Please join us in congratulating Chris Hinson, who has been named as the 2019 Region VI Safety Professional of the Year by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).
ASSP recognizes one outstanding safety professional from each of the nine geographical regions annually as a Regional Safety Professional of the Year (SPY). With over 38,000 professional members in 80 countries, only nine men and women are recognized annually for this achievement. The SPY recipients have advanced the American Society of Safety Professionals and the safety profession through their dedication and leadership. Region VI of ASSP comprises 13 chapters of ASSP and covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Delaware.
Chris was recognized by his peers as the 2018 North Carolina chapter SPY recipient. Chris stepped in to finish out the 2016-2017 chapter year as the President of the North Carolina chapter, leading the chapter to their first Platinum Chapter of the Year recognition. He then led the chapter as President for the 2017-2018 year, repeating with the chapters second Platinum Chapter of the Year recognition. He is currently the Assistant Regional Vice President of Communications for Region VI. Chris has been active with volunteer and outreach campaigns leading drives for Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering his time with the Ronald McDonald House, Durham Rescue Mission, and Special Olympics. Chris is a Senior, Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist with Merck & Co., Inc. at the Maurice R. Hilleman Center of Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC.
Chris has an undergraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Science from Campbell University. He holds credentials as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). Chris is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Executive Leadership through Liberty University, School of Business. Chris was recognized by 3M Safety Division as a 2018 Emerging Leader in Safety. Chris is also a candidate for the 2019 Rising Star of Safety recognition with the National Safety Council. Chris and his wife welcomed their first, a baby girl, on March 1st, 2019.
The ASSP Regional SPY award is an honor acknowledging the dedication and outstanding contributions of a member to a specific Region. The criteria in which a candidate is judged include:
- Demonstrated technical expertise in the broad field of safety and a thorough knowledge of the operational aspects of his/her nominee’s safety employment.
- Demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Society, Council, Region, or Membership Community activities, including committee or task force chair, officer, services to members, lecturer at seminars, etc.
- Professional contributions to advance the Safety Profession, such as fostering professional development, public/community services, instructor at educational institutions, involvement in codes and legislation, articles written, work with allied groups, etc.
- Awards and innovations, including citations, honors, plaques; or new procedures or systems developed.
- Leadership in establishment, maintenance, and improvement of technical or Society programs in the organization nominee serves or elsewhere.
- Other personal achievements related to safety and health.
Endorsements by superiors and verification by associates, in the form of letters on appropriate stationery of the employer, Membership Community, or Council.