Biography

James D. Smith, CSP, is Managing Director, Southeast Region Risk Control Services for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Boca Raton, Florida. Prior to joining Arthur J. Gallagher, he was Safety, Environmental and Claims (Liability) Manager for 18 years with a major public sector organization. He currently serves on ASSE Board of Directors, as Vice President-Council of Practices/Standards overseeing 13 Practice Specialties, 5 Branches, the Standards Development Committee, Business of Safety Committee, and Common Interest Groups. As previous Vice President-Council of Professional Affairs he oversaw the Governmental Affairs, Educational Standards, Professional Recognition Committees, and intersociety relations.

Smith holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degrees in Industrial Safety from Central Missouri State University, with specialties in comprehensive and management practices. He is recipient of ASSE’s National Edgar Monsanto Queeny Safety Professional of the Year, and Charles V. Culbertson Award for outstanding volunteer service.

Jim has served on the following Board positions and committees that have prepared him for the Society position of Vice President of Finance: Vice President, Council on Practices & Standards (4 years); Vice President, Council on Professional Affairs, (2 years); Finance Committee member (2 years); Standards Development Committee Chairman (6 years); PDC Committee; Public Relations Task Force; and, NORA/NIOSH Research Task Force.

He has served on the several ANSI Standards Committees (Z590, Z10, A14, A14.3 A1264.1/1264.2), and as an Expert Reviewer for Professional Safety Journal.

Additionally, Mr. Smith has contributed significantly to ASSE policy, procedures and processes that have made the Society a viable and successful SH&E premier professional organization.

Platform Statement

The Vice President of Finance recommends and oversees implementation of the financial policies and chairs the Strategic Planning of the Society. As member of the Board of Directors, past four years as the current Vice President of Council of Practices and Standards (CoPS) and two years as Vice President of Professional Affairs I am prepared now for this critical role.

Through these leadership positions I have gained valuable insight/experience in understanding the budgetary processes, expense control, staffing, investment practices, financial policies and revenue streams of ASSE, all necessary prerequisites for the Vice President of Finance position.

It is critical we look first to manage our operating expenses. The new financial management system allows accurate generation of meaningful financial reporting to manage the strategic plan which drives our budgeting practices. These are key tools needed to refine our budgetary process and properly manage expenses. However, controlling expenses are only one means to meet the future financial needs of our members.

While ASSE is financially strong today, we must prepare for tomorrow by continually balancing our need for revenue growth streams while maintaining affordable membership products/services. Non-dues revenue growth is important to our financial success requiring advancement of these opportunities. Expanding affordable professional development programs: such as technical audio conferences, corporate sponsored symposiums, and other innovative training opportunities are just a few key revenue generating programs that offer affordable products to our membership. With these as guide we must explore other value-added programs.

My commitment is to represent the members’ needs and oversee our financial practices to ensure expenses grow at lower levels than revenue. However, we must not sacrifice membership services or funding new initiatives to advance the Society’s strategic plan for chapter operations, student sections, public relations enhancing our professional image and provide technical products/support at reasonable cost to name a few.