Chris McGlynn, MS, CSP is the Director of Safety and VPP Coordinator at Roco Rescue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he leads safety and health initiatives for one of the nation’s most respected technical rescue organizations. Before moving into industrial safety, Chris served for more than a decade as a paramedic, gaining firsthand experience with high-risk decision-making and emergency operations, perspectives that continue to shape his leadership style today. With over 15 years in safety, emergency response, and training, he has worked across petrochemical, power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. As an OSHA Special Government Employee (SGE) supporting the Voluntary Protection Programs, Chris has assisted OSHA on numerous onsite evaluations and mentored worksites on their journey toward achieving and maintaining VPP Star status. He also serves on both the Region VI and National Boards of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA), promoting collaboration and safety excellence nationwide. Within ASSP, Chris has served as President of the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter and currently serves as Louisiana Area Director and Region IV Secretary, helping strengthen communication and chapter engagement across the region. Chris is also part-time faculty at Columbia Southern University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Occupational Safety and Health at West Virginia University’s Statler College of Engineering, researching mental health and safety implications in Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services. Across every role, his focus remains the same: servant leadership, communication, and helping others grow and succeed in the profession
I’m running for Region IV Vice President because I care about the people who make this organization what it is. ASSP has given me mentors, friendships, and opportunities that shaped my career, and I want to give that same experience back to others. In my time as Chapter President of the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, and now as Louisiana Area Director and Region IV Secretary, I’ve seen that what really makes a difference isn’t programs or slogans, it’s connection with one another. When chapters feel supported, leaders stay engaged. When members feel heard, they stay involved. My goal is to keep building those connections through communication, consistency, and genuine support. I’ve spent more than 15 years working in safety and emergency response, and I know that progress happens when people trust each other and work together. As Director of Safety at Roco Rescue, an OSHA Special Government Employee, and a VPPPA board member at both the regional and national levels, I’ve learned how collaboration and follow-through turn ideas into results. I’m also a professor and PhD student at West Virginia University, researching mental health and safety in emergency services. That work keeps me focused on what really matters, people. If elected, my focus will be on helping chapters grow stronger, improving communication across the region, and supporting every member’s professional journey. Region IV has incredible leaders at every level, and I’d be honored to serve them.