Brian Nguyen, MISE, CSP, ARM, has been selected as the Orange County Chapter of ASSP 2025–2026 Safety Professional of the Year in recognition of his leadership, volunteer service, and continued contributions to the occupational safety and health profession.

Brian has been an active leader and dedicated volunteer within ASSP for many years, serving the Orange County Chapter in numerous leadership capacities, including Chapter President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and committee leadership roles. He currently serves as ASSP Region I Assistant Regional Vice President for Awards & Honors.

Throughout his involvement with the OC ASSP, Brian has played a key role in supporting chapter growth, professional development programming, student mentorship, and member engagement initiatives. He has helped organize and support technical meetings, joint chapter collaborations, professional networking events, mentorship opportunities, and student outreach efforts designed to strengthen connections within the safety community and support the next generation of safety professionals.

Those who have worked and volunteered alongside Brian often describe him as a leader who leads by example, with a strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, and a positive, can-do attitude. Colleagues and fellow volunteers recognize his ability to bring people together, support chapter initiatives, and maintain a clear vision focused on advancing the profession while creating meaningful opportunities for members and students alike.

Brian is also passionate about mentorship and education. In addition to supporting students and young professionals through OC ASSP, he serves as an adjunct professor within the Department of Public Health in the College of Health and Human Development at California State University, Fullerton, where he teaches Occupational Safety and Health and mentors students pursuing careers in occupational safety and health.

Professionally, Brian serves as Director and Head of Safety and Health for OC Sports & Entertainment, where he oversees safety and health programs supporting operations across multiple entities and facilities within the sports, entertainment, hospitality, and mixed-use development sectors throughout Southern California.

The award was presented during the Chapter’s May Technical Meeting, where Brian was recognized among fellow safety professionals and industry peers for his contributions to the profession and the chapter.

We’re excited to share that the results of the Orange County Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals elections are in.

Please join us in congratulating our newly elected 2026/2027 board members, who have volunteered their time and expertise to support and lead our chapter.

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

We look forward to the continued growth of our chapter under this new leadership and encourage everyone to stay involved, attend upcoming events, and support our board throughout the year.

In addition, we extend our sincere appreciation to all members who volunteer in other capacities, whether supporting events, mentoring, serving on committees, or contributing behind the scenes. Your time and effort make a meaningful impact on the success of our chapter.

Thank you for your continued support of the Orange County ASSP Chapter.

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,