Matthew Wilcox has vast experience in safety for food and beverage manufacturing and distribution. He is currently the Manufacturing Risk Control Director for Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc, the largest U.S. bottler of Coca-Cola products. In this role he manages a staff of nine to cover eleven manufacturing facilities across the Central and Eastern United States. Previously he supported the distribution and warehouse teams. Prior to Coca-Cola he was the Safety, Environmental, and Security Manager for Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods in Austin TX and an EHS manager for Kellogg’s Snacks Manufacturing at various bakeries throughout the U.S.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management and an A.S. in Hospitality Management. He entered into safety after working for the U.S. Air Force during the early 1990’s and earned his CSP in 2012. Matt earned his ISO 45001 Lead Auditor credentials in 2019.
Matt has been a Professional member of ASSP for over 20 years. He is currently serving as the Region VI PDC Registration Chair and is a Member at Large to the Advisory Group. He served two elected terms as ASSP Southern Area Director for Region VI, was the Region VI Deputy Regional Vice President for three years, and served on the Region VI Nominations and Elections Committee for four years. He has previously held the offices of Secretary, Delegate, President-Elect, and President with the North Carolina Chapter.
I truly believe that ASSP is the membership organization of choice for safety professionals. Members helping members is what makes the ASSP a great organization. Volunteers provide their time and talents to help others. Having served as a volunteer in different organizations I have a deep respect for the members who take time from their busy schedule to assist others. Everyone is busy in today’s world. We are all tasked to do more with less, but the volunteer finds a way to get more done with no pay, credit, or expectations. If all members could volunteer just a little bit think of how much more ASSP could do?
There has been lots of talk about the next generation of safety leaders. The bottom line is that if we cannot engage that generation we will lose them at the starting line. There are many emerging professionals in Region VI and they are making their voices heard. I want to see their paths grow. Region VI has historically been well represented at the National level. I would like to see that continue with the talents of the emerging professionals. The 2023 Region VI PDC had record attendance and many were first time attendees. Let’s continue to coach, teach, and train the next generation of safety professionals.
Last year Region VI had eight of 14 chapters reach platinum status. I would like to see that number increase over the next three years. That does not mean chasing a number it means increasing our programs and outreach to more members We joined this great organization to learn, network, and hopefully pass on a legacy to others. A platinum award is a great way to celebrate a successful chapter, but platinum members are priceless.