Biography

Matthew F Herron, M.S., P.E., CSP, CPE, in his current role, Mr. Herron serves as the Senior Safety Engineer for the Mechanical Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). He works with Division Management to develop and implement the Division’s Safety and Health Objectives and Programs to achieve Goal Zero. He has expertise in building, managing, and auditing OSH management systems, applying occupational safety engineering, ergonomics/human factors, and industrial engineering principles to solve complex health and safety issues.

Prior to joining SwRI, he administered OSH Programs across a variety of different industries, including healthcare (University of Michigan Health System), automotive (Toyota Motor Company), and aerospace (Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions) sectors. In his previous roles, he gained invaluable experience as the Lead Internal Auditor of the Safety Management System for an entire manufacturing plant. He has been a trainer for both general and specialized Safety and Health training courses (including Lockout/Tagout, Ergonomics, Machine Guarding, Safety Management Systems, etc.). He has supervised the Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, and Contractor Safety Management Programs. He is also proficient in prevention through design strategies, performing risk assessments, conducting incident investigations and root cause analysis, as well as developing recommendations for corrective/preventative actions.

He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of West Georgia (Carrollton, GA) and a Master of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI).

Platform Statement

In June 2017, I was elected South Texas Chapter President. During my term, our Executive Committee proposed and implemented a “Pursuit of Platinum” Chapter Operations Plan that offered a variety of new activities and innovative events to reinvigorate our Chapter, including:

• Held our first Chapter Meeting at night
• Co-hosted a Joint Chapter Meeting with the Central Texas Chapter
• Participated in Safe Kids San Antonio’s Safe Kids Day – Hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration
• Started two $500 Professional Development Grants
• Planned and organized the Region III Big Night Out at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant during Safety 2018 – San Antonio

With hard work, dedication, and a little fun, we achieved our goal and led the Chapter to receive the highest level of recognition: The Platinum Award!

After my term as Chapter President, I was selected as the Assistant Regional Vice-President (ARVP) for Student Leadership and Development. In this role, I assisted the Planning Committee with designing the program for the 2019 Student Leadership Conference (SLC). This year’s conference hosted over 100 students, faculty advisors, and volunteers from around the Region!

Concurrently, I also served as the Chair for Region III’s Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC). As PDC Chairman, I managed the monthly phone conference meetings with the 2019 Planning Committee and Region III Chapter Presidents to produce the best possible PDC experience for our members! We had over 270 Region III members and exhibitors in attendance at this year’s outstanding PDC!

If elected Region III Area Director-South, I will use my leadership experience and influence to provide guidance, support, and direction to the Chapter Leaders in our Region. I will focus on planning, developing, and implementing meaningful events and activities that will enhance the value of your ASSP membership experience, enable you to become a better EHS Professional, and to advance the Profession!