President's Message: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Rodney Simmons

doi:10.56094/jss.v53i1.94

Authors

Dr. Rodney Simmons Khalifa University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6132-1463

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56094/jss.v53i1.94

Keywords:

awards, conference, in memoriam

Abstract

As this is my last opportunity to talk to you in this forum, I would like to cover a few topics. First, I would like to welcome the newly elected officers and thank all those who have volunteered. Our new officers and directors are:

Executive Vice President: Russell Mitchell, C.S.P.
Director of Media and Publications: Michael H. (Mike) McKelvey
Director of Intersociety and Government Services: Paul Sorensen
Director of Member Services: Linda M.S. Thomas

I would also like to thank the past directors and officers who have served, many of whom continue to serve us well and faithfully. I offer a special thanks to Saralyn Dwyer, Melissa Emery, Odell Farrell and our next President, Dr. Charles (Chuck) Muniak.

Author Biography

Dr. Rodney Simmons, Khalifa University of Science and Technology

Rodney J. Simmons, Ph.D., CSP earned his Ph.D. in industrial engineering (with a specialization in safety and industrial hygiene engineering) at Texas A&M University, and also holds a S.M. in industrial hygiene from Harvard University School of Public Health and a M.S. in environmental chemistry from California State University, Northridge, where he also earned a B.S. in environmental health science.

Since Fall of 2010, he’s served on the engineering faculty of The Petroleum Institute, which is now a part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology. He’s also a Visiting Professor at Huddersfield University in the UK. Prior to 2010, he held faculty posts at University of Cincinnati, Texas A&M University, Illinois State University, Tunghai University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

He is an elected Fellow of the International System Safety Society and serves as its Immediate-Past President. He’s a two-time recipient of the Society’s Educator of the Year Award; he’s also received the Society’s International Award and the President’s Award. His professional interests include integration of system safety and risk analysis into engineering education and strategies for embedding an HSE Through Design approach in corporate engineering culture. He’s authored two books (including System Safety and Risk Management, which he co-authored with Pat Clemens) and over 170 papers and technical presentations. He is one of less than five people worldwide to be certified in five different aspects of professional safety practice by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, including: system safety; engineering aspects, construction aspects, management aspects, and comprehensive practice.