Jennifer M. McNelly, CAE, is an accomplished executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience across associations, government and industry. McNelly has served as the Society’s CEO since 2018, leading the global organization of more than 36,000 occupational safety and health professionals. She also serves as secretary and CEO of the ASSP Foundation – the Society's charitable arm – in her dual leadership role.
McNelly works closely with the Board of Directors and ASSP’s professional staff to advance the Society’s mission and execute its strategic plan, positioning ASSP as the trusted source for workplace safety and standards. She helps the Society foster vibrant member communities, drive market leadership and ensure long-term sustainability through business optimization. Under McNelly’s leadership, ASSP has modernized its governance, advanced standards innovation, strengthened member value and delivered consistent growth in operational and financial performance.
Her career includes leadership at The Manufacturing Institute, where she developed nationally recognized workforce initiatives such as the STEP Ahead™ program and National Manufacturing Day™. She held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she led competency-based training strategies and oversaw major workforce investments.
McNelly currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is vice chair of the American Society of Association Executives’ ForesightWorks Advisory Group. She is past chair of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on the Future of Manufacturing.
A certified association executive and Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach, McNelly is a recognized leader in association governance, workforce development and organizational transformation. Her leadership has been honored with numerous distinctions, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Chief Executive Officers of 2025, Top 50 Women Leaders in Nonprofit 2024, and 100 Women Leaders in STEM. She is also the recipient of the Secretary of Labor’s Exceptional Achievement Award and holds honorary lifetime membership in the American Welding Society.