The Board of Directors of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, Inc. (VPPPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Williams as the association’s next Executive Director. Williams was previously the Director of Membership for the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and brings with him more than 20 years of association experience to this role.

During his tenure at AWCI, Williams served as the project manager for the association’s new SMS, redesigned membership categories, and developed AWCI’s Emerging Leaders Program to develop the next generation of industry leaders. Williams also served as the Director of Member Safety & Regulatory Initiatives for the Association of Builders and Contractors where he created the association’s current STEP program and delivered testimony that has been successful in impacting numerous OSHA proposed rules.

“It is an honor to lead VPPPA, the premier global safety and health organization, and work alongside its 1300-plus members as we continue to evolve world-class safety performance across all industries,” Williams said. “VPPPA represents the very best in EH&S—our members model the true spirit of global cooperation in developing new standards, processes, and products to achieve our goal of sending every worker home in the same—or better—condition than when they arrived.”

Terry Schulte, VPPPA Chairperson, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the VPPPA. We look forward to the future of the association with his vision and leadership to guide us.” 

Williams received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in 2010. He assumed his new role at VPPPA in July 2022. He is an avid hockey fan and Washington Capitals season ticket holder. He currently resides in Centreville, Virginia, with his wife, young daughter, and new puppy, maintaining his most important titles—father and head grill master.

Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) Inc., is the world’s leading organization dedicated to cooperative occupational safety and health management systems. Consisting of both VPP and non-VPP companies, their member sites continuously strive to achieve safety and health excellence. VPPPA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Visit vpppa.org to learn more.