The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has announced the 2012 recipient of the Henry F. Smyth, Jr. Award. James R. Thornton, CIH, CSP, will be recognized at the 2012 AIHA Fall Conference held October 27 - 31 in San Antonio, TX. The annual Fall Conference is presented by AIHA’s Academy of Industrial Hygiene.

“The Smyth Award is reserved for a special individual who has made significant contributions to the practice of industrial hygiene that have enhanced the health and safety of workers,” stated Perry Logan, PhD, CIH, President of the Academy. “Over his distinguished career, Mr. Thornton has been a coach and mentor to many health and safety professionals. He continues to be a dedicated advocate to strengthening the professional practice through his strong commitments to the Academy of Industrial Hygiene. On behalf of the entire Academy, I am honored to present Jim with the 2012 Smyth Award.”

Mr. Thornton is the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety for Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. He received his BS from Auburn University and earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene from Texas A&M University. Additionally, he is board certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

Thornton served as president of AIHA and the Academy , and as a Director of ABIH. He has received numerous community and industry honors, including AIHA’s Distinguished Service Award.

The Academy established the Henry F. Smyth, Jr. Award in 1981 and presents it to an individual who has recognized the needs of the industrial hygiene profession and made major contributions, thereby contributing to the improvement of the public’s welfare. Henry F. Smyth, Jr. was a dedicated teacher and productive researcher whose projects enhanced the profession.

For more information regarding the Henry F. Smyth, Jr. Award, please contact AIHA’s Managing Director of Professional Community, Vicky Yobp, at (703) 846-0769 or vyobp@aiha.org. For more information about AIHA Fall Conference, please visit www.aihafallconference.org.