In preparation for the 2027 PDC, we need to start the planning process and we need volunteers! The kick-off meeting for the PDC Planning Committee will be early September.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for the PDC Planning Committee, please email Wayne Vanderhoof at waynerjr13@gmail.com.

The inaugural Chapter Member Spotlight will shine the light on Josh Muth, M.S., CSP, ASP, CHST. Josh is currently representing the Chapter as an Advisory Group Member.

In Josh’s own words: “Over the years, I have been fortunate to build a career focused on supporting others. As a safety leader, my priority has always been my team, helping employees, contractors, and operations personnel work safely and develop professionally. While I pursued a Master’s Degree in Safety Sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and regularly attended safety conferences, STEP meetings, and ASSP professional development conferences throughout my career, I often found myself prioritizing the growth and needs of others ahead of my own professional goals.

In 2026, I made a conscious decision to change that. I established personal professional development goals focused solely on my own growth and committed to achieving several certifications that I had wanted to pursue for many years. Through disciplined study and a dedicated development plan, I was able to earn the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation in June 2026, the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification in July 2026, and the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential later that same month.

These accomplishments represent much more than passing examinations. They reflect a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth, even while balancing the responsibilities of leadership, family, and daily work. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my wife and two boys. The majority of my studying took place during evenings and weekends, requiring sacrifices from my family and their encouragement throughout the process. Their support played a significant role in helping me achieve these goals.

Looking back, earning the ASP, CHST, and CSP in the same year is something I am extremely proud of, but I am equally proud of the decision to invest in myself professionally. The experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning and reminded me that personal growth ultimately makes us better leaders, mentors, and safety professionals.”

Save the Date!

The 22^nd Annual Allegheny Regional Safety Conference will be held on Thursday October 1, 2026, at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown, 8:00am to 3:30pm.

Consider being a Sponsor and/or a Vendor.

More information is available here.

CONGRATULATIONS! to the Slippery Rock University ASSP Student Section.

Slippery Rock University ASSP Student Section has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 –2026 ASSP Outstanding Student Section of the Year Award. The 2026 OSSA Evaluation Task Force stated the “…was strong in all three critical areas – Professional Development, Research, and Campus and Community Involvement.” The Task Force continued “The quality of research conducted by the members was outstanding and the committee was impressed that your application was very well organized. The committee was also impressed with the amount of student participation in meetings and events along with the strong variety of technical meetings.”

The SRU ASSP Student Section receives a $5,000 award, will be recognized in the ASSP May edition of the Student Services Update online publication and Student News webpage, and at the Leaders & Honorees Celebration held at Safety 2026 on Sunday, June 14th.

Again, Congratulations!

Congratulations! to the newly elected Chapter Executive Officers for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Chapter Years:

• President – Alec Kinslow
• Vice President – Trudy Hayes
• Secretary – Jocelyn Milby
• Treasurer – open
• Advisory Group Members (4)
  • Fran Sehn
  • Daniel Wible
  • Josh Muth
  • David Johnson

Current President, Chris Saracino, CSP, CIH, will move to the office of Past President.

The new Chapter Officers will take office July 1, 2026, with the start of the new Chapter Year. The elected officers’ term is for two Chapter years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028.

Thank you to Melissa Heike for being the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee and John Alivetto for serving on the committee!