The science and profession of industrial hygiene adds value for the spectrum of stakeholders that our underlying proposition touches—that is, management of exposures potentially impacting individuals, and by extension their families, organizations and communities. AIHA understands and believes in the value we add to the “triple bottom line” of people, planet and profit. Through that lens and our strategic plan, AIHA sets the clear course for our leadership mission—championing our vision and path for the future of our profession. AIHA’s strategic initiatives support the value added by objective science- and risk-based decision making, a cornerstone of our practice and the key linkage with complementary fields where “exposure” and “management” are foundational issues. AIHA is the critical melding point to consolidate these threads and the platform from which we are poised to grow. No other profession enjoys the close community of our practitioners. AIHA champions a global understanding of our mission, fosters the growth of our science and presents the opportunity to our members and future practitioners to participate in and contribute to a “sustainable quality of life” for people. Together, we make a safe and healthy workplace a reality for all stakeholders, and through that reality continue our contributions to a sustainable, livable society.

 

​​As designed, execution of the #stratplan is key to meeting the three C’s identified above.

 

Via forward-looking volunteer groups and environmental scans, our association is firmly positioned to anticipate potential occupational health and safety challenges not yet ​​​understood by such rapidly evolving technologies as: additive​ manufacturing, nanoenabled advanced materials or synthetic biology. This methodology ensures our products and services remain current.

 

As AIHA members and practicing hygienists, it’s impera​tive we actively influence our association and profession by holding it to a higher bar. It only exists because of us. As a Director, I fully comprehend how deliberate our management team and volunteer leaders are at continually raising that bar. Your volunteer time is scarce and volunteers must ensure there’s equivalent return. Adding your voice is the best way to ensure we remain connected. The association knows this and strives to offer new products such as the recently announced Career Stages program. This personalization of your member benefits is no longer optional.

 

Lastly, we can’t do it alone. Partnering with like-minded organizations, when mutually beneficial and necessary, makes sense with ever increasing demands on scarce resources. To remain relevant we must capitalize on our strengths, but seek strategic partnerships when ​doing so will improve the product outcome as well as our credibility as a global leader in worker health protection.