I’ve spent more than 30 years in Environmental Health & Safety and HR because I care deeply about people. For me, safety has never been about checking boxes it’s about protecting lives, building trust, and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed. The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program shaped that outlook early in my career. Leading sites through the VPP process showed me what “above and beyond” really means engaging employees at all levels of the organization, solving problems together, and building systems that last. Those same principles guide how I lead and how I serve in ASSP. Over the years, I’ve helped dozens of sites achieve VPP Star status, implement ISO 14001 and 45001 systems, and complete state and federal audits with zero violations. But what I’m most proud of are the people and teams who took ownership of safety and made it their own. Within ASSP, I’ve served as Mississippi Chapter Treasurer, then Mississippi Chapter President, then Mississippi/Alabama Area Director, then back to President and now Vice President of the Mississippi Chapter. During the first term as President, our team helped the chapter earn Bronze and then Silver recognition for the first time in years. I’m passionate about this profession and about helping others grow especially the next generation of safety leaders who will carry this work forward.
I’m running for Regional Vice President because I believe in people and in the power of safety to change lives. After more than 30 years in EHS and HR, I’ve learned that compliance alone doesn’t build strong organizations—culture does. When people care, when they’re engaged, when they take ownership, that’s when real excellence happens. The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program shaped much of who I am as a leader. Guiding dozens of sites through VPP Star certification showed me what “above and beyond” looks like in action—listening, involving everyone, and building systems that last. I’ve carried those same principles into every role I’ve had, including my years with ASSP. As Regional Vice President, my focus will be simple: Support our chapters so they feel connected, valued, and equipped to grow. Develop our people through mentoring and opportunities for early-career professionals to lead. Strengthen collaboration across chapters so we share ideas and learn from each other instead of working in isolation. I’m passionate about this profession because it’s about people first. I want to help chapters continue to rebuild, to bring back that spark that comes from belonging to something that truly matters. This isn’t about titles—it’s about service. It’s about showing up, listening, and helping others succeed. If elected, I’ll bring the same commitment I’ve always had: to go above and beyond, to support our members, and to keep moving our region and our profession forward together.