When I spoke at Safety 2025 after receiving the President’s Medal from outgoing 2024-25 president Pam Walaski, I encouraged members to step in, step out and step up. As my year as the 111th Society president comes to a close, I can clearly see how ASSP has done just that.
In recent keynotes, I have often returned to what this call to action requires: being prepared, curious, brave, helpful and intentional. I have seen those qualities reflected in the work of our Board of Directors. Through foresight practices, our Corporate Listening Tour, our role as a trusted advisor and a willingness to take thoughtful risks, we have made meaningful progress.
Over the past 12 months, ASSP has stepped in by addressing the challenges and opportunities tied to the rapid integration of new technologies in the workplace, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.
We have stepped out by embracing issues such as mental health, an area many would not have associated with the safety profession a decade ago. From our plenary session at Safety 2025 to webinars and Professional Safety journal articles, we have highlighted the importance of a holistic worker health approach to operational performance. Expanding beyond compliance into broader risk management, where members serve as system integrators and business partners, not only strengthens the profession but amplifies our impact across industries.
In early 2026, ASSP entered a first-of-its-kind relationship with Avetta. This collaboration integrates ASSP standards into business systems, enabling organizations to track and improve safety culture in measurable ways. It marks an important step forward, transforming culture from something intangible into something actionable.
Stepping up means saying yes to opportunity. The results of our recent election reflect that commitment. Thank you to first-time Board members Eric Sachleben and Elizabeth Barnette for stepping forward to serve.
ASSP has also stepped up through major initiatives such as our new Standards-Based User Groups (SBUGs). These groups, including those focused on falls from heights and lockout/tagout, are closely aligned with our efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. For the first time, we are making voluntary consensus standards more implementable. I believe we will look back on this period as a turning point in how we prioritize and prevent the most serious risks.
On a personal note, this has been an extraordinary year. I have had the privilege of traveling across the country, speaking at conferences—both ASSP and with partners such as International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and Construction Safety Research Alliance (CSRA)—and, most importantly, connecting with hundreds of dedicated members. ASSP is powered by volunteers, and their passion continues to inspire me.
This year would not have been possible without our outstanding Board of Directors (Monique Parker, Tim Page-Botorff, Thom Kramer, Stephanie Johnson, Todd Loushine, Scott Debow, Heather McDougall, Phillip Bell), CEO Jennifer McNelly and our dedicated ASSP staff. Your support, commitment and collaboration made this experience both successful and deeply rewarding.
As I hand over the reins to President-Elect Monique Parker on July 1, I do so with gratitude; not only for this past year, but for more than 30 years as an ASSP volunteer. I have always been keenly aware that the stewardship responsibility that comes with being an elected leader is only for a period of time. I will happily, and proudly, watch what future boards are able to accomplish and the impact they are able to have. Your Society is in great hands. Thank you!