ASSP member Wyatt Bradbury, ASP, CHST, was named Columbia Southern University’s (CSU) Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year. Through the annual award, CSU celebrates its OSH students and graduates for their accomplishments and for their commitment to safety and professionalism. Bradbury, who is pursuing a B.S. in OSH from CSU, was selected from a pool of more than 300 nominees.
“I am honored that CSU has chosen me to represent them in this way,” says Bradbury. “I hope to inspire other professionals to continue to develop as leaders and expand their understanding of their craft. I also hope to challenge experienced professionals to begin the transfer of knowledge that is necessary for the next generation of OSH professionals.”
A commercial account manager for Grainger, Bradbury also serves his community as a lifeguard instructor. In addition to an undergraduate degree, he is also pursuing a Master of Engineering with a concentration in Advanced Safety Engineering and Management from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is ASSP’s National Capital Chapter President, serves on the Society’s Education and Training Committee, and is a member of our Emerging Professionals in OSH Common Interest Group. Bradbury has presented at various OSH conferences including ASSP’s Professional Development Conference and has authored articles in Professional Safety.
CSU also recognized ASSP member Cheryl Ratcliff as runner-up for this year’s award. A member of our Fort Worth Chapter and our Women in Safety Excellence Common Interest Group, Ratcliff is a regional environment, health and safety manager for Novolex. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in OSH, Ratcliff was unaware that a coworker nominated her for the award.
“Since childhood, my dream was to work in a profession that could have a positive influence on others,” Ratcliff says. “Early on, that was professions such as police officer, firefighter, counselor and even nursing. It turns out that I have worked my entire career in manufacturing, and when the opportunity arose to move into occupational safety and health, I jumped. I have a passion for safety and enjoy interacting with all levels in the organization to ensure a safe work environment.”