The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) is celebrating Peter J. O'Neil, FASAE, CAE for his 16 years of service to the organization as he transitions into his new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at ASIS International (ASIS) in Alexandria, Va. O'Neil, who has served as AIHA's Executive Director for the last seven years, will remain with the organization until early 2016.

 "It is an understatement to say that AIHA is a better association as a result of all Peter's hard work and dedicated efforts over the past 15+ years," said AIHA President Daniel H. Anna, PhD, CIH, CSP. "We appreciate his leadership and all of the positive impacts on AIHA, across the profession, and on many of us personally." 

O'Neil joined AIHA in 2000 as Director, Marketing and Member Services. In 2005 he was promoted to Assistant Executive Director before taking on the role of Executive Director in 2008.

Some of O'Neil's most notable accomplishments include developing a best-in-class professional volunteer leadership and staff team; promoting the mission of AIHA globally; setting up young/early career leadership programming; and quantifying the value of the IH profession through a landmark study that was later turned into an actionable strategy.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve AIHA and the industrial hygiene and occupational health profession for 16 years," said O'Neil. "I know of no other profession with such a noble mission and I am grateful to so many AIHA members, volunteer leaders, and staff for an outstanding experience."

ASIS is the largest membership organization for security management professionals that crosses industry sectors.

“It is a critical time for our association and our industry-at-large as unique threat scenarios continue to arise globally driven by world events and advances in technology," said ASIS President Dave N. Tyson, CPP.."As adversaries are multiplying and becoming more sophisticated, our role in preparing security management practitioners worldwide to mitigate threats to their people, property and information has become more vital than ever before. Peter is definitely the leader we need at this point in time to take our organization forward. Beyond his remarkable leadership and management skills, he has clearly demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for business and a rare passion for professional advancement.”

AIHA's Board of Directors, in partnership with AIHA staff, will be conducting a national search for a new Executive Director beginning in January 2016. In the interim, AIHA staff will continue working diligently to serve its members and promote its mission of creating knowledge to protect worker health.