Biography
Matthew Wilcox, CSP, has vast experience in safety for food and beverage manufacturing and distribution. He is currently the Southern Region Risk Control Director for Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, the largest U.S. bottler of Coca Cola products. In this role he manages a staff of nine to cover six manufacturing facilities along with 40 distribution locations in the South. Prior to Coca Cola he was the Safety, Environmental, and Security Manager for Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods in Austin TX and an EHS manager for Kellogg’s Snacks Manufacturing at various U.S. bakeries.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management and an A.S. in Hospitality Management. He entered into safety after working for the U.S. Air Force during the early 1990’s and earned his CSP in 2012.
Matt has been a Professional member of ASSP for 14 years. He is currently serving as the ASSP Southern Area Director for Region VI. He has previously held the offices of Secretary, Delegate, President-Elect, and President with the North Carolina Chapter.
Platform Statement
I continue to believe that ASSP is the membership organization of choice for safety professionals. Members helping members is what makes the ASSP a great organization. Volunteers provide their time and talents to help others. Having served as a volunteer in different organizations I have a deep respect for the members who take time from their busy schedule to assist others. Everyone is busy in today’s world. We are all tasked to do more with less, but the volunteer finds a way to get more done with no pay, credit, or expectations. If all members could volunteer just a little bit think of how much more ASSP could do?
There has been lots of talk about the next generation of safety leaders. The bottom line is that if we cannot engage that generation we will lose them at the starting line. There are many young professionals in Region VI and they are already starting to make their presence known in the area of safety. I want to see their paths grow. I would like to see an Emerging Professional on each executive committee in the Region, if not a chairperson for the Emerging Professionals Subcommittee. We must engage this group to succeed.
Last year Region VI had six of 14 chapters reach platinum status. I would like to see that number increase over the next three years. That does not mean chasing a number it means increasing our programs and outreach to more members We joined this great organization to learn, network, and hopefully pass on a legacy to others. A platinum award is a great way to celebrate a successful chapter, but platinum members are priceless.