Region News
Celebrating organizations & individuals across Region II that are leading the way in safety excellence.
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These members demonstrate strong safety cultures, employee engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement through the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
Welcome New SGES!
Congratulations to Brad Saddler of OxyChem, Nicholas Getty, SGE, CHST, CUSP of Mollenberg-Betz, Inc., and Zane Coles of Reworld Waste for completing the April 7-9, 2026 Special Government Employee (SGE) Class in Wilton, New York!
Thanks to SGEs Richard Finnegan and Sarah Ritter-Hamilton of Veolia | North America for serving as instructors during the class, sharing their SGE experiences with the new applicants.
OSHA Area Director Rita Young of the Albany Area Office administered the SGE oath of office on the final day. A special thanks to Suzanne Dewey,SMP, CHST, SGE of D.A. Collins Family of Companies for hosting the class in the company's training facility.
Suzanne became a Special Government Employee (SGE) for OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) in 2023. In 2025, 17 SGEs filled 21 VPP team member positions on VPP evaluation teams in the OSHA New York City Region. Suzanne participated on three OSHA New York City Region VPP evaluation teams during 2025, which exceeded the total number of team member assignments performed by any of the other 16 SGEs. (Two of the 17 SGEs participated on two OSHA New York City Region VPP evaluation teams in 2025.)
Suzanne has over 18 years of experience in safety and health, specializing in the Construction sector. Suzanne has worked in the safety department of D.A. Collins for the past 11 years and she is currently the company’s Operations Safety Manager. Suzanne holds professional safety certifications of Safety Management Professional (SMP) and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
Suzanne is currently the sitting Chair of the New York State Associated General Contractors (NYSAGC) Highway Safety Committee. Work zone traffic control is a particular focus for Suzanne. The risks in work zones are real and often beyond the worker’s control, which strengthens her commitment to advocate for stronger protections, systemic hazard controls, and meaningful worker involvement. “My passion for safety is rooted in the people I serve, with principles aligned with the VPP philosophy. My priority is simple: No one gets hurt – period!”
2026 New York City Region
SGE of the Year
Ms. Suzanne Dewey has been selected as the OSHA New York City Region 2026 Special Government Employee of the Year.