The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, is bestowing the honor of Fellow on two of its longtime members who have made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession throughout their distinguished careers. Fay Feeney and C. Gary Lopez are the 2017 recipients of the Society’s highest honor.

“ASSE Fellows have demonstrated exemplary achievements to the Society and the profession,” said ASSE President Tom Cecich, CSP, CIH. “Fay and Gary are highly deserving of this special designation.”

Feeney, CSP, ARM, has been involved in workplace safety for nearly 40 years as a business leader, academic lecturer, published author and conference presenter. She is a founding member of ASSE’s Women in Safety Engineering and has served as chair of the ASSE Foundation. She is the chief executive officer for Risk For Good, which advises corporate leaders on governing emerging risks for sustainable business strategies.

“Fay has been instrumental in fostering a culture that promotes diverse thought and membership,” said ASSE member Michael Murray. “She has influenced the lives of so many young professionals.”

An ASSE member since 1979, Feeney is a strategic thought leader who has advanced the safety profession through education, research and leadership development. Her boardroom safety focus emphasizes a people-first culture that aligns with investor interest in human capital and sustainability.

“Fay is an innovator, relationship builder, problem solver, motivator and mentor who is willing to stretch others to reach their goals,” said Kathy Seabrook, a Fellow recipient in 2016. “She has the ability to see the bigger picture where collaboration and partnerships are key.”

Gary Lopez, CSP, is area vice president for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services. He has been active in the safety field for 40 years. Lopez is chair of ASSE’s Government Affairs Committee and previously was chair of the Standards Development Committee. For decades he has promoted a holistic approach to managing risk.

“Since I’ve known Gary, he’s worked diligently to integrate safety into the management fabric of his employers,” said ASSE member Alex Scott. “He understands that safety goes beyond just focusing on employee injuries.”

An ASSE member since 1977, Lopez is experienced in all aspects of occupational safety and health, including building workplace safety cultures and demonstrating how managing risk financially benefits an organization. He has been involved in standards writing, hazard studies and working with government regulatory agencies.

“Gary is the consummate safety professional,” said ASSE member George Pearson. “He is driven and ambitious, yet mild-mannered and easy to work with. He’s an expert in his field, showing meticulous technical prowess.”

Feeney and Lopez will be honored during ASSE’s Safety 2017 Professional Development Conference & Exposition, held June 19-22 in Denver. The global event will have more than 4,500 safety professionals learning about best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations in the occupational safety and health field.

The Fellow designation recognizes an ASSE member’s lifetime commitment to worker safety and health. Nominees must have a track record of significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession for 20 years. To see the Society’s list of Fellows dating back more than 50 years, visit ASSE Fellow recipients.

About ASSE – Working together for a safer, stronger future

For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Engineers has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of over 37,000 professionals covers every industry, developing safety and health management plans that prevent deaths, injuries and illnesses. ASSE advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards development and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.asse.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.