For any awards, carrying out fair, consistent, and accurate judging is key to ensuring the true winners are recognized. To deliver this, we have assembled a diverse and unbiased judging panel of experts. The judges are assigned categories which reflect their expertise and are asked to recuse themselves from voting in any category in which there is a conflict of interest
All Judges are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement for the purpose of preventing the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. This includes the sharing of the information contained within the submission forms with any third parties and communicating with shortlisted nominees in any way.
As President and CEO at Kii Health, Karen specializes in delivering exceptional client engagement through leading digital health and wellness programs.
Karen has spent the majority of her career as a leader and advocate for mental health and continues to introduce organizations to new trends in providing accessible healthcare. Karen brings over 20 years in the health and wellness space and has extensive experience training in development, mental health and second opinion medicals.
Throughout her career Karen has played an instrumental role as a leader and mentor to colleagues and clients alike and has received many nominations and awards including the “Who’s Who in Healthcare award”. Karen is a past Chair of the Ontario Shores Centre for mental health foundation and currently serves on the board of Directors.
Regional Director & Program Manager Occupational Health & Safety to Strategic Advisor Occupational Health & Safety
Government of Scotia
About Robin Angel
Robin Angel MSc. CRSP, is a safety professional with over 30 years’ experience in occupational health & safety (OHS). Robin has a Master of Science degree from Royal Roads University (British Columbia) and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Certification from Queens University (Ontario).
Robin has worked in chemical manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, oil refinery operations, manufacturing, and provincial and federal governments in the areas of safety, occupational hygiene, international auditing of safety, environmental and quality management systems. Robin has instructed university courses in Industrial Hygiene, Measurement & Analysis, Occupational Health, Safety Systems and Risk Management.
Robin is currently employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as Strategic Advisor Occupational Health and Safety with the oversight of 4 adult facilities and 1 youth centre. In 2022 Robin was given the Canadian Occupational Safety Top Woman in Safety award and she was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province and service during COVID.
Barry Bynoe began working at the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Works Department, Recycling Centre, in 1988, where he developed an interest in occupational health and safety. He retired in 2022 after many years as a corporate health and safety officer and Supervisor of Health, Safety & Wellness. In 2018, Barry started up a health and safety consultancy, Lighthouse Safety Solutions, which provides a full range of safety services.
In 2002, Barry completed the Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). That same year, Barry attained his Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation (CRSP). In 2003, he earned his Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) designation from the CSSE.
Barry volunteered with the Ontario Municipal Health and Safety Representatives Association from 1998 to 2016, where he held the positions of Program Director, Vice Chair, and, eventually, the association’s longest-serving Chair. In 2016, Barry founded the Durham East chapter of the CSSE, where he served as Chair for three years. He stepped down from that role to become the Regional Vice President for CSSE Ontario & Quebec, in 2022 Barry was elected to Vice President Regional Affairs, a position that oversees HSPC’s National and International Councils. Barry was also Chair of the 2021 Awards Task Force.
In addition to his busy volunteering activities and consulting business, Barry is completing a 2 year contract for the Municipality of Clarington, managing their Corporate Health & Safety division.
Natalie is a contract OHS Professional who remains engaged in the OHS field through private consulting, teaching, mentoring and volunteering.Credentials include a B.Sc. in Human Kinetics and certificates in OHS, Safety Leadership, and Adult Learning. She is fluent in French and English.
Natalie brings extensive experience spanning OHS management systems, auditing, investigations, and risk management. She has led organizational initiatives in developing, communicating, and implementing OHS policies, procedures, programs, and supporting tools such as risk assessment templates, training materials, and visual management systems. Her work spans multiple sectors, including industrial environments, healthcare, food processing, mining, forestry, government, and small businesses. Natalie also teaches part-time at both Cambrian College and Lambton College.
Natalie is highly active in her professional associations. She has served as President of both the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) and the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE). She was also a Governor on the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and currently serves as its secretary.
Andréane is a CUPE National Health and Safety Representative from Northern Ontario. She assists CUPE members with a wide range of occupational health and safety problems by focusing on the connections between work and worker well-being. Her areas of focus include psychological health and safety, infection prevention and control, work-related violence and harassment, and conflict resolution. She is a neutral third party for conflict resolution based on common interests and a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid.
Andréane is also a consultant, a Grand Nord School Board Trustee, a Director of the Boards of the Public Services Health and Safety Association, the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, and the Institute for Work and Health. She is a member of several CSA Group Technical committees, including those on psychological health and safety management systems.
Andréane’s prior work includes research work included working in a biological safety level 3 laboratory, in the fields of HIV, immunology and cancer metabolism. She holds an Honours Biochemistry bachelor’s degree and a Microbiology and Immunology master’s degree from the University of Ottawa and a Biomolecular Sciences doctoral degree from Laurentian University, with additional training in infection prevention and control from Public Health Ontario.
Vice President, Workplace Health and Safety Services
WSIB
About Rodney Cook
For more than 20 years, Rod Cook has been a leader in business transformation in both the private and public sectors. In his current role as Vice President of Workplace Health and Safety Services (WHSS) at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), he oversees all aspects of workplace health and safety programs including the implementation and evolution of innovative programs like the Health and Safety Excellence program.
Before joining WHSS, Rod spent four years as the Vice President of Human Resources with the WSIB. During this time, the WSIB received the Mental Health at Work Silver Level certification from Excellence Canada under Rod’s leadership.
Rod has also received individual recognition for his accomplishments. In 2018, the University of Toronto awarded him with the Morley Gunderson Prize for outstanding professional achievement and service to the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources.
Within provincial and national occupational health and safety communities, Rod is an in-demand speaker, leader, and influencer. Rod was appointed to the Prevention Council to provide advice to the Minister and Chief Prevention Officer. In addition, after a nomination by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), the Government of Canada especially appointed Rod to represent Ontario on the tripartite Board of Council of Governors at the Council of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). More recently Rod joined the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance (CISWP).
Rod has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (with distinction) from Concordia University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from University of Toronto. Rod earned the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) ® designation in 2020.
Dr. Da Silva is currently an Assistant Professor of Physics at Toronto Metropolitan University and the current President of the Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario (ACPO). He holds advanced degrees in Chemistry & Biology, Molecular Sciences and Biomedical Physics. He is trained in both chemistry and radiological physics and specializes in analytical/physical chemistry, applied radiation physics and medical physics. His career includes experience in research and development settings and industrial distillation operations.
Pamela is a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE), and a Certified Master Wellness Ambassador (CMWA) . With over 30 years practicing and specializing in the fields of Ergonomics/Human Factors and Employee Health and Wellness, she provides comprehensive Corporate Consulting services including Assessment, Education/Training and Program Development to both private and public sector organizations. She is also a published knowledge expert in the fields of Ergonomics and Wellness.
She also holds Baccalaureate degrees in Occupational Therapy (Dalhousie University) and Psychology (Saint Mary's University).
Pamela is a full member of the College for the Certification of Canadian Ergonomists ( CCCPE) and the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE). She is also a Program Advisor at the Workplace Wellness Centre of Excellence.
Pamela and the Associate Team at Dempster Wellness are truly passionate about Employee Health and Wellness and its effects on workplace culture. They work collaboratively with employers and employees through change processes needed to make workplace environments and corporate culture safe, more productive, happy and well!.
Ryan Jacobson is a driven and passionate team builder, with over 20 years of senior leadership experience and 18 years in the safety profession that believes he truly can change the world, if he tries hard enough.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a registered charity, where he has overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Saskatchewan Safety Council’s staff, programs, quality and execution of its strategic goal, to work with others to lead the transformation of Saskatchewan intro a province of safety excellence.
Ryan was recognized as the 2018 Canadian Safety Professional of the Year by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, featured in COS Magazine (July 2019) and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal from the Office of the Governor General of Canada for unwavering dedication to improving safety and well-being within Canada.
He has a wide range of experience working with various industries including retail, hospitality, agriculture, construction, and oil & gas. He has earned the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.
A passionate volunteer, Ryan has held leadership positions in many safety and community building initiatives. Previously serving as: Chairman of the Canadian Association of Provincial Safety Councils; President of Safety Services Canada; Chairman of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering South Saskatchewan Chapter; President of Safe Saskatchewan; Executive member of the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance; Member of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Advisory Committee for Occupational Health and Safety Program; and many others. He has previously been a member of the judging panel for the Saskatchewan Safe Worker Award, the Saskatchewan Safe Employer Award, the Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year Award; and the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame.
Ryan has spoken at numerous corporate, regional, provincial and national conferences across Canada.
Gareth Jones is an executive and leader in the field of public and occupational health and safety in Canada. Currently serving as the President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council, Gareth has over 20 years of senior executive leadership and throughout has held a focus on the safety and wellbeing of Canadians at work and leisure. Gareth's business acumen and strategic thinking have been key assets throughout his career. As the Acting President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety, he played a vital role in driving the organization's growth and success. Gareth's commitment to fostering a safety-conscious society is unwavering, and his leadership continues to make a lasting impact on the well-being of Canadians.
Kelly Killby is a consultant with 20+ years of management system experience, including development and implementation of management system requirements across disciplines in Corporate Sustainability, Environment, Health and Safety. Based in Stratford Ontario, she assists employers with system implementation, analysis, evaluation, auditing, training and program development. She is a ISO management system certified lead auditor. Currently she manages the Excellence in Manufacturing National Health and Safety Network where she works with manufacturers across Canada to improve health and safety and build a health and safety management system.
Dave uses a unique risk-based approach to safety management with a focus on “Safety by Design". Prior to H&S he was an Electrical Design Engineer, Safety Engineer and Senior Manager with Ontario Hydro. He has over 40 years of experience in management and engineering.
Recent work has included design risk analysis for hydrogen, natural gas and other alternative energy projects including both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods for utility clients and equipment manufacturers. Additionally, he produces safety and emergency management system documentation for operational support to the above design projects (e.g. ISO 45001).
Dave was also a part time Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) since 1996 teaching Business and Occupational Health and Safety until retirement in 2022. He has been a volunteer with Minerva Canada since 1993
Tim has been the President and CEO at WorkSafeNB since June 2022. Tim leads a dedicated and passionate team whose vision is to make New Brunswick the safest place to work.
From his early days as manager of internal audit through his tenure as vice-president of Corporate Services, followed by vice-president of Prevention, to taking the helm as president and CEO, Tim has consistently championed a people-first leadership approach and fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration, and trust.
In addition to his role as CEO at WorkSafeNB, Tim serves on the board of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions, and is Chair of the board for the Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada.
Born and raised in New Brunswick, Tim is a proud graduate of the University of New Brunswick and is a chartered professional accountant.
Tim and his wife Nancy currently reside in Saint John, NB.
Eldeen, is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), a Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC), a Certified Health and Safety Management System Auditor (CHSMSA), a Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (FIIRSM) and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the UK (CMIOSH),… and has her MBA in Global Leadership. She has a diverse safety designation and educational background.
Eldeen is committed to a Safer World of Work. Her commitment is demonstrated by her 25 plus years of experience and involvement as an advisor and consultant to various industry sectors, government organizations, and businesses, and as a professor at educational institutions. She consults in management and leadership and recognizes that a sense of purpose is a foundation piece to success and self-satisfaction. It is shown by her reach – she has worked on 6 of the 7 continents and in 33 different countries. It is also shown through her involvement and volunteer positions in safety and health related associations. Eldeen is the Past President of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and the past president of the International Network of Safety and Health Professional Organizations (INSHPO), is on the OneWish board and is the current standards practice chair of the International Practice Specialty of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). Eldeen Focuses her life and work on concepts of leadership, emotional intelligence and the power of influence. Well known for her sense of humor and down to earth approach, Eldeen uses experiences from her consulting practice and her personal life to deliver a timely, well researched and insightful messages and education.
Due to her commitment and professionalism, she has received regional, national and international recognition. She has been honored by the American Society of Safety Professionals in their publication – 100 Women making a difference in the safety, health and environment profession, she been inducted into the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame, had been presented with both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Safety Professional of the year award (in different years), received the ASSP presidents award for safety recognition, and she was recognized and invited to have tea with the queen at Buckingham palace for her contributions to health and safety globally. In 2021 Eldeen was named Top Women in Safety by COS magazine, 10 Most Successful Women Leaders to Follow in the 2023 issue of The Inc Magazine, and A Women of Inspiration by the Universal Womens Network.
Laura is a Professional Engineer and Canadian Registered Safety Professional. She has been helping companies across Canada improve their environment, health and safety programs almost her entire career. Her current role is Compliance and Risk Manager for Tigercat International, a proudly Canadian company that specializes in the design and manufacture of forestry equipment and custom fabrication. In this role, she supports the environment, health and safety programs for all of their operations and the global product compliance requirements.
Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM)
About Sean Scott
Sean Scott is the Executive Director of the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba and a nationally respected voice in construction health and safety. With more than 25 years of experience across safety, leadership, and construction, Sean is passionate about the prevention of workplace injuries, transforming workplace culture and empowering organizations to make safety a core value, not just a requirement.
Holding professional designations including CRSP, NCSO®, and Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinator, Sean combines technical expertise with real-world insight to challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change. Through his work on national and provincial safety committees, he continues to shape the future of workplace safety in Canada. Known for his engaging, straightforward leadership style and ability to translate complex safety requirements into real-world applications, Sean is passionate about helping organizations improve performance, protect workers, and create safer, more resilient worksites across Canada
Jonathan Sherman has been with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board since 2020, initially as the Assistant Director, and recently moving to the role of Director, Prevention.
He has worked in training, health and safety for over 15 years in the construction, mining, manufacturing and post-secondary industries, supporting operations in Saskatchewan and across North America. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (2015) and holds a bachelor of science in chemistry (2002) and a masters in English literature (2009) from the University of Saskatchewan.
Dylan is Managing Director of The Redlands Group Inc., with more than 20 years of expertise as a business owner, Vice President Safety, Not-For-Profit Board Leader, and International Keynote Speaker.The Redlands Group provides client focused solutions that meets your Health, Safety, and Risk assurance needs. The team has the expertise to deliver results from Executive level strategy development to front-line staff training; right sized for your organization.
With his strong personal drive to pursue and achieve professional excellence, he not only works to excel in his professional development, but he also works to coach, mentor, and energize members of work groups to achieve their full potential. Dylan is a sought-after International Keynote Speaker delivering engaging messages focused on Management Systems, Influence, Change, and Risk Management. As a result of his professional and volunteer achievements, Dylan was awarded the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering’s highest award; the 2016 Safety Professional of the Year.
Tegan is a strategic and transformational leader with over a decade of progressive experience in occupational health, safety, and wellbeing. A Registered Kinesiologist, Canadian Registered Safety Professional, and Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist, she holds a MSc and PhD in biomechanics and ergonomics. She is experienced in developing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale health, safety, and wellbeing programs for public sector workplaces and embedding wellbeing into organizational strategy. Tegan is a recognized thought leader at provincial and national levels, and takes a collaborative approach to health, safety, and wellbeing solutions with a focus on cooperation, connections, and partnerships to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Greg is a COR Auditor and Canadian Registered Safety Professional, with 20+ years of experience in safety and environmental science. He has helped Aardvark Drilling Inc. grow into a safety leader in their industry, with a WSIB Small Business Health & Safety Leadership Award in 2021, and most recently has become the first recipient of the Annual National Drilling Association Safety Award - Trillium Chapter. In his current role, Greg oversees all aspects of the HSE program across all divisions.
Roberta Sheng-Taylor, MEd, CRSP, CHSC, Dipl. (Adult Ed), SMS, CSP, is a strategic leader and Health and Safety Professional with a distinguished career advancing occupational safety across sectors. With a proven track record in program development, stakeholder engagement, and change management, Roberta has led award-winning initiatives that drive measurable outcomes and cultural transformation. Known for combining visionary leadership with practical execution, Roberta continues to influence national standards and industry best practices through consulting, education, and thought leadership.
