Please join us in congratulating Matthew Koss, who has been named as the 2025 Region VI Safety Professional of the Year by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).

With over 15 years experience in safety management, Matt is motivated to foster a thriving safety culture of organizational learning and continual improvement. He is an active member of the Chesapeake Chapter and currently serves in the role of 1st Vice President, volunteering to chair Chesapeake Chapter’s 2024 PDC. 

Matt has earned Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and Safety Management Specialist (SMS) credentials.  To share his knowledge, expertise, and professional insight with others, Matt leads professional education sessions and writes articles for professional journals concerning occupational safety, health and the environment. He is also an Authorized OSHA-Outreach Trainer and American Heart Association-Certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor.

His leadership has led Engineering Consulting Services to a Total Recordable Incidence Rate of the organization to 0.94 for the first time in the company’s 37-year history.  

🚨 Just Announced: 2025 Region VI PDC Pre-Conference Sessions! 🚨

We’re kicking things off strong this year with a powerful lineup of Pre-Conference Sessions you won’t want to miss.

From Human & Organizational Performance with Paul English, PhD, CSP, CHST, CIT, to a deep dive into Total Worker Health® with Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP Walaski, and everything in between—ergonomics, adult learning, risk management, and even UV radiation safety—we’ve got you covered.

📅 Dates: Sept 15–16, 2025
📍 Location: ASSP Region VI PDC, hashtag#regionvipdc
🔗 Full list and session details: https://lnkd.in/e84iKjYj

Spots are limited—be sure to register early!

Registration is now open for the 2025 ASSP Region VI Professional Development Conference (PDC) in beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC, from September 17-19, 2025. This annual event provides a premier opportunity for safety professionals to elevate their careers by connecting with industry leaders, gaining new insights, and discovering innovative solutions to safety and health challenges.

The conference features over 30 educational breakout sessions across three tracks, keynote speakers, and an Exhibit Hall showcasing over 35 sponsors and exhibitors. This year’s Exhibit Hall will include cutting-edge products and services designed to help organizations tackle evolving safety risks and streamline safety programs.

Attendees can earn over 2.9 CEUs toward their career advancement and explore exclusive networking opportunities designed to build meaningful connections with fellow safety professionals from across the region.

“As safety professionals, it’s our job to be at the forefront of protecting our workforce. The Region VI PDC offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field” says Daniel Ashworth, Regional Vice President for Region VI. “We look to create a space where meaningful connections can be made and that our attendees have colleagues to lean on right in their Region to ensure their long term success and growth in this field.”

Register online at regionsixpdc.com to take advantage of early-bird pricing, available through May.

See you in Myrtle Beach!

Nominations Open for the Inaugural Maryellen P. Harper Outstanding Volunteer Service Award

ASSP Region VI is proud to announce the creation of the Maryellen P. Harper Outstanding Volunteer Service (MPHOVS) Award. This award recognizes those members of ASSP who perform substantial volunteer service to the local or regional EHS community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the ASSP.  Such volunteer service must be made in a sustained and direct nature towards the profession, must be significant in nature to produce tangible results, and must reflect favorably on the region and the ASSP.  The MPHOVS is intended to recognize exceptional community support over time and not a single act or achievement. Further, it is intended to honor direct support of local and regional member and community activities.

Eligibility:

Member of ASSP for a minimum of 10 years (open to any membership category), with a minimum of 7 years of volunteer service within ASSP. This can be within a chapter(s) or at the Region level and is intended to recognize the “unsung hero” who works behind the scenes. There is no specific time period to qualify for the MPHOVS (for example 500 hours of service within 24 calendar months), approval authorities will ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal. The candidate does not have to hold or have held a formal office, but rather should demonstrate consistency in volunteering for the profession overall. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a long history of adding value to the members of Region VI through their volunteerism. The candidate will be seen in their peer group as a resource and mentor.

Application packet:

Letters of recommendation from other members of ASSP (minimum of 2), detailing the candidate’s service and explaining how this individual has made an impact on the profession. Resume, if available, but not required.

Nominations are now open from now until May 16th. If you know someone who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and has made a significant impact through their service, we invite you to nominate them today! Email directora@region6.assp.org to submit your nomination.

Winner will be announced shortly after the May 16th nomination period deadline. The award can be presented at a Chapter meeting, Region meeting and will be honored at the 2025 Region VI PDC.

Register today!

Mark your calendars for the 39th Annual American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Region VI Professional Development Conference (PDC)! This year looks to be our biggest conference yet and the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged and diverse audience of safety, health, and environmental professionals from across 6+ states. We have several levels and unique offerings available to prospective sponsors & exhibitors.

Learn More

Sponsors

Our sponsors help ensure we can provide the highest quality conference for the best value for our attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. Learn more about the different ways you can partner with us by becoming a Leveled or by selecting any of the other unique sponsorship opportunities introduced this year.

Learn More 

Exhibitors

Our exhibitors can showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience from around our region and beyond. Our conference attracts hundreds of attendees eager to explore innovation solutions and connect with industry leaders. By exhibiting with us, you’ll have the unique opportunity to expand your brand’s reach, build valuable relationships, and directly engage with decision-makers who are actively seeking ways to enhance safety and health in their organizations.

Learn More

Thank you to our 2024 PDC Sponsors