Staff Directory

Jennifer McNelly

Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer McNelly works with the Board of Directors to execute ASSP’s strategic plan for growth while building on the Society’s 108-year legacy and addressing the evolving needs of the professional occupational safety and health community. She leads 75 staff members and more than 35,000 safety and health professionals worldwide. McNelly most recently was president of 180 Skills LLC, an online career and technical education company aimed at closing the manufacturing skills gap. Prior to that, McNelly was president of The Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). A University of Maryland College Park graduate, McNelly was named among the 100 Women Leaders in STEM. Read full bio. Contact Jennifer.

Kim McDowell

Chief Engagement Officer

Kim McDowell oversees ASSP’s membership and communities team that interacts with and helps manage our chapters, practice specialties and common interest groups. This includes achieving growth and revenue targets, and helping ASSP deliver a valuable member experience through retention, recruitment and engagement. McDowell joined ASSP in 2011 and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. Prior to joining ASSP, she was a senior manager with SmithBucklin Corporation. She holds an M.B.A. from Loyola University and a B.A. in Communication from Purdue University. Contact Kim.

Steve Lothary

Chief Financial Officer

Steve Lothary, MBA, works with the CEO and Board of Directors to align resources with the organization’s strategic direction. He oversees all financial functions of ASSP and the ASSP Foundation, which includes accounts payable and receivable, cash management, annual budgets and audits, financial and tax reporting, risk management, insurance, and headquarters office building operations and maintenance. He also will oversee human resources, which includes compensation and benefits, organizational planning and talent management, as well as our sales team. Lothary brings more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and association industry. During his career, Lothary has held senior leadership positions with the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Contact Steve.

Tim Fisher

Chief Technical Officer, Safety, Health, and Well Being

Tim Fisher, CSP, CHMM, CPEA, ARM, FASSP, has been with ASSP since 1995. He provides direction in the overall administration and operation of the technical aspects of ASSP-related standards programs and publications. During his ASSP career, he also served as manager of governmental affairs and standards and director of practices and standards. Before joining ASSP, he was a safety, facilities and operations manager in the insurance industry, and he served in the U.S. Air Force. A professional member of ASSP, Fisher holds an M.S. in Industrial Management/Safety and Industrial Hygiene from Northern Illinois University, an M.A. in Public Administration from University of Illinois-Chicago and a B.A. in Management from the University of Maryland University College. Tim is a Fellow of the Society. Contact Tim.

Mary Goranson

Vice President, Workforce Development

As director of the ASSP Foundation, the Society’s charitable arm, Mary Goranson directs strategy and oversees operations for the Foundation. A staff member since 1988, Goranson is responsible for all aspects of planning and execution including development, volunteer management, financial reporting and programs, which include scholarships, research grants and leadership development. She holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Western Illinois University and is a member of the Association Foundation Group and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Contact Mary.

Chris Ballman

Vice President, Events and Conferences

Chris Ballman, PHR, MSHR, oversees ASSP’s comprehensive educational offerings, including our largest annual event, the professional development conference and exposition, and our annual immersive safety education event, SafetyFOCUS. Before joining ASSP, Ballman was senior director of education and learning services for SmithBucklin, an association management company, and a training specialist and senior career consultant for Colorado Technical University. He holds a master’s degree in human resources from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in history from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Contact Chris.

Dawn Conroy

Vice President, Market Strategy

Dawn Conroy joined ASSP in 2019 and leads the organization’s go-to-market strategy. She oversees the team responsible for marketing research, product positioning, campaign development and brand management. Conroy brings extensive experience in marketing leadership across diverse sectors such as hospitality, foodservice, and CPG industries. She holds a BA in Communications Arts and Sciences from Dominican University and is a member of the American Marketing Association and the American Society of Association Executives.