Justin Smith, Head of Environmental Health & Safety-Americas
Years as an ASSP member: 5 Years
Years in the safety industry: 20 Years
Key responsibilities of your job
- Develop EHS strategy for North, Central and South America
- Establish organizational EHS performance objectives
- Lead teams of EHS professionals in the implementation of EHS management system frameworks in pursuit of organizational performance targets
- Partner with Executive Leadership teams to operationalize EHS strategies, through integration of EHS tools, methodologies and objectives into business operations.
What or Who inspires you
I am inspired to reduce EHS risk to people, business and communities because it’s a moral obligation 1st. Additionally, I’m inspired to support the average persons desire to provide their families with the resources needed to purse a bright future. The impact of workplace injuries can limit a persons ability to achieve that goal. If I’m able to, in even a small way, to contribute to this goal by making it safer for a person to provide for their families, then I am fulfilled.
Most Meaningful Professional Achievement
Mentorship and development of new professionals. I enjoy seeing people connect the dots and becoming empowered with new found knowledge. The increase in confidence and capability a person achieves through mentorship has always provided me a sense of achievement.
Future Career Goal or Aspiration
I would love to one day move into consulting and to become a board member of a company or non profit organization. I’d one day like to lend my experience to coach and guide an organization strategically.
Go-to Comfort Food
Tacos…not sure that’s considered a comfort food, but you can never go wrong with good taco.
Hobbies/Enjoy Doing Outside of Work
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new places, exercise, playing chess and attempting to be good at golf. I enjoy learning new skills and technologies. I enjoy learning about history, its so interesting learning how things came to be today.
Recommended TV Series to Watch or Book to Read
I’d recommend reading the 48 laws of power, it helps you understand human nature and how to adapt to different circumstances, personality types and roles you assume in various environments
Grew up in (city, state)
Chicago, Illinois
College Attended / Degree Major
Northern Illinois University BS-Occ Health and Safety; MS Industrial Management