Elizabeth Barnette is a certified safety professional and safety management professional with 30 years of experience in environmental health and safety (EHS), both in the manufacturing and construction industries. She is a professional member of American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and is currently serving as the northern area director and deputy RVP for Region VI. She has served as a member of the Region VI PDC Planning Committee for the last 10+ years, where she has held the positions of student chair, liaison chair, speaker chair and PDC chair. Barnette has served on various committees and boards within ASSP, including as a previous assistant administrator for Women in Safety Excellence, Society Bylaws Committee and external EHS groups, including chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors Safety Committee and on the Virginia BUILT Council (in partnership with VOSH and ABC). Barnette has spoken at numerous events on EHS leadership topics, both within ASSP and other organizations, and published an article on best practices in safety roles and responsibilities in several ASSP publications. She received the Greater Tidewater Chapter SPY in 2012 and 2019, and the Region VI SPY award in 2014. She continues to build relationships to expand her influence in preventing worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses and recently completed a mental health first aid course. She currently supports the mid-Atlantic region as a regional EHS manager for Trane.
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has been a trusted partner and resource to many for over 100 years, educating and equipping environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals and others to make a significant difference in workplace health and safety. As a member and volunteer leader, I have experienced firsthand the immeasurable benefit of being a part of this organization and the value that it brings to EHS professionals, business leaders and the entire business community. If elected as director-at-large, I will focus on ensuring that the voice of the member is heard and that as we continue to evolve and thrive, we keep the strategic direction of the organization in focus while providing the exceptional member value that is ASSP’s legacy. I want to serve as director-at-large to help guide the organization in ways that support ASSP’s mission and vision, uphold the CLEAR values, and ensure that all members have a meaningful experience, while understanding that vision may be different for each person. I will also ensure that the communication pathway is open by encouraging and facilitating open and timely communication between the board and the membership. As we move forward, I will focus on understanding the evolving risk landscape and will be proactive in ensuring that ASSP maintains our competitive advantage by providing relevant and timely experiences to further the Society’s mission of providing safe and healthy workplaces. I am honored to be considered for the office of director-at-large and would appreciate your support and consideration.