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.

Thank you to all who attended, exhibited, sponsored, and volunteered at GOSH 2025!

That’s a wrap on the successful 38th biennial 2025 Oregon GOSH Conference with 1,322 attendees! GOSH offered 168 sessions with over 270 hours of training delivered by more than 195 speakers, networking opportunities, and 150 exhibit booths with the latest products and services.

Tuesday kicked off with a Keynote by Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, with a powerful presentation on mental health and suicide prevention.

Also on Tuesday, the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]), hosted students and early professionals at no cost as an opportunity to attend the largest OSH conference in the PNW and network.

Women In Safety Excellence (WISE) held a networking event Tuesday evening and recognized five women across the state with Healthy, Well and Wise awards from ASSP. The WISE event was planned collaboratively by all the Oregon ASSP chapter WISE chairs.

The 7th Columbia Forklift Challenge competition winners were celebrated on Wednesday.

Seven leaders in on-the-job safety and health were honored with awards during the ceremony on Wednesday, March 5. The categories include rising safety star, business leader, safety committee/team, safety and health professional, and workplace safety program. For more information read the award recipient profiles.

The Oregon State Association of Occupational Health Nurses awarded their 2025 Shelley Jones Occupational Health Nurse of the Year, Linda Meuleveld, Wednesday evening at their networking event. Congrats Linda!

Thank you to conference planning committee chairs: Brittany Johnston (Conference Chair), Angie Wisher and Jimmy Gibbons (Program), Deb Bridges (Sponsorships), Jason Luty (Exhibits), Soren Bjerregaard (CEUs), Aaron Corvin and Lyn Zielinski Mills (Marketing), Kim Gamble (Awards), Craig Hamelund (Forklift Challenge), and Dave McNiel (Room Volunteers). Thank you to the 59 room volunteers and many others that help make this conference a success. And a special thank you to the Oregon OSHA planning team – Sharell Lein, Jill McConnell, and Diane Kronemann!

Mark your calendar for the next GOSH, March 1-4, 2027!

Women In Safety Excellence (WISE) held a networking event Tuesday night and recognized five women across the state with Healthy, Well and Wise awards from ASSP. The WISE event was planned collaboratively by all the Oregon ASSP chapter WISE chairs. Learn more here.

Thank you to the planning committee:

Paula Jones – Chair

Leigh Manning

Delta Blurton

Kathryn Ewing

Peche Barteaux

Jeffrey Mook

Shyra Vaughn

Niki Holm

Deb Bridges

Brittany Johnston

ASSP is closely monitoring significant cuts to NIOSH, which will greatly reduce its workforce and impact it’s ability to conduct research and develop interventions that protect workers across industries. In a recent communication from ASSP President, Pam Walaski, ASSP members are encouraged to contact your congressional representatives to advocate for NIOSH and it’s essential role in worker safety. Read statement & take action 

Learn more at ASSP’s Government Affairs page here: Government Affairs

Our chapter also posts current updates on our website here: Government Affairs – ASSP Columbia Willamette Chapter

The Columbia Willamette Chapter will be reaching out to local representatives. If you are interested in getting more involved, reach out to us at updates@cwc.assp.org

Did you know you can sign up to receive email updates from ASSP on government affairs and advocacy related to occupational safety & health:

LP – 2023 GA Update Subscription Form

Learn more at ASSP’s Government Affairs page here: Government Affairs

Our chapter also posts current updates on our website here: Government Affairs – ASSP Columbia Willamette Chapter

If you are interested in getting more involved, reach out to us at updates@cwc.assp.org