I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as ASSP’s 111th president. Over the years, I’ve met many young professionals who have shared that becoming ASSP president was their ultimate volunteer goal. For me, however, it was never something I planned for. Through my various volunteer roles within ASSP, I have found great value not only in the learning, collaboration and challenges, but also in the amazing connections and lasting relationships I have built along the way. These experiences have kept me engaged as a long-term volunteer and ultimately led to this moment.

When I was first elected to the Board as vice president of finance in April 2020, I clearly remember the call I received from Tom Cecich—then-chair of ASSP’s Nominations and Elections Committee—with the election results. Tom asked if I was still willing to accept the position, given that it was the beginning of the COVID pandemic. He said, “Anyone can be a leader when it’s easy, but it’s a different story when it’s hard.” I eagerly said yes. At that time, no one could have anticipated just how difficult the coming years would be. It was unnerving, yet exciting, to step into a leadership role amid so much uncertainty. ASSP has a history of great leaders, and I was fortunate to learn from and alongside them, especially during this unprecedented time. 

Andy Grove, former CEO of Intel, once said, “Bad companies are destroyed by crisis, good companies survive them, great companies are improved by them.” ASSP has demonstrated its perseverance by not only surviving the pandemic but emerging from it even stronger. Like a surfer riding a giant wave—disappearing into the “tube” as onlookers wait in suspense—ASSP is well-positioned to tackle the next “big one.”

And so, the next wave is here. Recent cuts to NIOSH, as well as the job insecurity many are facing, have rattled our profession. ASSP remains active in support of federal safety agencies working to advance public policy based on good science, sound technology and meaningful collaboration. All organizations must make safety and health an operational imperative.

To share a second quote, albeit by someone not quite of the same caliber as Andy Grove: “Just keep swimming” (Dory, Finding Nemo). ASSP is focused on its mission and vision. Although there may be storms swirling around us at times, the organization is committed to staying the course and continuing to serve its members so that we can all make a true impact on occupational environmental, health and safety (EHS). 

Dale Carnegie once said, “If you have a lemon, make lemonade,” and Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” While the COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for many people and organizations, it ultimately led to increased recognition and status for many EHS professionals. We were suddenly asked for our guidance, and our knowledge became critical to supporting successful business operations. This was a turning point and opened the door for many in our profession to demonstrate how safety and health programs positively impact the bottom line.

In this new time of uncertainty, we have the opportunity take a giant step forward by encouraging organizations to go beyond mere regulatory compliance. EHS professionals and the Society have long advocated for this approach through the use of voluntary consensus standards, safety management systems and assessment frameworks. Perhaps this is our chance to make that happen. As top-level leadership once again turns to our members for solutions to current challenges, we are positioned to show how EHS not only protects and saves lives but also impacts profitability and promotes overall organizational health. 

Perhaps it’s my unwavering optimism, but I truly believe we can once again emerge from “the tube” triumphant as we tackle new challenges. I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead to make that vision a reality.