ASSP Honors Leo DeBobes with Standards Medal
The longtime safety professional receives the Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal for his 40-year career developing workplace safety protocols.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 24, 2026
Leo J. DeBobes was named the recipient of the Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal by the American Society of Safety Professionals for his leadership in developing national consensus standards.
The award recognizes his four decades of contributions to environmental health and safety across the healthcare, construction, research and manufacturing sectors. During his 40-year tenure with ASSP, DeBobes served as chair and vice chair of the ASSP Standards Development Committee from 2018 through 2024.
His technical work includes significant contributions to the A1264 committee regarding workplace walking and working surfaces, as well as the Z590.3 committee focused on prevention through design. DeBobes also represents the organization on the National Fire Protection Association Technical Committee on Hazardous Materials Response Personnel.
In addition to his work with ASSP, DeBobes remains active with the American Industrial Hygiene Association Standards Advisory Panel and serves as president of the board of directors for the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.
Professionally, DeBobes recently served as the assistant administrator for emergency management and regulatory compliance at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. His academic background includes roles as a clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook University and a program coordinator at Suffolk County Community College.
The Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal is an annual award that recognizes ASSP members who provide significant technical support in developing standards that protect workers in various industries.
DeBobes is scheduled to be recognized during the ASSP Safety 2026 conference in Anaheim, California.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.