Steve M. LePock, Risk Manager, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS)
Years as an ASSP member: 29 Years
Years in the safety industry: 39 Years
Key responsibilities of your job
Develops and administers risk-management and loss-prevention programs for the 3rd largest school division in Virginia. Coordinates risk identification programs related to school division properties and operations to reduce potential losses from workers’ compensation, vehicular crashes, school rentals, general liability, auto and property insurance issues.
Develops and coordinates occupational safety and loss control programs to establish safe and healthy working conditions for all school division employees; assists in incident investigations; analyzes work-related incidents to provide recommendations for corrective measures; and ensures Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance for the school division.
What do you like most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter
Volunteering with an organization outside of the workplace can give you tremendous experiences, enable you to meet new people in your field and give you opportunities to help your local community.
Being involved with the Greater Tidewater Chapter, as well as the Region VI Professional Development Committee has helped distinguished me at work. Volunteering reflects positively at VBCPS and it shows my passion for protecting others. Networking enables me to talk to safety professionals to help solve problems at work (why reinvent the wheel). Most importantly, I’ve had a wonderful time throughout the years with ASSP. Like all volunteer organizations, if you do not have the 3 F’s: Good FOOD, Good FUN and Good FRIENDS… you still wouldn’t be involved after 29 years!
What or Who inspires you
There are tons of people out there who inspire us in our life each day. Most people are inspired by famous celebrities, national heroes, some are inspired by education icons but for me, my father is the only one who impacted me in ways no one can. I lost my father while in my late 20’s. He gave me all the things I needed in life. He nurtured me, went sled-riding with me, was there for my first haircut, kissed me, held me, carried me to bed, provided me and all the kids in the neighborhood a safe place to play in the backyard and he taught me how to play the greatest sport in the world… baseball. But most importantly, he loved me unconditionally. There are not enough words to describe just how important my dad was to me, and what a powerful influence he still is to me today. He continues to inspire me to be the best father I can be.
What tips or advice would you give someone just starting out in the safety field
First, be a good listener. One of the best ways to get your career off on the right foot is by learning from those in your organization. Secondly, get to know the standards… and lastly strive for progress not perfection. Always remember, while you may want to eliminate ALL the risks and hazards at your workplace… it is a tall task just starting out. Focus on continuous improvement in safety.
Tell us about a professional success story that you are proud of
I have conducted numerous safety trainings throughout my career. But recently, I have incorporated some motivational safety themes in my presentations from personal life experiences. I have come a long way in my career to seeing someone fall asleep during one of my presentations early in my career to getting standing ovations and having a line of employees waiting for me after my presentation just to tell me they really enjoyed it.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you
I love gardening and cleaning up after dinner. My wife is the cook, and I am the cleaner… Wolfgang Puck once told me! He sounded like Arnold Schwarzenegger a little bit.
How would your best friend describe you in three words
Best Friend Ever
What do you enjoy doing outside of work
I love to travel with my wife… I enjoy any kind of movement (hiking, running, and playing sports), not to mention… Fantasy Baseball and Football.
What is your most embarrassing moment of your life (so far)
OK… the scenario, 1990 NFL playoff game (Steelers vs. Bills) at Three Rivers Stadium. I walk into the restroom during the first quarter, and I am waiting for a stall to become available. Not one person around, which is a little odd. A woman walks in the bathroom and stares at me from a distance. I am thinking… this lady does not even realize she is in the men’s room… I am looking at her and kinda laughing. This lasted for about 45 seconds, then the one of the stall doors opens and another female walks out, sees me and screams! I ran out of and finally realized I was in the women’s restroom. Very embarrassing, I went straight to my seat I was so shaken up.
List a favorite line from one of your favorite movies:
I don’t know how to put this… but… I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. I’m very important.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy – 2004
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why
Teleportation… since I love to travel, it just would make daily life a lot more convenient, with the bonus of also being able to travel anywhere in the world easily (no more dealing with airports and flying!). You could live and work wherever you want, and your commute would always be instantaneous. It could also be used as an escape option in a pinch. As you tell… I’ve thought about this way too much.
What did you want to be growing up
I wanted to be the shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers when I was growing up… when that dream fell through, I wanted to be a game show host.