and internationally in Australia as an IICRC-approved instructor. He is an IICRC Double Master and has contributed to the industry through service on multiple IICRC Technical Advisory Committees.

Rudy Alford 

Thomas Cermak has spent more than 40 years in the cleaning and restoration industry, owning and operating several successful carpet cleaning and restoration firms. With a passion for teaching and mentoring, he has guided countless startups and often donates his time, expertise, and even supplies to help others grow. A certified carpet and hard surface inspector, Thomas is one of only two instructors worldwide qualified to teach all five disciplines required for Master Textile Cleaner status. When he isn’t in the classroom, he can be found inspecting flooring projects or hosting advanced training clinics in carpet cleaning, spot dyeing, and repairs.

Thomas Cermak

Dustin Resendiz has worked in the restoration industry since 2011, gaining experience as both a technician and a business owner. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, he previously taught high school English in Mexico and also served the Mexican government in community outreach and humanitarian programs. Today, he is proud to serve the industry as an IICRC-approved instructor while continuing to operate his successful mitigation company. Dustin brings both technical expertise and a passion for helping others to every class he teaches.

Dustin Resendiz