2025
It is our pleasure to recognize Joe Henricks, Safety Director with Sussex Development, as the 2025 Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) for the Greater Tidewater Chapter. As the Safety Director, he authored and implemented safety programs that spanned the Tidewater area and into North Carolina communities. The Tulls Creek Elementary School in Moyock, NC; the Crisis Stabilization Center of Hampton, Virginia; Life Net Expansion; and Sentara Tidewater Campuses Structure and MRI improvements, including bolstering the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) program. Joe is an active member of The Noblemen, a non-profit organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Whose mission is to identify and perform “Noble Deeds” for local children in need of help or assistance. Joe was recognized by the State of Virginia for his role as a Special Government Employee (SGE) for the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). He participated in the evaluation of awarding WM Jordan the highest level of accreditation, LEVEL 3, in Virginia’s Best VPPP (Virginia Department of Labor & Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety & Health Voluntary Protection Programs). His involvement in community safety is far-reaching. His dedication to mentorship and making Virginia the Safest Place to work is his ongoing mission. He considers being a member of the Executive Team of the ASSP Tidewater Chapter a privilege and an opportunity to cultivate safety to the highest level. Joe is committed to introducing more companies into sponsorship so we can recognize the good work these companies do in supporting safety, building a Virginia Safety Culture, and sending working men and women home safe every day.
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition and incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This achievement reflects the dedication and leadership of every member of the ASSP community I’ve had the privilege to work with. Being acknowledged by peers in the safety community is truly meaningful, and I’m sincerely thankful for the lasting friendships and professional support I’ve gained as part of the Greater Tidewater Chapter.” Joe Henricks