When and how did you begin your safety career?

I started in the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship (Local 36) in 1999 in St. Louis, Mo.  My safety started when I started my Mechanical company “Brison Mechanical” in 2006.  Throughout my time in the field, I realized just how unsafe I was and the stupid risk that I took so I wanted to make a difference.  We did not have a positive safety culture when I worked in the field.  Work was profit driven without the three-leg stool “safety, production, & quality”.  It was always hurry up and get it done!  If you reported and injury, you would be let go so we did not report anything.

What do you do now in Occupational Safety & Health and what do you like most?

My role in Occupational Safety & Health is the Environmental Health & Safety Director at General Sheet Metal.  I enjoy being a servant to all employees and ensuring their safety.

Tell us a bit about your experience obtaining your Bachelor’s in Safety – what motivated you, how was the experience?

My experience obtaining my Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety and Health was very rewarding to fill a personal goal to myself.  I obtained a degree in 2000 for computer programming when I was pursuing a career in computer science.  For my satisfaction having certifications and having the top safety position at General Sheet Metal was not enough for me on a personal level so I wanted to obtain higher education in Occupation Safety & Health.  I will admit walking across the stage at 50 years old had its challenges, but I managed to walk with honors for Magna Cum Laude!  With support from my family and friends, failure was not an option. 

What motivates you to be a safety professional?

My motivation comes from problem solving with coaching and learning rather than pointing and blaming.  Coming through the sheet metal trade and now being an EHS Director for a Sheet Metal company aligns well for me.  90% of the time, my teams have the right answer and are looking for validation where we can collaborate together for the best solution to execute work in a safe manner.  It is definitely the employee engagement that motivates me the most!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my family.  I have been married for 24yrs and we have a 21-yr old son and a 7-yr old daughter.  We enjoy traveling, site seeing, and home projects.

December: Donate Toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital!

Donate anytime via their Wish Lists on Amazon or Target! Once you land on their donation page, click on either Amazon or Target wish list, choose your item(s) and they will be shipped directly to Doernbecher.

View their wish list: Wish List | OHSU

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December: Deliver food boxes for Sunshine Division

Join us for an in-person volunteering opportunity with the Sunshine Division. The Sunshine Division provides immediate food relief to Portland metro families and individuals in need.

Date: Saturday, December 21st

Volunteer times: 9am, 9:45am, 10:45am

Details:

Pick up boxes at Portland International Raceway

Vehicle must be able to hold 5 x 30# boxes (dimensions are 16″x12″x11″)

Sign up online: Sunshine Division (click on “Sign up to Volunteer”, select a time, fill out information, sign release of liability)

In July 2024 ASSP announced a phased increase in membership dues over the next three years. This decision was voted on by the ASSP Board of Directors and was based on the results of a research project that was approved in 2022 and the fact that costs continue to increase to deliver exceptional member benefits. The research indicated that most members would support an increase in their investment if membership provided additional value. The two key changes are:

1. Phased increase in annual membership dues over next three years
2. All members can now join any and all Common Interest Groups and Practice Specialties at NO COST, giving them access to these colleagues across industries and identities and free CEUs through webinars offered by these communities.

Learn more about the changes here: Q&A: Unlock More Value in Your ASSP Membership

Phased Increase in Membership Fees

Starting September 2024:

• Phased increase in dues over the next three years:
  • First Year: $195 USD (currently $180 in U.S., $150 in Canada)
  • Second Year: $205 USD
  • Third Year: $215 USD
• Other rates:
  • Members outside U.S. and Canada: $80 USD
  • Students and emeritus members: $15 USD

This is the first increase for U.S. members since a phased increase between 2017-2019.

This change does NOT affect your chapter dues.

Increased Free Access to CIG and PS Communities!

As part of this restructuring, all members will now have the opportunity to join any or all common interest groups and practice specialty communities at no additional cost. Previously, membership in each group or community was $20/each/year. Here are a few benefits you can receive when participating in these communities:

• Broader Connections: Engage with colleagues across 18 practice specialties and four common interest groups.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Collaborate, discuss best practices, and share resources with industry peers.
• Learning Opportunities: Access over 80 webinars annually, many offering free CEUs.
• Financial Relief: No extra fees for joining groups, reducing financial burden.
• Customizable Experience: Add or remove groups anytime to suit your needs.
• Commitment to DEI: Reflects ASSP’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Practice Specialties: Practice Specialty Communities for Safety Professionals | ASSP

Common Interest Groups: Common Interest Communities for Safety Professionals | ASSP

Dear ASSP-CWC Members,

As we embark on the 2024-2025 Chapter Year, I want to take a moment to share some important updates regarding our monthly membership meetings. These meetings are a cornerstone of our Chapter, providing valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these events, we have made some necessary adjustments to the fee structure.

New Fee Structure for Monthly Meetings:

1. ASSP-CWC Member, Pre-Register & Pay in Advance: $25.00 (No Increase)
2. ASSP-CWC Member, Pre-Register & Pay at Door: $30.00 (Increase of $5.00)
3. Guest, Pre-Register & Pay in Advance: $35.00 (Increase of $5.00)
4. Guest, Pre-Register & Pay at Door: $37.50 (Increase of $7.50)
5. Students: $5.00 (Increase of $5.00)
6. Past Presidents at Past President’s Meeting: $0.00 (No Change)
7. New Members (First Meeting w/ Code): $0.00 (No Change)

The Why Behind These Changes:

Our Chapter meetings are hosted at Brix Tavern, a wonderful venue that ensures we have the space and resources needed to deliver high-quality events. However, each meeting comes at a cost to the Chapter, particularly when individuals pre-register and select to pay at the door and do not attend. We provide a headcount to Brix Tavern in advance, and when those numbers don’t align with actual attendance, we incur significant losses.

To reduce our financial losses and ensure the Chapter’s stability, we’ve made the following decisions:

1. Subsidizing Costs for Members: Despite the changes, we are committed to continuing to subsidize a portion of the lunch cost for our members. We believe this is an important benefit that adds value to your membership.
2. Discouraging “Pay-at-the-Door” No-Shows: We recognize that flexibility is important, so we will continue to allow pay-at-the-door registration. However, we’ve increased the cost slightly to discourage this practice as no-shows have been a significant contributor to our financial losses.
3. Reducing Subsidies for Non-Members: Guests who pre-register and pay in advance will still receive a small subsidy on their meal. However, the subsidy will be significantly reduced compared to members, aligning with our goal of incentivizing membership while managing costs.
4. Encouraging Student Attendance: Students remain an essential part of our community, and we want to continue to support their involvement. By introducing a nominal fee, we hope to enhance the likelihood that registered students will attend, reducing the chance of losses due to no-shows.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement these changes. Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving Chapter that continues to offer valuable experiences to all members. If you have any questions or concerns about these updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the ASSP-CWC community.

Warm regards,

Brittany Johnston

President, Columbia Willamette Chapter