Brian Oczepek, CSP has over 18 years of experience in the Health and Safety field. Brian earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Human Resources Management from Grand Valley State University (Michigan) and achieved his CSP in 2006. Brian has occupied various safety roles in the Plastic Extrusion & Molding; Garbage, Landfill and Recycling Transportation; Utility Gas & Electric Distribution and Construction industries throughout his career.
Brian started his career in the plastic extrusion and molding industry working in Human Resources and Safety with the Nicholas Group of Plastics Companies. In 2000, Mr. Oczepek moved into a position with Waste Management, where he filled the role of Regional Safety Manager for the Michigan Market Area. Brian then had the opportunity to function as a as a front-line residential hauling supervisor. This allowed Brian to put into use the behavior-based safety systems he previously trained on, while supervising a department of 35 employees.
In 2008, Brian worked with Consumers Energy in Michigan, where he began in a field safety role and eventually rose into a corporate level safety position. This utility experience prepared Brian for his current role as the Safety Director with Kent Power, a gas & electrical utility construction company in the Midwest.
Brian has been a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) since 2001 and held various roles with the West Michigan Chapter of the ASSP; from the Newsletter Editor to the President of the chapter. Mr. Oczepek currently serves as the ASSP’s Region VII Northern Area Director.
Platform Statement
My biggest strength I would bring to the Northern Area Director is an understanding of each position within a chapter's organization and how each position contributes to the overall success of the chapter. I have attended multiple Region VII Regional Operating Committee (ROC} meetings and have heard the accomplishments and struggles other chapters have. During my attendance at the past ROC meetings and ASSE Annual Meetings, I have networked with many Region VII leaders and would assist with my transition into the Northern Area Director position. I previously led a group to host the highly successful Region VII ROC meeting in Grand Rapids, MI and have held the Northern Area Director position since 2019.