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NSC Board of Directors welcomes John Surma as new chairman

September 28, 2015
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Atlanta – John Surma, retired chairman and CEO of United States Steel Corp., took over as chairman of the National Safety Council Board of Directors on Sept. 27. Surma succeeds Jeff Woodbury, vice president of investor relations and secretary of Exxon Mobil Corp.

“I look forward to working with John, whose genuine leadership and passion for our mission will advance our efforts to make our world safer,” Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of NSC, said in a press release. “John’s knowledge, experience and dedication to our non-profit purpose will provide valuable direction as we work to save lives and prevent injuries.”

Surma began his career at United States Steel in 2002 as vice chairman and CFO, and was named president and CEO in 2004, and chairman in February 2006. Before joining United States Steel, Surma was a partner at Price Waterhouse LLP and held senior management positions at Marathon Oil Co., Speedway SuperAmerica LLC and Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC.

NSC also welcomed four new board members to two-year terms:

  • Raymond T. Betler, president and CEO, Wabtec Corp.
  • Brian J. Cook, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, USG Corp.
  • Lynne Lachenmyer, vice president, Exxon Mobil Corp.
  • Douglas C. Pontsler, vice president of EHS & Operations Sustainability, Owens Corning