Dear Members of the OC ASSP,
I am thrilled and honored to step into the role of President alongside our dedicated board. Together, we embark on a journey to foster safety excellence and professional growth within our community. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to our outgoing President and Member-At-Large, Brian Nguyen, for his leadership, guidance, and commitment to this organization. Brian has taken this chapter into Platinum status, further highlighting his extraordinary commitment to this organization. Brian, thank you for your leadership as president this last year.
I am blessed to have an extraordinary board by my side, whose support will undoubtedly contribute to a successful year for our chapter: Jessica Vargas, CSP, as President-Elect; Art Pedroza as Treasurer; and Royce Hossler, CSP, as Secretary. In addition, I am privileged to have the guidance of our Elected Advisors: Teddi Penewell, CSP, CIT; Georgette Quinn; and Bob Howarth, CSP. Lastly, I want to extend my gratitude to the chapter committee members who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning of our chapter: Phil Combest, CSP; Rich Warner, CIH; Danni Acevedo, STS-C; Eric Brown, DrPH, CIH, CSP; Danny Kim, PhD; Rollin Gordon; Haley Binder, MBA, ASP; and Bhavika Lodhia, MPH, RSO, CSHM. All your passion, dedication and contributions are deeply appreciated.
As we embark on this new chapter year, I want to share with you our three primary goals, which aim to strengthen the Orange County ASSP Chapter’s impact, engagement, and operational effectiveness throughout the year.
Goal 1: Improve Membership Experience and Value. Our members are the heart and soul of our chapter, and our responsibility is to ensure that their experience remains fulfilling and valuable. We will strengthen networking opportunities through events, workshops, tours, and conferences. We will also foster networking events with other sister ASSP chapters and organizations, allowing for meaningful connections and knowledge sharing among members. Lastly, we will focus on reaching out to members to ensure we provide value-added events and networking opportunities. Introducing this enhanced member feedback mechanism will allow us to gather input on improving services and benefits.
Goal 2: Enhanced Review of the Operating Budget. Allocating resources effectively to support chapter goals and initiatives further expands our ability to continue to be successful as an organization. We will continue to enhance our membership experience and ensure the technical meetings are conducted in a manner that will allow the organization to continue to operate smoothly. In order to ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting, we will conduct a thorough review of the previous years budget.
Goal 3: Increased Community Engagement. This next year, we will focus on enhancing our involvement with our student chapter, partnering with related organizations, and volunteering within the community. Investing in the next generation of safety professionals is crucial to the long-term success of our chapter and the safety profession. We will strive to expand and enhance our student mentorship program. We will organize joint events and activities that promote knowledge-sharing and professional growth among various organizations. Additionally, we will increase involvement in community outreach programs related to safety and health.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, I look forward to collaborating with each of you. Your expertise and commitment are invaluable as we strive to uphold the highest standards of safety and well-being. Let’s inspire innovation, support one another, and continue to elevate our industry. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and eager to serve our chapter. I look forward to a productive and successful year ahead!
Carolyn Oakes, CSP, MBA
President, Orange County Chapter
American Society of Safety Professionals