The Southwest Chapter of ASSP is beginning the annual Chapter Officer Elections Process.
The electronic ballot for Chapter Officers will be available beginning March 30th and the elections will close on April 30th.
VICE PRESIDENT (2025/2026 PRESIDENT-ELECT)
CANDIDATE 1
Montral Walker, MS, CSP
Biography
Montral Walker career started accidentally when he discovered his major in occupational health and safety during his last semester of graduate school. His career journey took him from an entry-level role in the oilfields of Southeastern New Mexico to leading a business unit with a talented team of EHS leaders across multiple regions and facilities.
Montral’s most significant accomplishment was achieving a 94% decrease in lost time and a 68% improvement in recordable injuries, resulting in $4 million in worker’s compensation cost savings.
Montral’s most memorable achievement was a 100% improvement in job disruptions and project delays due to safety non-conformance, achieved by enhancing relations with operations leaders and increasing EHS involvement in various processes, leading to positive cultural change. Montral’s advice for new OSH professionals is to focus on people and leadership, emphasizing that results, impact, and cultural change are impossible without these two essential elements.
Platform Statement
I desire to serve in the ASSP Southwest Chapter VP role to give back to a profession and organization that has given so much to me and has positively impacted countless people of differing industries and communities. I have a passion to make a difference; I believe in the aim of the safety profession, which is a cause much greater than myself; and I desire to open doors to additional opportunities for current and future members of our organization. However, I think my most important attribute is a willingness to commit the time necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, as our organization deserves nothing less.
If elected, then during my tenure I will strive to create partnerships within industry and academia that may not currently exist, expand our engagement programs, and strategically broaden operational diversity, which will further bolster the organization’s impact within the community.
CANDIDATE 2
Randall Armstrong, CSP
Biography
Randall Armstrong, CSP, is the Corporate Safety Advisor at Targa Resources and has held that position for the past year. Randall’s prior positions included Corporate Safety with Energy Transfer and Environmental Health and Safety positions within Chevron. Randall holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management from Columbia Southern University coupled with a Bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Business and Psychology from the University of North Texas. Randall is a Certified Safety Professional and holds many other professional certifications.
Randall has been a professional member of the ASSP and has served the past year as an ASSP Southwest Chapter Delegate of the Southwest Chapter. Randall has also donated his time to the Salvation Army, Dallas Police “Share the Shoes” and the Stewpot just to name a few.
Randall has consistently demonstrated leadership through high performance, a history of expanding professional capacities and a depth of management skills. Randall has established impeccable leadership behaviors, strong problem-solving capabilities and sound decision making. Moreover, Randall continually creates a sphere of influence with his candid interpersonal and communication skills while demonstrating firm ethical behaviors.
Platform Statement
I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the position of Vice President in our esteemed organization. With a proven record of dedication and passion for promoting a positive safety culture, I am committed to contributing my skills and experience to further elevate our ASSP community. I currently hold the position of ASSP Southwest Chapter Delegate but would like to continue my support as your Vice President.
My Vice President pledge
- Enhancing Safety Advocacy: I will actively promote safety awareness and advocate for best practices within our community, fostering a culture of continual improvement.
- Fostering Collaboration: I am dedicated to facilitating open communication and collaboration among our members, ensuring that we leverage the collective knowledge and expertise within our association.
- Professional Development: I will champion initiatives that provide opportunities for professional growth and development, equipping our members with the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of safety.
- Community Engagement: Building a strong sense of community is essential. I will work vigorously to create platforms for networking and engagement, fostering connections that strengthen our ASSP family.
- Innovation in Safety: I am committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring that our association remains a hub for innovation in safety practices.
I am eager to serve as your Vice President, dedicated to the advancement of the Association Society of Safety Professionals. Your vote is not just for me; it is for the enhancement of our safety community.
Thank you for your consideration.
SECRETARY
CANDIDATE 1 (UNAPPOSED)
Abby Holovach, MS, CHMM, CSP, REP
Biography
Abby is a passionate EHS professional with diverse experience in state and federal environmental regulations, hazmat and waste management, emergency spill response, and EHS regulatory management and implementation. Currently Holt Cat’s Environmental Compliance Manager, some of her previous roles include Environmental Investigator in the Waste Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EHS & Waste Director at a hazmat spill response company, and Spills/Tanks/Environmental Management Systems Program Manager at a joint reserve military base. She is also the founder/owner of an environmental compliance assistance firm, Vibe Environmental. Additionally, she is the founder of DFW Environmental Pros, a free, no-strings-attached environmental networking organization in the DFW area. Outside of work, she enjoys lattes, long naps, and the company of her critters & family.
Platform Statement
As a member of ASSP since 2019, I have served in a variety of leadership positions, including Southwest Chapter President, Vice President, Past President, VP of Communications, VP of Professional Development, Social Media Chair, and PDC Chair, as well as the Region III VP of Communications. I look forward to serving the Chapter in a new capacity!
TREASURER
CANDIDATE 1 (UNAPPOSED; INCUMBENT)
Lenna Kennedy, CSP
Biography
Lenna is a graduate of Murray State University with a MS in Occupational Safety and Health and holds the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation. Her current job role as Risk Services Consultant II at Philadelphia Insurance Company, based out of the Plano, TX office.
Lenna is responsible for the marketing and delivery of Risk Management Services that focus on reducing exposures, losses, and the resulting cost to Philadelphia Insurance customers in the Central and Southwest Region. She has over 8 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry with both Risk Management and Account Executive roles, and over 10 years prior experience serving in the Human Services Field.
Mrs. Kennedy has been married for 20+ years to her husband Jason, and together they have three children, Raegan, Garrett, and Alyssa. She has enjoyed her role as the Southwest ASSP Treasurer and finds it rewarding to give back to the safety community.
ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER
CANDIDATE 1 (UNAPPOSED)
Jeff Hays
ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER
CANDIDATE 1 (UNAPPOSED; INCUMBENT)
Andy Blackmon, ARM
Biography
Andy Blackmon, ARM, is currently serving the Southwest Chapter of ASSP as an Advisory Group Member. He previously served the chapter as a Delegate and currently serves as a Government Liaison Member.
Andy has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Texas Tech University and started his work as a geologist in the Permian Basin of West Texas. Andy subsequently moved to the commercial insurance industry with Liberty Mutual Insurance in field and management loss control positions. He then moved into various roles from producer to loss control consultant with HRH/Willis. He started his career in Houston, moved to Shreveport and has spent his last 30 years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Andy currently holds an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and is an OSHA Outreach Training Instructor for Construction. He obtained his Certified Safety Professional certification when working in Louisiana. Andy is a loss control specialist working with Higginbotham’s Risk Management Department to help commercial clients reduce their safety losses. He assists by identifying risks to reduce/prevent claims and developing programs to drive down expenses relating to loss.
Platform Statement
I feel my extensive experience over the years in the safety and loss control space, along with my years of being a member and serving in various leadership roles, gives me a unique perspective in serving as an Advisory Group member. As a leader, being ability to serve is important, but probably more important than this is having the availability to serve. My current position allows me to serve and participate in not only leadership roles, but in other aspects of the safety profession. Currently serving as a mentor to a Southeast Oklahoma State student and recently served as a judge for 2 days at the Safety Olympics in Durant, Oklahoma.
ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER
CANDIDATE 1 (UNAPPOSED; INCUMBENT)
Dusty Cotter, GSP, EMT
CONFIRMED
PRESIDENT
Jose Valdez, CSP, CHST
PAST PRESIDENT
Shameka Lewis, MS, GSP