2025 ASSP Columbia Willamette Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Award

Celebrating Excellence: Eric Connelly Named 2025 Safety Professional of the Year

Eric Connelly with his wife, Christine, and Barbara Aguon (Awards Chair)

Eric Connelly: 2025 Columbia Willamette Chapter Safety Professional of the Year

We are proud to announce that the 2025 Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) award has been presented to the outstanding and highly deserving Eric Connelly.

A dedicated member of ASSP since February 2007, Eric has served as a Senior Safety Management Consultant at SAIF Corporation since 2004. He holds the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in construction safety. Eric leads SAIF’s efforts on Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) projects and is an OSHA 10 Authorized Construction Trainer. He also contributes his expertise through active involvement in the Construction Safety Summit and the Construction Advisory Council.

Eric’s impact extends well beyond construction. He is a valued member of SAIF’s School Safety Networking Group and the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). For over 15 years, he has played a key role in organizing the Western Pulp & Paper Conference. His voice is a familiar and respected one at the Governor’s Occupational Safety & Health (GOSH) Conference and other safety events across Oregon, including those hosted by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

What truly sets Eric apart is his unwavering commitment to mentorship and professional development. He is known for generously sharing his time, knowledge, and experience to support the growth of fellow safety and health professionals. His leadership is not only technical but deeply human—marked by humility, collaboration, and a passion for elevating the profession. As one of his SAIF colleagues put it best, if Eric had a catch-phrase, it would be: “Happy to help.”

The award was presented by Barbara Aguon, Awards Chair, during the 2025 Officer Installation Event. Please join us in congratulating Eric on this well-earned recognition!

Pictured above is Eric Connelly during the recent roof installation at the PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment (TCORE) project. As the lead SAIF consultant, Eric has been instrumental in supporting the safety team overseeing construction and improvements at Portland International Airport.