Dear Orange County ASSP Members / Fellow Safety Professionals:

It’s that time of year when the chapter leadership is planning for the 2026/2027 chapter year leadership team. The executive committee is comprised of 8 elected officers (in accordance with chapter bylaws) plus many more chairpersons, directors, and committee members performing a wide variety of functions for the chapter.  Members will receive ballots via email in the coming weeks – please watch out for the email, and please remember to vote! 

This year’s electoral slate has all candidates running unopposed, so this election is a gesture of acclamation and a symbol of your support for the chapter and its leaders.  Please take one minute and show your support for these fine leaders by filling out the ballot below.

The tentative slate of elected officers is as follows:

President: Bhavika Lodhia, DrPH, MPH, RSO, CSHM 

President-Elect: Tracey Kreiger, MPH, CSP

Member at Large: Brian Nguyen, MISE, CSP, ARM

Treasurer: Haley Binder, MBA, ASP

Secretary: Andrew Stumpf, CSP

Advisor 1: Teddi Penewell, CSP

Advisor 2: Georgette Quinn

Advisor 3: Bob Howarth, MS, CSP

Note that this ballot includes only “elected officers” required by our chapter bylaws. The chapter leadership committee includes many other local professionals who help to run the various chapter activities.  If you’ve already expressed interest in being part of the leadership team, someone will be in touch with you in the coming weeks.  If you are considering jumping in or would like more information, contact any board member listed on the chapter website:  https://orangecounty.assp.org/

Dear Members of the OC ASSP

As we head toward the end of 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come during the first half of the 2025–2026 chapter year and share a glimpse of what’s ahead.

Before looking forward, it’s important to recognize a significant accomplishment from last year. Under the leadership of our immediate Past President, Carolyn Oakes, CSP, and with the dedication and support of the 2024–2025 Board of Directors, our chapter earned Platinum recognition for the 2024–2025 year—ASSP’s highest chapter recognition level. This recognition reflects the collective effort, collaboration, and commitment of our chapter leadership.

Since July, with the inauguration of the 2025–2026 Board, we’ve been building on that foundation and carrying forward the momentum through collaboration, engagement, and a shared commitment to serving our members. We’ve hosted six events, including joint meetings with our student section and OCAIHA, bringing together technical learning and meaningful networking. Along the way, we held both professional development and social events and wrapped up the year with a fun and engaging Joint Holiday Event with OCAIHA. We also collaborated on a sold-out Joint Technical Symposium (JTS) with the LA and LB ASSP Chapters and OC and SC AIHA Sections. This was a strong example of regional collaboration across both ASSP and AIHA organizations and the value of working together.

Supporting our members remains at the heart of what we do. This year, the chapter continued to offer membership dues and certification reimbursement for members experiencing hardship, helping ensure access to professional growth when it matters most. We’ve also been intentional about recognizing the achievements within our community. Members earning certifications and reaching professional milestones have been highlighted through our email updates and social media, and we’ve made it easier for members to recognize one another by sharing clear peer-to-peer recognition guidance on our website.

Behind the scenes, we’re continuing to strengthen the chapter’s operations. While this work takes time, we’re making steady progress. We recently conducted a member survey to hear your feedback on what’s working and how we can better serve you. More to come as we review the responses.

Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about. We’ve officially launched the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program, and I want to thank everyone who volunteered as a mentor for giving back and supporting future safety professionals. We’re also planning more technical sessions, additional social and networking opportunities, and our annual Angels Baseball networking event.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors and committee volunteers. Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you put into supporting our members and the profession.

On behalf of the board, I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Thank you for being part of the Orange County Chapter—I’m excited for what’s still ahead.

Best regards,

We’re excited to welcome six new professionals and five student members who joined our chapter over the past three months. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new members as they become part of our expanding community of safety professionals. We look forward to connecting, collaborating, and supporting each other in advancing safety in our industries!

Professional Members

• Allen Nichols
• Georgia Lee
• Cynthia Clipper-Gray, CHSP
• Linda L Small, ARM
• Joaquin Alonso Schmidt, ASP
• Neil Ozonur, CSP

Student Members

• Amir League
• Rayan Abdallah Soueidan
• Natasha Mortera
• Aleina Ruaboro
• Szu-Ching (Janet) Fang

The Orange County Chapter has been awarded Platinum Level Recognition for the 2024–2025 year, marking another successful milestone for the chapter.

This recognition is based on the chapter activities and reviewed by the Regional Vice President and Area Director. The Platinum designation represents the highest level of chapter achievement within ASSP.

With the leadership of Carolyn Oakes, President 2024–2025, and with the dedicated efforts of the Orange County Chapter Board and volunteers, the chapter delivered outstanding value to its members and advanced the safety profession as a whole. ASSP commended the chapter for this impressive level of success, which reflects the collective commitment of its leadership team, volunteers, and members.

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.

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