New ASSE Executive Director Welcomes the Challenge
"The board has made it clear it wants ASSE to improve service to our current members and attract new ones, bolster the educational outreach available through our professional development offerings, become a leader in developing OSH standards, and elevate the value of the profession within the business community," said Dennis Hudson, whose appointment is effective June 1. "It's a tall order, but with all 72 employees working together, ASSE will be better and stronger than ever."
The American Society of Safety Engineers' board of directors has appointed Dennis Hudson as executive director, effective June 1, which means he is in place for the Safety 2016 conference and expo that will begin with pre-conference seminars on June 22 and continue until July 2 with post-conference seminars. The main portion of the event is taking place Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29, with the expo set for Sunday through Tuesday inside Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center.
Expo hours are 3-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday.
Hudson was ASSE's acting executive director before accepting his new role, according to the society's May 27 announcement. He will continue to oversee ASSE's Professional Affairs initiatives, such as academic accreditation, government affairs, ethics, a professional recognition and capabilities framework, and intra-society outreach, and the announcement said he has been a driving force behind the creation of the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability and the Risk Assessment Institute.
Hudson is the seventh executive director for ASSE since it was created in 1911. He replaces Fred Fortman, who left ASSE after serving as executive director for 17 years.
"Given the pivotal role this position plays in ASSE's success, our goal was to find an individual who could help take the society in a new direction, align staff resources with ASSE's strategic priorities, and ensure that ASSE is fostering a positive work environment," ASSE President Michael Belcher said. "We didn't have to look far. We are confident that the society will benefit with Dennis at the helm."
Hudson joined ASSE in 2007 after having spent 10 years as EHS director and senior environmental counsel at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Hoffman Estates, Ill. He is leading a staff of 72 employees.
"I am honored by the board's vote of confidence and excited by the challenges ahead," he said. "The board has made it clear it wants ASSE to improve service to our current members and attract new ones, bolster the educational outreach available through our professional development offerings, become a leader in developing OSH standards, and elevate the value of the profession within the business community. It's a tall order, but with all 72 employees working together, ASSE will be better and stronger than ever."