As I begin my term as ASSP president, I am honored by the opportunity to serve our members and help guide the future of our Society and profession. I am proud to serve as ASSP’s first Black female president and to follow two outstanding women leaders, Pam Walaski and Linda Tapp, who have helped move our organization forward.

Throughout my career, I have believed that growth begins when we challenge ourselves to reach higher, think differently and embrace new possibilities. That belief is at the heart of my vision for the coming year as we work together to “level up” our Society, our profession and ourselves.

The EHS profession continues to evolve at a rapid pace. New technologies, changing workforce demographics and emerging risks are transforming how we protect workers and create safer workplaces. These changes present challenges, but they also create tremendous opportunities for growth and innovation. That is why one of my primary goals this year is to help ASSP and our profession level up.

For me, to “level up” means leading, engaging, volunteering, educating and leaving a legacy with unwavering purpose. This can be done by building on our strong foundation while preparing for the future. It means finding new ways to engage members, strengthen our professional community and ensure that the next generation of safety professionals has the support, resources and opportunities needed to thrive. It means moving beyond what has always been done and exploring what is possible.

Member engagement will be a key focus throughout my term. ASSP’s greatest strength has always been its members. Our Society succeeds because of the expertise, passion and dedication of professionals who volunteer their time, share their knowledge and support one another. Every member deserves to feel heard, valued and connected to our mission.

As president, I am committed to being responsive to member concerns, questions and ideas. I want members to know that their voices matter. Whether you are a longtime volunteer leader, a student member, a young professional or someone who recently joined ASSP, your perspective is important. I may not always have every answer, but I will always listen, and I will always respond.

Workforce development will continue to be a critical focus for ASSP and our profession. Organizations across industries are facing challenges in attracting, developing and retaining talent. At the same time, many talented individuals are seeking meaningful careers where they can make a difference.

ASSP is well positioned to help address these challenges. By strengthening professional development opportunities, supporting mentorship, expanding leadership pathways, and promoting safety and health careers, we can help build a stronger pipeline of professionals and ensure that the future of our profession remains bright.

I am also committed to expanding our outreach to industries that have not always been fully represented in our conversations. Every worker deserves the protection that safety and health professionals provide, regardless of industry.

My experience in the mining industry has shown me the value of ensuring that diverse sectors have a voice within our profession. I believe ASSP has opportunities to engage a broader range of industries in new ways, build stronger relationships and create more opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. By broadening our reach, we can make sure more professionals benefit from the expertise, resources and community that ASSP offers.

As we pursue these goals, I encourage every member to think about what leveling up means in your own professional journey. Whether it is mentoring a colleague, developing new skills, becoming more involved in ASSP or stepping into a leadership role, each of us can make a difference.

I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve. By listening to one another, investing in people and embracing new opportunities, we can strengthen our Society, advance our profession and help every worker return home at the end of the day. Let’s level up together.