Please join us in recognizing Anthony Barrueta Digesti, one of our newest Columbia Willamette Chapter volunteers. Anthony serves on ASSP’s Advisory Group, helping represent member perspectives and provide feedback that supports the Society’s strategic direction. He’s also an active chapter supporter, regularly attending meetings and networking events. We appreciate Anthony’s willingness to get involved and are excited to feature him in this month’s Member Spotlight.
What initially drew you to wanting to get involved with the Chapter?
For me, it really comes down to the people and relationships. I’ve met some great individuals through ASSP this past year, and I’ve always appreciated how willing everyone is to share their experiences and help one another. I figured instead of just attending events and networking, why not get more involved and see where I can contribute? It seemed like a great opportunity to give back to a group that’s been welcoming to me.
Tell us about your professional background and experience.
Most of my career has been in business development and sales, particularly working with commercial and industrial customers. I spent nearly seven years with Graphic Products, helping companies with workplace safety identification and compliance solutions. More recently, I was a Business Development Manager with FACS, covering Oregon and Washington and working with customers on environmental health and occupational safety services.
I’ve worked with everyone from safety managers and facility managers to operations teams and business owners. What I’ve enjoyed most is getting to know people, understanding their challenges, and helping them find solutions. Working in and around the safety industry has also given me a real appreciation for what EHS professionals do every day.
What’s something fun or surprising people might not know about you?
I’m a husband and dad to two young daughters, so life outside of work is pretty entertaining these days! I love spending time with my family, cooking, and taking on projects around the house, even when those projects end up taking a lot longer than I originally planned. I also come from a Cuban and Mexican background, so food, family, and getting everyone together have always been a big part of my life.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering or getting more involved?
I’d say just go for it. Show up to an event, introduce yourself, and start a conversation. You don’t have to know everyone or be an expert in everything to get involved. Everyone has something to offer, and sometimes all it takes is putting yourself out there a little. You might be surprised by the people you meet and the opportunities that come from it.
What are you most excited about for our chapter?
I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue growing the chapter and getting more people involved. We have a lot of knowledgeable and experienced people in our community, and I think there’s a great opportunity to bring everyone together, share ideas, and make connections. I’d also love to see more younger professionals and people who are new to the industry get involved. The stronger our network is, the more we can all learn from each other.