About Us
October 17, 2023 2026-06-07 9:22About Us
NATIONWIDE REACH, GLOBAL IMPACT, LOCAL ROOTS
About the Asbestos Institute
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, The Asbestos Institute has proudly called the Southwest home since 1987—the year we began offering AHERA-accredited training.
But our expertise doesn't stop at state lines.
Training That Moves You
About the Asbestos Institute
We’ve kept pace with the changing times and technology. Today, we offer:
- In-person training at our Phoenix facility
- Live webinars for real-time interaction from anywhere
- Online courses designed to meet regulatory standards with flexibility and ease
Wherever you are, you can count on TAI for expert instruction and full compliance with federal and state requirements.
CURIOUS ABOUT THE TEAM BEHIND IT ALL?
Meet the TAI Leadership
J. Cavness
President
With over two decades of hands-on experience in the asbestos and construction industries, J. Cavness brings deep expertise and leadership to The Asbestos Institute.
J began his career in the field as a laborer and steadily advanced to become a General Field Superintendent. Along the way, he earned multiple AHERA certifications, including Supervisor, Building Inspector, Management Planner, and Project Designer. His experience includes managing medium to large-scale abatement projects across the Southwest, and he even spent time on the supplier side, working in sales with a major distributor serving the abatement industry.
A recognized leader in the field, J has served as President of the Arizona Chapter of the Environmental Information Association (EIA) and currently serves as Treasurer of the National EIA.
At TAI, J leads training for all AHERA initial and refresher courses, as well as OSHA asbestos and construction safety classes, combining real-world insight with classroom expertise.
Andre Zwanenburg
Executive Manager
Andre Zwanenburg leads operations at The Asbestos Institute’s Phoenix office, bringing over 30 years of experience in the hazardous materials and industrial hygiene industry.
With a strong foundation in both commercial operations and hazardous materials chemistry, Andre has conducted thousands of building inspections, developed AHERA management plans for schools, and designed complex abatement projects across the U.S. His deep knowledge of regulated building materials, including asbestos and lead, makes him a trusted expert in the field.
As a seasoned Hazardous Materials Instructor with more than two decades of teaching experience, Andre delivers engaging, effective training for both small teams and large organizations. He’s supported clients ranging from local municipalities and mid-sized firms to national corporations and global enterprises.
Andre’s project portfolio includes major public works—such as Sea-Tac Airport—and large-scale military installations across the country. His work has spanned hazardous materials surveys, project design, and removal oversight for demolition and remediation efforts.
At The Asbestos Institute, Andre combines technical precision with a passion for education—ensuring every training session meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Lalena Parr
Office Manager
As Office Manager at The Asbestos Institute, Lalena Parr oversees day-to-day operations and manages all billing functions with precision and care. Bringing more than 20 years of leadership and management experience, Lalena is passionate about creating efficient systems that keep both the team and clients supported.
Before joining The Asbestos Institute, Lalena held senior leadership roles in staffing, financial services, and operations management, where she honed her expertise in budgeting, team development, customer experience, and process improvement. Her background includes Regional and District Manager positions at organizations such as Ascend Staffing, Community Loans of America, and Advance America, where she built a strong track record of driving results and building high-performing teams.
Known for her organization, attention to detail, and approachable leadership style, Lalena plays a key role in ensuring that The Asbestos Institute runs smoothly behind the scenes. Whether managing billing systems, coordinating operations, or supporting staff, she is dedicated to delivering excellent service to both colleagues and clients.
When she’s not in the office, Lalena enjoys spending time with family, exploring Arizona, and finding new ways to challenge herself personally and professionally.
Gisel Rangel Flores
Administrator
With over a decade of experience in customer relations and account management, Gisel Rangel Flores brings a client-first mindset and a proven ability to streamline operations at The Asbestos Institute.
For the past seven years, Gisel has been an integral part of TAI, where she expertly manages contracts with high-value clients and ensures that every project is delivered on time and to the highest standards. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive communication have helped build lasting partnerships and strengthen the Institute’s reputation for excellence.
As Administrator, Gisel plays a central role in supporting both the leadership team and clients. She bridges operational needs with client expectations, ensuring smooth processes from contract initiation through project completion. Known for her approachable style and problem-solving mindset, Gisel is dedicated to creating a seamless experience for clients and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Gisel enjoys spending quality time with her family, giving back to her community, and pursuing opportunities for personal growth.
Bill Cavness
Director Emeritus
As a founding member of The Asbestos Institute in 1988, Bill Cavness has been a driving force behind the development of EPA-accredited and OSHA-compliant training programs for over three decades.
A respected leader in the environmental and asbestos safety community, Bill has presented at numerous national conferences and contributed to a wide range of industry publications. His expertise is backed by an impressive record of leadership and service across key organizations.
Industry Leadership & Recognition
- Chair, National Asbestos Committee – Environmental Information Association (EIA)
- Former Chair, EIA’s Asbestos Operation & Maintenance Committee and Lead Committee
- Founding Director, Past President, Arizona Chapter of the EIA
- Former Vice President and Board Member, National EIA
- Committee Member, National Institute of Building Sciences (Asbestos and Lead Committees)
- ASTM Member, contributing to asbestos standards development
- Former Advisor, Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)
Bill also developed and continues to teach the CARB 250 course, a specialized training program for asbestos demolition and renovation approved by the California Air Resources Board and delivered throughout the state.
With unmatched experience and a passion for education, Bill remains a trusted voice in asbestos safety, regulation, and training—shaping the industry and mentoring the next generation of professionals.
John Cavness
Instructor
With nearly 50 years of experience in general construction—and over two decades focused on asbestos abatement—John Cavness brings deep, hands-on knowledge to every class he teaches.
At The Asbestos Institute, he specializes in teaching:
- Contract Specifications for Contractor/Supervisor certification
- Building Systems for Building Inspector training
Industry Leadership - Former National President, Environmental Information Association (EIA)
- Former President, Arizona Chapter of the EIA
John’s wealth of real-world experience and his commitment to industry best practices make him a trusted instructor and mentor to professionals entering or advancing in the environmental safety field.