Elections for officers of the ASSP Philadelphia Chapter will be held in May. In accordance with our Chapter bylaws, we are presenting the slate of candidates for your review 60 days prior to the election.
The election itself will be held by electronic ballot by the Society (not the Chapter), so keep an eye out for your ballot in your email box in May!
Thank you to all the candidates for volunteering their time to continue improving our Chapter.
Sincerely,
Julie Anderson, CSP
Past President, ASSP Philadelphia
Chair of Nominations & Elections Committee
VICE PRESIDENT
Ainsley Robson, ASP
I am currently a Safety Specialist for the past 5 years at Merck Sharp & Dome with the primary responsibilities of being a Business Partner at our West Point location advising our commercialization, technical operations and engineering groups in the field of occupational safety, health and environment. I have worked in a variety of different industries that include construction, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
I have been a member of ASSP and the Philadelphia Chapter since 2016 and for the past year been the Membership Chair and have worked on the PDC committee for the 2025 PDC. I have a Bachelor of Science in Safety Science (1999), Master of Business Administration (2011), and Master of Science in Aeronautics (2012) all from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, so you could say I also have experience in aviation safety as well. I am currently pursuing my CSP certification, which I hope to obtain this year, and hold my ASP and OSHA 30 for both General and Construction Industries.
Outside of ASSP and work, I continue to be active in my national sorority, Theta Phi Alpha where I am currently the President of the local Alumnae Association and a Chapter Advisor at Jefferson University. This continues to drive my passion for giving back and mentoring the next generation of professionals and continuing to work on getting those who have completed their undergraduate work to remain an engaged and active part of the organization. I am also working with the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation as an Ambassador (Project Manager) focusing on assisting with strategic planning for the organization.
As Vice President I am excited for the opportunity to not only bring to the table my understanding of membership driven organizations to the leadership but also work to extend my understanding of the ASSP organization by building networks for individuals to learn and grow professionally.
When I am not at work or doing things with the organizations that I belong to you can find me either at home with my two dogs, Aurora and Ginger, out paddleboarding, traveling, or curled up with a good book.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2 POSITIONS OPEN)
Jackie Matsanka, CSP
Jackie Matsanka, CSP, is an EHS Operations Specialist at Spark Therapeutics/Roche in the heart of Philadelphia. She graduated in 2015 with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University. In the 10 years since graduating, she has worked in the environmental, safety, and health field in chemical and biological manufacturing. Jackie earned her ASP and CSP within 5 months of each other in 2023.
Jackie has been a volunteer Advisory Board member of the Emerging Professional Common Interest group for around 9 years. She has held many roles and even has presented on being a great volunteer on behalf of ASSP and EP. Currently, Jackie assists with the Community Annual Management Plan Tool (CAMPT) and the mentorship program. In 2024, Jackie was awarded the Emerging Professionals Safety Professional of the Year award.
Jackie lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dog. When she is not at work, she enjoys going to the movies, crafting, and traveling.
Hoyt Emmons, MS, MBA
Hoyt Emmons has over 30 years of EHS and Security professional experiences include being the senior Safety and Security director and department head at 8 companies ranging from start-up operations to billion-dollar multi-national corporations. Hoyt has been successful in developing and implementing EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) programs by bringing together and addressing the interdependent needs of key stakeholders in the operation including: the overall organization, the workforce personnel, clientele needs, and the core values of sustainable safety.
Hoyt as served on the Phila ASSP Chapter board for over 10 years and also was a past president of the chapter. Hoyt received the honor of being recognized as the Phila ASSP Chapter Safety of the Year and the Region VIII ASSP Safety Person of the Year.
Hoyt’s education includes a BS in Animal Husbandry, a MBA in Management, and a MS in Environmental (Occupational) Health.
When he’s not helping other people be safe, Hoyt enjoys time with friends and family and on nights and weekends he is a professional sheep shearer who shears nearly 2000 sheep each year in the greater Philadelphia area.
Dallas Krum, BS
Dallas has supported the public and private safety industry for over a decade. Dallas has contributed several years in municipal law enforcement and executive protection then leveraged that background to workplace safety and security. Dallas received his Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Criminal Justice from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He is also a graduate of the Montgomery County Police Academy.
His diverse background and experience allow Dallas to support various industries for Med-Tex Services ranging from construction, manufacturing, utility and more. Current interactions include site inspections and audits; program development, implementation, and oversight; hazard recognition; incident investigations; safety committee chair; and insurance and workers’ compensation programs.
As an OSHA Outreach trainer, Dallas competently delivers an assortment of safety training topics. Additionally, he is a Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, and an ALICE (Active Shooter Response) Instructor, as well as a BCSP STS-C candidate. Dallas is also an active member of the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council.
(“MACSC”) and currently serves on the Scholarship Committee.
Why I am excited to Get Involved:
My interest in obtaining a delegate position within ASSP Philadelphia stems from my commitment to public and private safety. With the years I spent in municipal law enforcement as well as my experience in the construction safety industry, I stive to continuously educate and give back to my peers within the safety industry. In return I am excited to benefit from the knowledge and experience of my peers to further enhance and develop my own proficiency.
I believe that I can be a strong representative for the ASSP Philadelphia- helping the chapter be in alignment with the national expectations while also building a network in Philadelphia and the surrounding chapters.
TREASURER
Abraham Siafa Gibson, Jr.
My name is Abraham Siafa Gibson Jr., but my friends call me BOB Q. I am deeply passionate about employee safety and well-being, and currently serve as the EHS Manager at J&J Snack Foods’ Bellmawr Plant. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Environmental Management at Columbia Southern University, with an expected graduation in October 2025.
In addition to my professional work, I have developed a strong interest in videography and photography, which has grown into a side hustle. I also enjoy sound engineering on occasion. I am running for the position of Treasurer of the ASSP Philadelphia Chapter because I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and help streamline the way we manage, record, and handle finances to better support the chapter’s growth and initiatives.
Greg Wharton
When I started this position in 2017, I joined ASSP instantly and began attending meetings to be around and learn from veteran Safety Professionals in the Philadelphia area. I later became Treasurer in 2019 for the Philadelphia Chapter. Stepping into this position has given me the opportunity to work closely with board members on deciding the best way to allocate member dues (Safety Conferences, Special speakers, etc.) as it’s our responsibility to so. Our chapter continues to take strides to grow our membership, increase member engagement, and to provide valuable programing for our members. I look forward to continuing to play a significant role in helping our Chapter achieve these goals.
When I am not working, I enjoy attending events for my kids. These events range from select chorus concerts for my youngest son, flag football/baseball games for my oldest son, and dance performances for my daughter. Lastly, as much as I hate to fly, I love traveling with my wife to a Caribbean Island to enjoy the clear water and hot sun.