Chairperson Nominee
William Linneweh
Director, EHSS
Hendrickson International
Biography
“Those working in safety don’t know the incidents they prevented, they only know the ones they didn’t.” This insight from a fellow associate who suffered a devastating on the job injury broadened my understanding of why so many strive for Safety Excellence within OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. VPP Star recognition is the culmination of efforts only achievable by everyone working together. I am pursuing the office of Chairperson to further my commitment within the VPPPA. My career in Occupational Safety began in 1998 and early on I was guided by many experienced and talented safety professionals within ASSP. I volunteered within the Three Rivers Chapter just outside Chicago serving in several board positions including President. My experience with the VPP program began in 2006 when our Hendrickson Canton, Ohio facility was first recognized as a VPP Star site. Today, Hendrickson has 6 Star sites, and we are looking forward to achieving Star recognition at several more sites within the next few years. In 2009, my volunteering turned to the VPPPA serving in various roles on the Region V Board including Director at Large, Secretary and Chair. Working with such a diverse team from so many business areas was gratifying to say the least. Whether participating as an SGE, mentoring sites pursing VPP or leading efforts with our regional conference, it has been a very satisfying 15+ years working with this team. In recent years, I began volunteering on the VPPPA National Board as Director at Large, Secretary and most recently as Vice-Chair. I have led our membership and Safety + Symposium planning efforts and have worked in several capacities with OSHA and the VPP Modernization efforts. As Chairperson, I look forward to the opportunity of working with our members, OSHA and the VPPPA Staff to sustain and grow VPP participation.
- Regional Board Member Region V – 2008 to present
- National Committee Member 2018 to present (various roles)
Treasurer Nominee
Shawn French
Director Occupational Health & Safety/Emergency Management
Lilly
Biography
I’m a Director of Occupational Safety & Health at Lilly, a global pharmaceutical company that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. The Lilly Technology Center has been a VPP member for over 22 years. I have served as the Chairperson of the VPP Steering Team for over 15 years. I believe in the VPP framework & merits of the program & have experienced the significant safety culture & performance improvements the concepts can drive. This is why I’m seeking a position on the VPPPA National Board of Directors to assist the board with expanding VPP’s impact nationally. I have over 31 years of experience with increasing responsibilities in the Health, Safety & Environmental profession. My concentration has been in the chemical, nuclear, pharmaceutical & heavy equipment manufacturing industries with increasing responsibilities over the years. My responsibilities have included safety engineering, industrial hygiene, environmental management, project management, writing corporate standards and management systems, and auditing. I received my B.S. degree in Environmental Health Science from Indiana State University. I have completed advanced HSE studies at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Cincinnati. I currently serve on the following Board of Directors: National VPPPA (Director at Large – 1 Year), Region V VPPPA (over 14 years in various capacities & current Treasurer – 7 Years); Coalition for Construction Safety (Director); and the Indiana Emergency Response Commission (Commissioner, Appointed by Governor). My platform is “Team VPPPA” to assist in growing the membership and program nationally through the following: 1) Include/Collaborate – to connect & partner with stakeholders committed to workplace safety and health excellence, 2) Innovate – to continuously improve & push new frontiers, 3) Accelerate – to energize, prioritize and focus & 4) Deliver – to deliver outcomes together by operating with common purpose, seamlessly working across boundaries to further the VPPPA mission.
- Regional Board Member 14 Years
Director from a Site without a Collective Bargaining Agent
No nominees at this time.
Director from a VPP Contractor/Construction Site Nominee
Brad Gibson
Vice President – HSE
S&B Engineers & Constructors
Biography
I have enjoyed the pleasure of serving two terms as the Director from a Contractor/Construction Site. I am also on the Board of Directors of Region VI, Treasurer. I am proud to be a member of such an outstanding group of people and am seeking reelection to the National VPPPA Board of Directors, in my current position. I am the Vice President of HSE for S&B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd. I have been with S&B for 29 years. Prior, to S&B I retired from the City of Houston Fire Dept. In 2008, S&B received the Mobile Work Force STAR certification. At that time, I became an SGE (Special Government Employee). I also serve as a committee Chair on the Region VI and National BOD Construction committee. I would be honored to continue to represent S&B and all of you on the Board of Directors and continue our growth as the preeminent safety association in the nation. I will make sincere efforts to continue to “carry the message” with those seeking guidance for the VPP process. This association has been one of the most powerful voices across this nation in improving the quality of safety in the workplace. The passion and enthusiasm that each of our members exhibits with respect to safety encourages me to seek re-election and help lead this organization in its partnership with the safety of our industries, facilities, and communities.
- Current Treasurer, Region VI Current Director National BOD from Contractor/Construction Site Active Special Government Employee (SGE)
- Regional Board Member
- Region VI Director at Large 2 years, Treasurer 4 years
- Regional Committee Member
- Construction Committee, Region VI 6 years
- National Committee Member
- Construction Committee 3 years
Director-at-Large Nominees
Arlette Allen
Receiving Chemist
Clean Harbors Environmental Solutions
Biography
My name is Arlette Allen, born in Chicago but call Arkansas home. I am employed at Clean Harbors Environmental Services in El Dorado AR where I work as an Analytical Chemist for almost 12 years. I am also a member of the United Steelworkers and have served as the Women of Steel chairman, health and safety rep, member of the worker’s safety committee and civil rights activist. I have participated in several audits as an SGE since 2016, attended a couple of regional conferences and participated in a couple of workshops during the Region VI convention in San Antonio. I have worked a number of years as a compounding pharmacy technician and completed my Bachelors of Science degree in Toxicology with a minor in Chemistry. I have been involved with our VPP safety committee since I’ve been employed at Clean Harbors. Our union and safety committee work hand in hand to keep our worksite safe. I would like to be more involved with VPPPA and learn as much as I can so that I may help as many people as I can. I believe that the more you know, the more you are responsible for. I am sure I can bring something to the table that will excite or energize or entertain! I believe that VPPPA will help me to grow and share what I’ve learned to our younger generations so that we will have a healthy and vibrant future.
- National Committee Member
- Labor and Management Committee
Daniel Charles
Corporate Safety & Health Manager
Brandenburg Industrial Services Company
Biography
My name is Daniel Charles; I am seeking re-election for the position of Director-At-Large with the VPPPA National Board of Directors. I am the Corporate Environmental Health and Safety Director for Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, a firm specializing in industrial demolition and environmental remediation. I am a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and I have been a Special Government Employee (SGE) for 14 years. I have been involved in many pre-VPP on-site audits, mentor sites wishing to achieve VPP, and have participated in numerous VPP certification audits. I am fortunate to be serving on Region Vas Ex Oficio. I am an active participant in the VPPPA, currently serving on the Regulatory Committee. I witness, on a daily basis, the benefits of the VPP program and the significant differences it makes on a company’s safety culture. I wish to continue to contribute my skills and experience to the VPP program.
- Regional Board Member
- Region V
- National Committee Member
- Regulatory Committee
Andy Foster
Occupational Safety & Industrial Hygiene Manager
Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo)
Biography
Andy Foster is the OS & IH Manager for the Central Plateau Cleanup Company at the Hanford Department of Energy site in Richland Washington. Andy has worked in the health and safety for over 25 years and has helped to manage and support 6 separate VPP Star sites. Andy is a strong proponent of continuous improvement and the VPP effort. Andy is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and has been actively supporting veterans’ groups and Boy and Girl Scout efforts in the regional area. Andy recently led an effort to facilitate merit badge opportunities for nearly 400 Scouts in Environmental, Safety, Health, Traffic Safety, First Aid and Labor Relations areas working with industry experts and the Department of Energy. Andy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety and Health Management from Central Washington University and has earned numerous general industry and construction safety certifications. Andy is a current active SGE and has supported many on site VPP assessments and mentoring activities across the United States within the Department of Energy and OSHA. Andy has presented numerous regional and national Safety and Health and VPPPA conference seminars. Andy currently chairs the Region X Communication committee and the Awards and Scholarship for the national board. Andy is a Director on the Region X and national VPPPA boards. Andy received the 2024 Region X VPPPA Leadership Award. Andy is a family man married for 25 years and has two children. The family spends a lot of time outdoors and supporting the community.
- Regional Board Member
- Region X Director at Large
- Regional Committee Member
- Region X Communications Committee Chair
- National Committee Member
- National Awards and Scholarship Committee Chair
Colin Hageman
EHS Manager
American Packaging Corporation
Biography
Throughout my 8+ years with American Packaging Corporation, I have held many roles and been involved in many aspects of the business which include, but not limited to: current VPPPA Region VII Board Member since June 2023, current EHS Manager & VPP Coordinator for a facility of 350+ employees. I am also actively involved with the following teams at our facility: Safety Program Observation Tool (SPOT) Team, Early Intervention Team, Corporate Incident Review Team (CIRn, First Responder Team (EMR Certified), Training Team, Corporate Green Team. In my role I have lead or participated in 2 VPP recertifications and maintained STAR status since 2008. With my experience and knowledge I have also assisted the VPPPA National Board with organizing the 2024 VPPPA Scholarship Golf Tournament and planning of Safety+. If selected for the National Board, I will continue to drive and exemplify safety excellence for VPPPA.
- Regional Board Member
- Region VII – 1 year of service
- National Committee Member
- 2024 VPPPA Scholarship Golf Tournament
Myron Harper
Health & Safety Director
Cintas Corporation
Biography
I have been with Cintas Corporation since June of 2005. I have held several successful positions in operations and safety in Cintas. My current role is Health & Safety Director over four business divisions of Cintas. I also serve as an active member in VPPPA and as a Special Government Employee through OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. I have helped lead several locations in Cintas, in multiple business units, achieve VPP. I have also helped several sites outside of the corporation achieve VPP, earning me the awards for VPP Mentor of the Year in 2018, and SGE of the Year in 2022 in Region V. I have worked on multiple teams and committees to help educate and engage employees. This has enhanced our safety system by reducing or eliminating workplace injuries with technology and other sources. I am also extremely involved in my community and church. I have mentored several youths and young adults in my community. I have been coaching basketball for the last 6 years with our local township league as a volunteer, and I also served as a board member at my church. I am submitting a nomination to join the National VPPPA Board as Director-at-Large to help continue to engage businesses and people in the VPPPA program. I would bring creative skills in technology and marketing ideas that would help reach more businesses and people. I would also bring knowledge in Safety and Health with having over 15 years of experience and from a VPP site perspective with having 128 sites in the VPP program. I genuinely enjoy working with and meeting new people and learning about their business. VPP has helped me and our company tremendously. So, I see this as another terrific way I can give back. Thank you for your consideration.
- National Committee Member
- VPPPA Legislative Education Committee Meeting
Kevin Jeanes
HSE Director
Valero McKee Refinery
Biography
Kevin Jeanes has over 17 years of experience in the petroleum refining industry with Valero. Currently, he serves as HSE Director at Valero McKee Refinery, where he leads the refinery’s Safety, Process Safety, and the Environmental programs. Kevin is known for strong leadership and visibility while striving to continuously improve the refinery’s safety culture. Under Kevin’s leadership, the refinery has achieved VPP Star Status, been awarded AFPM’s Elite Gold, Elite Silver, Innovation Award, and the United Steel Workers’ Karen Silkwood Award. Kevin is currently a Director at Large for the VPPPA Region VI Board of Directors, demonstrating a passion for fostering safe and productive working environments. Personal Platform Statement: Joining the VPPPA Board of Directors represents an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to an organization that aligns perfectly with my professional values and personal commitment to workplace safety and health. I am eager to bring my experience and skills to the VPPPA to help drive its mission of promoting cooperative efforts among workers, management, and OSHA to improve the safety of our workplaces. I believe that effective safety programs require strong collaboration between management, employees, and contracted business partners. My approach has always been to build partnerships and to foster open communication to achieve shared safety goals. As a Board member, I would work to strengthen these collaborative efforts within the VPPPA community by advocating for expanded mentoring, training, and development opportunities through VPPPA’s programs and resources. The VPPPA’s vision of enhancing workplace safety through cooperative efforts resonates deeply with me, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of serving on the VPPPA Board of Directors. I am confident that my background, skills, and passion for workplace safety will make a meaningful contribution to the organization and its members. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
- Regional Board Member
- Region VI Director at Large Position #1 for 2 years
If you are interested in running from the floor as a nominee, please contact us at nominations@vpppa.org for details.