Biography

Michael Belcher, CSP, is Director of Safety for DS Waters, the U.S. leader in home and office water, and is responsible for leading safety and health efforts that impact over 5,000 employees. Belcher devotes the majority of his time working to align safety processes with desired business outcomes.

He has 18 years of experience as a safety professional and has successfully worked with various employers to improve operational performance to prevent injuries, illnesses, fire, and vehicle accidents. He also worked for Cingular Wireless and Coca-Cola Enterprises as the Senior Corporate Safety Manager and Safety & Environmental Manager. He holds a B.S. degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida.

Belcher has held Georgia Chapter offices as delegate, president, president-elect, and secretary, and is the current Area Director for Georgia and North Florida. He has also served as Region IV Deputy Vice President from 2004 to 2007, and chaired the Region IV Professional Development Conference for the past four years.

Belcher was named the Georgia Chapter’s 2003 Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) and has also appeared in television interviews as a spokesperson for ASSE. Other professional affiliations include the Georgia Safety Leaders Council and the Direct Delivery Leadership Council. As a member of various ANSI Z-245 Subcommittees, he participated in the development of national consensus standards for waste management safety. He is also the former Vice Chairman of the Atlanta-Fulton County Local Emergency Planning Committee, a published author, and a frequent speaker at safety and health conferences.

Platform Statement

It is a privilege and honor to be a candidate for Regional Vice-President. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve you as we build upon our legacy of achievement.

As your elected representative, I will continue to promote ASSE as the leader in the profession and work diligently to expand opportunities for participation, leadership, outreach and recognition. My goals for 2008 - 2010 are as follows:

To visit with every Region IV chapter. These meetings will be used to strengthen our communication efforts and to seek input directly from members.

To advocate your interests, ideas and concerns to the Regional Operating Committee and to the Society Board of Directors.

To foster grassroots efforts by encouraging, supporting and recognizing local initiatives. We will continue being the originator of safety efforts that serve as model programs.

To increase involvement in ASSE by periodically assessing membership needs, exploring additional ways to serve our members, and pursuing development of new sections and common interest groups.

To reach out to young professionals and help them move up the ladder of success. We must also provide fresh developmental and networking experiences for those who are new to the safety profession.

To expand involvement of Region IV members in regional and national ASSE committees and other professional activities.

To insure that the Regional Professional Development Conference (PDC) enhances the professional performance of our members and provides additional value added events.

To work closely with Chapter and Regional leaders to assure these goals are met.

Our vision at ASSE is to be the premier organization and resource for those who work to protect people, property and the environment. With your active engagement and support, we will fulfill that vision. This is your Society and I invite you to join me in making a difference.