We are proud to announce that Ashton Alban-Hatcher, CSP, CIH, REHS/RS, MS, MPH, has been selected as the 2026 ASSP Region VI Safety Professional of the Year.
Ashton is an exceptional leader whose technical expertise, dedication to advancing the safety and health profession, and commitment to community impact set her apart. As a Project Manager at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental and occupational health and safety programs, including leading the development of an ISO-45001–informed safety management system that transformed her organization’s approach to worker protection.
A highly credentialed and lifelong learner, Ashton brings deep knowledge and a collaborative spirit to every role she serves. Since joining the Chesapeake Chapter in 2022, she has become a driving force within ASSP, chairing both the Chapter and Region VI WISE groups, contributing at the Society level, and fostering meaningful mentorship for emerging and established professionals alike.
Her leadership extends across the broader safety and health community. Ashton currently serves as President of the AIHA Chesapeake Section and has strengthened partnerships between ASSP and AIHA, most notably by expanding the 2023 ASSP/AIHA Professional Development Conference into a regional event that drew more than 175 participants.
Ashton’s dedication, innovation, and service exemplify the highest standards of the safety profession. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor as the 2026 ASSP Region VI Safety Professional of the Year.
Learn more about the criteria used in nominating and determining each year’s Safety Professional of the Year. Go to region6.assp.org/spy for more information and the list of all current and past award recipients.
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.