James A. Junkin, MS, CSP, MSP, SMS, ASP, CSHO is the chief executive officer of Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services, LLC, the chair of the Veriforce Strategic Advisory Board, the past chair of Professional Safety journal’s editorial review board, and the assistant administrator of the Training and Communications Practice Specialty. He is Columbia Southern University’s 2022 Safety Professional of the Year (Runner Up), a 2023 recipient of the National Association of Environmental Management's 30 over 30 Award for excellence in the practice of occupational safety and health and sustainability, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) 2024 Safety Professional of the Year for the Training and Communications Practice Specialty, and the recipient of the ASSP 2023-2024 Charles V. Culberson award. He is a much-sought-after master trainer, keynote speaker, professor in the College of Safety and Emergency Services at Columbia Southern University, podcaster of The Risk Matrix, and author of numerous articles concerning occupational safety and health.
I have a proven 30-year track record of safety leadership, financial stewardship and strategic innovation across industries and operations from oil & gas to manufacturing, maritime, construction and more. I have owned and operated a safety consulting and services business (Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services) and served on the Veriforce Strategic Advisory Board as a chair. I have spearheaded large safety initiatives, created training programs that have been used and adopted internationally, and advised Fortune 500 companies, multi-national organizations and government entities on risk management, business continuity and compliance. I have managed multimillion-dollar budgets, leading financial turnarounds and implementing systems that positively impact safety performance and the bottom line. I have a deep understanding of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)’s mission, culture and values as a past member and chair of the Professional Safety Journal Editorial Review Board and assistant administrator and member of the Training and Communications Practice Specialty. Should I be chosen to serve, I will apply my business acumen, financial oversight experience and strategic agility to help ASSP move forward with strength and stability. I will focus on transparency, creating value for our members, and maintaining sound governance. I will work closely with the board and the executive team to fulfill our fiduciary responsibilities and support initiatives that empower our members and advance the profession.