2024 CEOs Who "Get It"

CHOOSE A PROFILE -- Select a CEO -- --Index-- Dr. Delaine Fowler Greg Hass Bob Pragada Bob Pyle Jim Rugg Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon Manjiv S. Vohra

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Introduction by
Lorraine M. Martin
President and CEO
National Safety Council

Safety has changed so much over the years. From new technologies to previously unheard-of concepts and ideas, what safety is and means has shifted over time. But no matter how we define safety, we will always need leaders working to maintain it as a guiding value for their organizations. That’s what it means to be a CEO who “gets it.”

This year’s honorees have proven their adaptability and openness to new ideas and solutions. Across industries and around the globe, they have emphasized worker well-being, encouraged employees to use their voices and made safety the top corporate value – no matter what.

These seven CEOs are not afraid to challenge the status quo. They don’t compromise when it comes to safety because they understand that by doing things safely, they are keeping people healthy and saving lives.

A CEO who “gets it” knows safety leadership must start at the top. Bob Pragada, with Jacobs, has driven his company to emphasize the importance of psychological safety, creating a safe space for the entire workforce by sharing his own mental health experiences. Manjiv Vohra leads ECC, a global remediation and construction company, in a “whole self” safety program that targets physical and mental health as well as work-life balance.

A strong leader also preserves the value of safety for all types of workers. They know everyone, regardless of status, deserves to make it home at the end of the day. Take Delaine Fowler of Accelerate Therapy and Performance, who has helped prevent injuries by placing physical therapists and athletic trainers in workplaces. Similarly, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers included contractors and partners as he developed and implemented a safety and occupational health management system that has become the standard across the entire Army.

At AtkinsRéalis US Nuclear, Jim Rugg is involved in safety every step of the way, participating in safety walkarounds, encouraging employees to speak up about safety concerns and personally recognizing safety award winners.

Finally, a CEO who “gets it” always has safety top of mind. Greg Hass of Valley Construction Co. has a motto that reveals the depth of his commitment: “No expense is too high when it comes to lives and safety.” By establishing a safety council and adopting a safety-first mindset, Robert Pyle, with Graham Packaging Co., has fostered a culture where every employee values safety above all else.

By finding new solutions, creating stronger cultures and engaging workers, these seven exceptional leaders have made people safe – and saved lives. Their dedication to the value of safety is truly inspiring.

On behalf of the National Safety Council, congratulations to all the 2024 honorees.

Browse individual CEO profiles by clicking on a photo below or by pressing the navigation buttons at the top of each page.

Dr. Delaine Fowler, DPT

Greg Hass

Bob Pragada

Bob Pyle

Jim Rugg

Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon

Manjiv S. Vohra, PE, DBIA