Day 1 Highlights | ASSP Region VIII ROC Conference
What an outstanding start to the ASSP Region VIII Regional Operating Conference!
Day 1 showcased the true power of collaboration across American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) chapters, bringing together safety professionals from throughout the region for impactful learning and meaningful dialogue.
We were honored to kick off the conference with an engaging presentation by Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP, followed by a compelling interview with Robert Hites, PMP, CSP, CIT, CHST, with the entire day expertly moderated and led by Patrick J. Karol, CSP, ARM, SMS, CIT
Their insights, leadership perspectives, and real‑world experience set an inspiring tone for the days ahead and reinforced the importance of advancing safety together. Another moment of celebration is having the Region 8 Safety Professional of the Year Award Winner (SPY Award) Corey Jones, MBA,CSP, CHST, SMP, SSM in attendance with the group!
This event would not be possible without the continued partnership between the ASSP Greater Boston Chapter, ASSP Region VIII, and our fellow ASSP chapters—working collectively to strengthen our profession, share best practices, and elevate safety and health across industries.
A huge thank you to Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania for hosting Day 1 of the conference. The venue provided an exceptional setting for connection, learning, and collaboration. We look forward to building on this momentum as the conference continues!
Day 2 | American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Region VIII 2026 Spring ROC — Recap & Reflections
Day 2 was about sharpening the edge ⚡
Dr. Megan Trante’s leadership workshop anchored the day—challenging us to think differently about what it means to lead. Not doing more, but multiplying leaders in real time through intentional actions, conversations, and decisions.
The conversations got deeper. More honest. More actionable.
Through chapter collaboration and shared updates, we moved beyond ideas into real alignment—what’s working, where support is needed, and how we move forward together as a region 🤝
And just as important—Day 2 reinforced something often overlooked:
High-performing leaders know when to step back.
Our chapter leaders took time to breathe the mountain air 🌄, hit the golf course, take in the scenery and trails 🥾, soak up some well-earned vitamin D ☀️, and even throw a few casts into the mountain lakes 🎣.
That wasn’t time away from the work—it was part of it. It was intentional.
That balance is what makes this different.
We also had the opportunity to celebrate a leader who has shaped this region over the past three years—Patrick J. Karol, CSP, ARM, SMS, CIT. His commitment, presence, and ability to elevate those around him have left a lasting mark on Region VIII.
And just as importantly, we usher in our new RVP, Shaundree Davis, CIH, CSP, REHS —whose warmth, vision, and leadership will carry this momentum forward and continue the legacy of Region VIII excellence.
And reflecting on Day 1, the Past Presidents Club and Sustainable Chapter discussions gave us a clear path forward—how we strengthen our chapters at scale across the region 📈 through continuity, structure, and shared leadership.
We don’t just develop leaders—we sustain them.
We leave Day 2 more focused, more connected, and better equipped to lead at a higher level 🚀
If you weren’t in the room—you missed something special.
A ROC like none other—to remember.