There is significance in this picture! Remember that this group of leaders gathered on April 15-16 2024 in Long Beach CA. These are the next leaders of their individual organizations, industries, and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)!
Thank you all for your energy and authenticity at #spring2024roc1. You are an amazing group…you have had an amazing year as the leaders of your chapter(s)…and I am grateful that I get to serve with you all. Justin Molocznk, ASSP Region 1 VP
It is that time of year again. We are seeking nominations and volunteers to staff the many positions within the chapter. The Puget Sound Chapter is a vibrant chapter that continues to achieve Platinum Status each year based on strong leadership commitment. To maintain our momentum and continue to add value, we rely on leadership continuity, and that includes the continuous addition of new leadership. We will train and support you and the commitment is minimal from a time standpoint. Please consider stepping up and joining a dynamic team of leaders while serving ASSP and the Puget Sound Chapter.
Chapter Leadership Positions:
President
Purpose: The chapter president provides direction and support to create a meaningful and high-quality experience for chapter members.
Provide direction to the chapter that is consistent with the chapter’s bylaws as well as ASSP’s mission and vision statements, goals, and code of professional conduct
Chair all chapter executive committee meetings and chapter general membership meetings
Lead chapter executive committee in the development and execution of strategic activities related to succession planning and chapter sustainability
Maintain chapter incorporation and affiliate agreements with ASSP headquarters, including ensuring chapter compliance with required reporting
Represent the chapter on semiannual Area Operating Committee (AOC) and/or Regional Operating Committee (ROC) by attending meetings or appointing a proxy
Represent the chapter at meetings of other organizations when official representation is of benefit to chapter or ASSP members, or appoint a designee to ensure attendance
Appoint standing committee chairs and members to special committees as needed
Provide strategic leadership for the chapter and its members
Look for a successor
Vice Present
Purpose: The chapter president-elect/vice president assists the chapter president in providing direction and support to the chapter to create a meaningful and high-quality experience for chapter members.
Support the chapter president in providing direction to the chapter that is consistent with the chapter’s bylaws, as well as ASSP’s mission and vision statements, goals, and code of professional conduct.
Work with the chapter president and Executive Committee to develop and execute strategic activities related to succession planning and chapter sustainability
Serve as acting president in the absence of the chapter president (see chapter president position description), including representing the president as requested
Assist with planning and attending chapter Executive Committee and general membership meetings
Supervise the activities of chapter committees as agreed upon
Recommend attendance at semiannual Area Operating Committee (AOC) and/or Regional Operating Committee (ROC) meetings
Perform other duties as agreed upon with the chapter president or Executive Committee
Program Chair – schedule of speakers/field trips for the year
Look for a successor
Secretary
Purpose: The chapter secretary ensures the chapter’s ability to provide continuity of a quality member experience by maintaining the chapter’s historical records.
Maintain and retain all chapter files, including minutes and correspondence, according to the chapter document retention guidelines
Ensure that members receive timely and effective notices of all chapter meetings and functions
Attend chapter general membership and Executive Committee meetings
Record and distribute minutes of all chapter and Executive Committee meetings to chapter members and officers
Ensure consistent and appropriate messaging across chapter communication channels (website, social media accounts, newsletter, and other publications) in partnership with the chapter communications chair and other chapter volunteers as applicable
Assist chapter president in completing reports
Assume duties of chapter treasurer when necessary
Serve in the role for two years
Treasurer
Purpose: The chapter treasurer ensures the chapter’s financial ability to serve its members. This volunteer leader manages chapter resources and funds, maintains, and updates the chapter’s financial records, and provides leadership in financial responsibility and fund allocation.
Prepare and manage the chapter operating budget for the fiscal year (April 1 – March 31)
Present reports regarding current and long-term chapter finances to the chapter Executive Committee and chapter membership
Share opinions on the chapter’s financial position as an elected officer
Supervise the receipt and disbursement of funds
Establish and manage funds in an approved depository
Attend Executive Committee and chapter meetings
Ensure that an annual or biennial audit is performed on the chapter’s financial records
Assume the duties of chapter secretary as necessary
Serve in the role for two years
Advisory Board Member (3 slots/positions)
Purpose: The advisory board members serve as liaisons between the chapter’s members and ASSP. They represent chapter members’ interests in Society, keep chapter members informed on actions and proposed actions, and act on behalf of the chapter’s membership.
Represent the chapter membership to the ASSP on Society-level issues and providing feedback from the chapter to ASSP on issues related to the profession throughout the chapter year
Communicate with chapter membership to determine the overall chapter viewpoint on Society-level issues
Attend chapter general membership and Executive Committee meetings
At Large Positions
Awards & Honors Chair
Purpose: The chapter awards and honors chair supports member engagement by ensuring that chapter members are recognized for their contributions to the chapter, ASSP, and the safety profession.
Communications Chair
Purpose: The chapter communications chair facilitates the flow of information between the chapter Executive Committee and the chapter membership and ensures that members have access to timely and relevant information about the chapter, ASSP, and local OSH issues.
Membership Chair
Purpose: The chapter membership chair is responsible for monitoring and growing the chapter’s membership by coordinating the chapter’s member recruitment, orientation, and retention efforts. This volunteer leader works with the chapter’s executive committee to identify and pursue opportunities to enhance the experience for existing and future chapter members.
Nominations & Elections Chair
Purpose: The chapter nominations and elections chair ensures the chapter’s sustainability by recruiting future leaders from among chapter members. This volunteer leader engages all chapter officers to develop and execute a strong succession plan for the chapter.
Professional Development Conference Chair (PNW Safety Symposium)
Purpose: The professional development conference (PDC) chair ensures the delivery of a high-quality PDC to help chapter members reach the highest level of performance. This volunteer leader’s primary responsibility rests with coordinating and developing the chapter’s PDC.
Program Chair
Purpose: The chapter program chair works with the chapter’s Executive Committee to ensure that chapter programming meets the needs of the chapter’s membership. This includes ensuring that the chapter fulfills its charter requirements of hosting four technical meetings annually and may include coordinating additional programming offered by the chapter.
Section/Student Affairs Chair
Purpose: The chapter section/student affairs chair ensures that members of the chapter’s sections and student sections are informed of chapter business and that their needs and interests are represented within the chapter Executive Committee.
Foundation Liaison
Purpose: The chapter foundation liaison ensures that chapter members are aware of opportunities available through the ASSP Foundation and facilitates members’ participation in these opportunities.
Government Affairs Chair
Purpose: The chapter government affairs chair liaises between chapter members and ASSP’s national government affairs efforts.
Website Manager/Jobs Chair
Purpose: The chapter jobs chair provides chapter members with information and resources to aid in their job searches and career development.
Expectation – All elected committee members are expected to attend monthly steering committee meetings and chapter and/or section meetings as often as possible. If an Executive Committee member misses more than two meetings in a row – who will reach out to them to see what is going on.
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Welcome to the brand new chapter year that started on July 1, 2023. We are excited at the possibilities ahead and the many accomplishments that we will make as a chapter, including our Mt. Baker, Olympia, and CWU Student sections. Below is a slate of our officers at all levels. Please reach out to president@pugetsound.assp.org if you would like to get involved in leadership and become part of our board for the 2024-2025 year.
Chapter President
Brian Padgett
Vice President
Bianca Green
Secretary
Ryan Hill
Treasurer
Lucien Sahali
Members-At-Large
Rebecca Alexander (WISE) David Hundley Brian Van Scott Streuli Krista Kolaz Kieth McCammant
Below are the chapter officers for the 2023-2024 year, beginning July 1, 2023. Please note that we did not hold elections this year, in accordance with Puget Sound Chapter bylaws, since none of the positions were opposed.
Chapter President
Brian Padgett
Vice President
Bianca Green
Secretary
Ryan Hill
Treasurer
Lucien Sahali
Members-At-Large
Rebecca Alexander (WISE) David Hundley Brian Van Scott Streuli Krista Kolaz Kieth McCammant
Our 2023/2024 chapter committee members slate is based on nomination. Elections will be held soon, and all chapter members will be invited and encouraged to vote. Note that we have one at-large position still open and need someone to volunteer. As of March 7th, all nominees are running unopposed.
Chapter President
Seeking Candidate
Vice President
Bianca Green
Secretary
Ryan Hill
Treasurer
Luce Sahali
Members-At-Large
Rebecca Alexander (WISE) David Hundley Brian Van Scott Streuli Krista Kolaz Kieth McCammant
Advisory Board (formerly House of Delegates)
Dwayne Jeffrey Jason Stearns Chip McKenna
Website and Jobs Manager
Brent Knight
Bio’s for Candidates
Chapter President – Seeking Candidates
Chapter Vice President – Bianca Green
Bianca Green, CSP is an EHS Leader at The Boeing Company and has 7.5 years of experience in environmental health and safety.
Newer to the Pacific NW, prior to joining The Boeing Company Bianca worked at an Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center as an EHS Specialist in Houston, TX, and Associated Grocers in Baton Rouge, LA as a Safety Trainer. Bianca completed her Master of Science in Occupational Health & Safety from Columbia Southern University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Services with a focus on Safety Management from Nicholls State University.
Bianca is an 8-year active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) where she served on the leadership board in Houston. She joined the ASSP Puget Sound Chapter fall of 2019 where she then joined the leadership board serving as Secretary and Member at Large. Bianca looks forward to continued networking and connecting with fellow Safety Professionals in the safety industry.
Bianca is a Louisiana native who loves baking, cooking, self-care, and spending time with family, friends, and her 13-year-old fur baby (Toy Poodle).
Chapter Secretary – Ryan Hill
Ryan is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with over 21 years of combined experience in industrial hygiene, safety, and environmental compliance and has held positions managing HSE programs for a variety of industries across the country that include steelmaking, pharmaceutical, building products, maritime, and chemical manufacturing.
Ryan has been a health and safety consultant for the past six and a half years serving clients in a variety of industries and enjoys working with them to determine the best possible solutions to their health and safety issues, concerns, and compliance needs. His passion is solving occupational health problems and providing solutions for clients and stakeholders to ensure employees do not develop work-related health issues so they may thrive in retirement.
Ryan also enjoys spending time in nature with his wife of twenty years and his sons hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and sightseeing all of the beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Ryan transplanted to the PNW from the Chicago area in 2014 and never plans to leave!
Chapter Treasurer – Lucien Sahali
Lucien is the current Puget Sound ASSP treasurer and is running for a second term. He is a CSP currently working for a general contractor in the Seattle area. Before working in construction Lucien worked for U-Haul International in the Risk Management Department as a corporate safety specialist and part of the disaster recovery team. During his time at U-Haul he worked on safety training development, conducted audits and safety coaching for the northwest region, participated in serious incident investigations, and assisted in the recovery and restoration of business for locations impacted by disasters. Away from work, Lucien has many pursuits, the last two years this has been running. He is currently training for the Chicago marathon in October of 2023.
At-Large Positions
Scott Streuli has over 30 years of construction safety experience in residential, commercial, heavy civil, industrial and marine construction environments.
Currently, Scott is instrumental in the development, implementation, training, mentoring, and maintenance of the Atkinson Construction Company Safety & Loss Prevention Continuous Improvement Program.
Scott’s ASSE/ASSP History —
Central Washington University Student Section Member 1987, Secretary 1988, Vice President 1989.
Active member off and on since then.
Puget Sound Chapter VP 2013-2014,
Puget Sound Chapter President 2015-2016
Puget Sound Chapter Safety Professional of the Year Award Recipient 2017
Puget Sound Chapter Delegate 2017-2022
Scott’s Additional Contributions Etc. —
Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board (GISHAB) Committee Member 2015 – Present
GISHAB Construction Safety Day Chair 2021 – Present
AGC Safety Committee, Crane Safety Task Force and Various Other Subcommittees
AGC Brian Salsgiver Safety Professional of the Year 2022
Puget Sound ASSP Professional Development Conference & Safety Symposium Committee since inception
Washington State Construction Advisory Committee, Rule Making Stakeholder Participant, and Various Other Subcommittees
Scott would be proud to be an “At Large” board member of the Puget Sound Chapter of the ASSP
Rebecca Alexander CSP, is a manager, of occupational safety & compliance at Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. She has 22 years of experience in retail operations, loss prevention, and project management, along with 9 years managing workplace safety and injury prevention programs for retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Rebecca holds the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. She also is an accredited office ergonomics evaluator (AOEE), earned from the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina at North Carolina State University. She is an active member of the Applied Ergonomics Society. Rebecca has Bachelor of Arts degrees in both International Studies and English from the Ohio State University. Rebecca is leading the Women in Safety Excellence (WISE) launch for the Puget Sound chapter.
Brian Van CSP graduated from Central Washington University’s Safety Management program in 1990 and received his CSP designation in 2008. Brian’s first employment post-graduation from CWU was in in Nagoya, Japan working for various companies for 2 years prior to returning to Central Washington University for additional studies.
Brian began his professional safety career in 1994 in heavy civil bridge and road construction before moving on to mechanical construction including industrial maintenance. Next Brian worked for a contractor building multi-floor commercial high-rise buildings and retrofitting existing commercial spaces, prior to returning to highway and bridge construction in 2008 resulting in almost 30 years of safety management experience in construction. Brian has also been involved with ASSP as a student section member and holding multiple executive level positions with the Puget Sound Chapter.
Advisory Board Members
Chip McKenna, MPA, CSP, CPCU, ARM is a project safety advisor for Intuitive Safety Solutions, at the Port of Seattle. He has over 35 years of experience assisting private, public, and tribal entities in identifying, controlling, and reducing potential risks. Chip is a lean six sigma green belt. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Florida International University, a graduate certificate in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University, and several professional designations, including the Certified Safety Professional, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Risk Management – Public Entities, Associate in Claims, Associate in Insurance Services, Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist, and Management Liability Insurance Specialist.
Chip has been a member of the Puget Sound Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals since 2006. He is the past chapter president (2016/2017) and chapter delegate (2019/2022).
Jason Stearns CHST is an experienced construction professional with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He is a dedicated safety solutions architect focusing on enhancing workplace culture, health, safety, and environmental issues. In addition, Jason has contributed to the Seattle community as a delegate for the Local ASSP chapter, managing the Social Media group PNW Construction Safety on Facebook.
Jason has held several key positions in the construction industry. He is the Safety Director for Key Mechanical Co of W.A., managing their safety program, including COVID-19 protocols. His role included managing the organization’s Worker’s Compensation claims, Loss Prevention – Auto incidents, chairing their Safety Committee, ensuring compliance with third-party connections (Avetta) and General Contractors, and conducting all company training (CPR, Equipment training, awareness training). Jason also provides all company policy program updates, manages PPE and other safety supplies inventory, and develops several company culture-enhancing programs, including a mentorship program for new hires and bi-weekly safety message bulletins. In addition, he travels extensively throughout all regions, connecting with the technicians on the ground and managing every aspect of the organization’s safety needs.
As a Regional Safety Manager for Onni Group, Jason built and implemented Onni Group Seattle’s safety program. He managed the safety of the largest apartment high-rise project in Seattles history, 1120 Denny Way, valued at $500 million. He also developed a COVID-19 plan nationally for Onni and the company’s safety program for L.A.’s Hotel and commercial properties. In addition, Jason built strong relationships with L&I and other local AHJs as the Seattle claim manager and H.R. liaison.
Before that, Jason worked as an Environmental Health & Safety Manager for Skanska USA Building. He managed multiple job sites valued at over $100 million and implemented the civil/building safety program alignment on numerous projects, with zero recordable injuries on his projects for 2017.
Jason’s experience includes working as a Safety Coordinator for McClone Construction, where he managed OSHA/DOSH compliance and Jobsite auditing. In addition, he was responsible for assisting with claim management, employee safety training, and equipment training and managed the company’s incentive program, with a budget of over $50k annually. He also worked as a Concrete General Foreman for McClone Construction, managing the crew and project needs for the scope of work.
Jason began his career as a Cement Mason with Local 528 in 2006, working in all scopes of concrete applications within the trade. Before that, he served in the United States Army National Guard as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, where he was deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005. He was responsible for fuel supply logistics, heavy equipment operations, bulk fuel staging, and convoy security. Jason also worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Don Olson Construction, where he was involved in heavy underground utility construction and land development.
Jason holds an AAS in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and is currently enrolled in the university’s bachelor of science program(occupational health and safety). He is a CSMC Certified Safety Manager for Construction, CHST Construction Health and Safety Technician, STSC Safety Trained Supervisor Construction, HIS first Aid and CPR instructor, and a NAFED portable fire extinguisher technician.
Dwayne Jenkins is the Safety, Health, & Environmental Director for Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company. He provides Washington State operations with direction and general oversight for all safety planning and implementation, including the development of job site-specific safety plans. With more than 18 years of experience as a construction safety professional, Dwayne ensures the company’s Zero Harm safety culture is created and maintained and is committed to empowering our team with effective safety execution. He holds numerous certifications with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, the International Risk Management Institute, OSHA, and more.
We met on February 15, 2023, for our first in-person chapter breakfast meeting since February 2020. A big thanks to the folks at Howard S. Wright for hosting. Please join us next month, in-person or virtually.
Our first ASSP Student Chapter Meeting of 2023 last night was a huge success, thanks to all that attended!
Congratulations again to Brian Clarke for receiving the esteemed Distinguished Alumni Status for his dedication to our program. He is an SHM alumnus, past IAC Chair, longtime donor, mentor, supporter, and coach for students! Thank you Brian!
Thank you to the ASSP Puget Sound Chapter for their support and donation for our student scholarships! Thanks for your words of advice for our students. Brian Van, CSP, Scott Streuli
Our student club officers are working hard and planning club events for this year. Ian Harper– President Megan Stanley- Vice President Josh Carnahan-Secretary and Treasurer Caden Reyes– Senator
The ASSP Puget Sound Chapter had the pleasure of presenting to a group of students from the Central Washington University Safety and Health Management Program. Puget Sound Chapter Members Justin Molocznik and Will Stuflick discussed career advice, industry internships, ASSP membership, and other unique aspects of the safety and risk career pathway. Thank you to CWU and program faculty member Jennifer Serne-Allen for the support and opportunity to connect with students!
Moving forward, the Chapter committed to assisting the student section with exploring the opportunity to host a safety and health roadshow at a local high school in the CWU region. More to follow soon…
There are many reasons to join ASSP and the Puget Sound Chapter. There are also many reasons to participate in the chapter events. Why are you a member and what do you want out of the Puget Sound Chapter and its sections, Mt. Baker in Burlington and Olympia down South? Please let us know; we want to hear. (Picture of Steve Conkle receiving his Region One SPY award)
Thank you Krista Kolaz for two years of service as our chapter president. Picture taken with current chapter president, Will Stuflick (left), and Region One Area Director, Justin Molocznik (right) at the Washington Governors Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Tacoma on September 28th.
Congratulations Chip McKenna on being selected and awarded the 2022 Puget Sound Chapter Safety Person of the Year. Thanks for your contributions to the chapter and to our industry.
The WISE Mentoring program successfully connects today’s most talented and experienced women mentors with rising and aspiring mentees. This pairing is designed to encourage and empower mentees to more effectively advance their careers through alignment with identified business objective, skill development, career option consideration, and network formation. All discussions are strictly confidential between the two parties. If you are an SH&E practitioner seeking to chart a successful career path or a seasoned pro eager to share experiences and insight, please visit the ASSP WISE website for more information.
