The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has named Abby Ferri, CSP, its 2022 Safety Professional of the Year. The risk management and safety consulting expert has been an ASSP member for 20 years and has helped advance occupational safety and health in many ways.
Ferri played a key role in a recent ASSP governance change that involved creating a diverse advisory group to replace the Society’s House of Delegates and enable the Board of Directors to fully govern the organization. She served on the Governance Task Force that researched association governance trends, interacted with ASSP members, and developed the recommendations that were later adopted to strengthen the Society.
Over the past decade, Ferri has been a speaker at more than 100 regional, national and international events while appearing on dozens of safety and health podcasts. In 2020, she co-founded a podcast called “The Safety Justice League,” which has been influential in exploring a wide range of safety and health issues. It consistently ranks on Apple Podcasts’ Top 200 business and career charts.
“Even with a demanding career, Abby makes time to give back to her fellow safety professionals and the future of the profession through volunteer leadership, standards development, and innovation in how safety professionals interact with each other,” said Kristin Herman, CSP, CHMM, CPEA, chair of the Awards and Honors Committee for ASSP’s Women in Safety Excellence (WISE) Common Interest Group. “Abby enthusiastically leverages her experience and knowledge to advance occupational safety and health in countless ways.”
Ferri led WISE from 2018-20 as the group’s administrator. Her continued involvement in WISE, including mentoring safety professionals and identifying future leaders, has increased the inclusion and advancement of women in the safety and health industry. In 2021, Ferri was named Safety Professional of the Year in four ASSP groups: WISE, Council on Practices and Standards, Region V, and the Northwest Chapter.
“Abby continues to build and strengthen relationships with industry groups that aim to reach women and recruit the next generation,” said Jen Ellinwood, CSP, president of ASSP’s Northwest Chapter. “Her leadership has been instrumental, especially for those who have not had a voice or adequate representation.”
Ferri is the author of two Kindle books, “The Safety Habit” published in 2020, and “The Safety Consultant’s Toolkit” published in 2021 that shares her knowledge of starting and running a safety consulting firm.
“I have worked with Abby on several occasions, and the goals she accomplishes are accompanied by a passion, dedication, and can-do attitude,” said Tim Page-Bottorff, CSP, CIT, member of ASSP’s Board of Directors. “She clearly is committed to being a leader, and her mentoring has definitely influenced my leadership skills.”
Ferri is a senior risk control consultant at Gallagher, which provides insurance, risk management, and consulting services. She works with clients in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, education, real estate, hospitality, and restaurants. She resides in Eden Prairie, MN, with her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Moselle.
Each year, ASSP honors an occupational safety and health professional who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the safety field while making significant contributions to advancing the profession. Visit the ASSP website to see past recipients of the Society’s Safety Professional of the Year Award.
