The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Board of Directors has appointed Dennis Hudson as Executive Director effective June 1, 2016.

Hudson was serving as the acting executive director before accepting his new role. He will continue to oversee ASSE’s Professional Affairs initiatives such as academic accreditation, government affairs, ethics, a professional recognition and capabilities framework and intra-society outreach. Hudson also has been a driving force behind the creation of the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability and the Risk Assessment Institute.

Hudson replaces Fred Fortman, who left ASSE after serving in that role for 17 years. Hudson becomes the seventh executive director since ASSE was formed in 1911.

“Given the pivotal role this position plays in ASSE’s success, our goal was to find an individual who could help take the Society in a new direction, align staff resources with ASSE’s strategic priorities and ensure that ASSE is fostering a positive work environment,” said ASSE President Michael Belcher. “We didn’t have to look far. We are confident that the Society will benefit with Dennis at the helm.”

Hudson joined ASSE in 2007 after having spent 10 years as EHS director and senior environmental counsel at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He will lead a staff of 72 employees.

“I am honored by the Board’s vote of confidence and excited by the challenges ahead,” Hudson said. “The Board has made it clear it wants ASSE to improve service to our current members and attract new ones, bolster the educational outreach available through our professional development offerings, become a leader in developing OSH standards and elevate the value of the profession within the business community. It’s a tall order, but with all 72 employees working together, ASSE will be better and stronger than ever.”

Founded in 1911, the Park Ridge, Illinois-based ASSE is the oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 37,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information please go to www.asse.org.