Dear Members of the OC ASSP,
I am honored to take on the role and responsibilities of President of the Orange County Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals for the 2025-2026 year. 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, Carolyn Oakes, CSP, for her leadership and guidance throughout an impactful 2024-25 chapter year, during which she led our chapter to achieve Platinum recognition from the ASSP. Carolyn, “thank you” for your dedication and countless hours of service to our chapter.
I am blessed to have an extraordinary board’s support to create an amazing chapter year. This year, the board includes BhavikaLodhia, DrPH, MPH, CSHM, RSO, as President-Elect; Tracey Kreiger, MPH, CSP; and Haley Binder, MBA, ASP, as Secretary. In addition, I am privileged to have the guidance of our Elected Advisors: Teddi Penewell, CSP, CIT; Georgette Quinn, OHST; and Bob Howarth, MS, 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, ARM; Rich Warner, ret-CIH; Danni Acevedo, STS-C; Danny Kim, PhD; Dan Gortarez; Andrew Stumpf, CSP; and Damian Davila, CHST, OHST, SMP, COSS, STSC. All your passion and desire to contribute are deeply appreciated.
As we start this new chapter year, I want to share with you our three primary goals, which will serve as the foundation for our work and drive our efforts in the coming months.
Goal 1: Enhancing Membership Experience and Value is a key priority this year. The chapter will focus on delivering consistent and meaningful engagement through monthly events centered on professional development, emerging safety topics, and networking. These initiatives are designed to foster learning and connection among members. Additionally, the chapter will increase its collaboration with allied professional organizations such as LAASSP, LBASSP, OCAIHA, SCAIHA, and OCRIMS, allowing for cross-disciplinary growth. Finally, the chapter will actively promote valuable resources provided by the national society, ensuring members are aware of the tools and benefits available to support their ongoing success.
Goal 2: Recognizing the accomplishments of our members is another key priority this year. The chapter will regularly highlight individuals who earn professional certifications, using both email and social media to celebrate their achievements and inspire others. A dedicated member appreciation event will provide a formal opportunity to express gratitude and build camaraderie. Furthermore, efforts will be made to enhance the perceived and actual value of existing chapter awards, ensuring they reflect the contributions and excellence of our professional community.
Goal 3: Optimizing operations to ensure the chapter’s continual success into the future. The board will document and formalize key processes through the development of standard operating procedures, preserving institutional knowledge and enabling smooth
transitions. Administrative functions will be streamlined using digital platforms and tools to reduce manual tasks and improve responsiveness. To support these operational improvements and expand programming, the chapter also aims to secure sponsors,
providing essential resources and reinforcing community partnerships.
To sum it all up, I am blessed and privileged to embark on this journey with an amazing board. I encourage your active participation in chapter events and provide valuable insights and feedback. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to a productive
and successful year ahead!
Best regards,
Brian Nguyen, MISE, CSP, AEP, ARM
President, Orange County Chapter
American Society of Safety Professionals