Michelle Brown, Health, Safety, Environmental & Training Manager, Afognak Native Corporation
Years as an ASSP member: 27 Years
Years in the safety industry: 29 Years
Key responsibilities of your job
Help develop and provide support for my team, write policies and procedures for the Company and project sites, coordinate and track Company OSHA metrics, and work as a corporate resource for field sites.
What do you like most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter
Although I’d like to get out in person more often, I am very thankful that the monthly meetings are online so I can participate and learn even when I can’t break free from the office.
What or Who inspires you
My kids. They’re adults now, but they have always had a healthy work (school)/life balance that I admire. And they keep me young!
What tips or advice would you give someone just starting out in the safety field
- Treat everyone equally.
- Be yourself, regardless of who is in the room.
- Surround yourself with good people/teams that build you up (and vice versa).
- Be honest and admit errors.
- Never stop learning and trying to improve.
Tell us about a professional success story that you are proud of
I think my professional success story may not be one big thing but rather a running number of small successes that enriches my Company’s Safety Culture and establishes our HSET team as a dependable resource.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you
I find Member Spotlight surveys very difficult to complete!
How would your best friend describe you in three words
Funny, Smart, Creative
What do you enjoy doing outside of work
I’m a book nerd in two book clubs, I love watching sports, and I also enjoy stamping and making hand-stamped cards with my friends (of all ages!).
What is your most embarrassing moment of your life (so far)
Hmmmm, this is a tough one. In high school I hugged someone that was wearing a white sweatshirt and my cheap makeup wiped off on his shirt. Yikes!
List a favorite line from one of your favorite movies:
“You’re killing me, Smalls.” – The Sandlot
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why
Teleportation – I’d love to just ZAP my family/friends and my car to another town for a vacation.
What did you want to be growing up
As a college student, I wanted to be an editor of scientific texts/textbooks. But then I fell into Environmental Health and Safety at ODU and changed paths and am so happy about it!