The 2025 CEOs Who ‘Get It’

CHOOSE A PROFILE -- Select a CEO -- --Index-- Christl A. Aggus Matt Brewer James D. Danella Bob Fullington Mike Jansen Jennifer Scanlon

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

This past year I’ve frequently returned to an important – and often overlooked – aspect of safety leadership: living safety out loud. Those who value safety above all are the same people who talk about safety, act safely and encourage others to do things safely every day.

Impactful leaders understand that safety is about people. They not only implement new technologies, adapt innovative ideas and test fresh solutions, they also place an emphasis on communicating why safety matters and listening to employee concerns. That’s what it means to be a CEO who “gets it.”

These six CEOs aren’t quiet about their passion for safety. They live the value loudly – both talking the talk and walking the walk. Through both their words and actions, they prove daily that nothing is more important to them than the safety, health and well-being of their people.

A CEO who “gets it” doesn’t delegate when it comes to safety. Bob Fullington, with Roy Anderson Corp., conducts regular “morale events” to promote well-being and safety engagement. He also frequently visits jobsites and leads stand-downs. Similarly, James D. Danella, with Danella Cos. Inc., has daily safety-focused conference calls and personally reaches out to any employee who’s injured on the job.

A strong leader is flexible and open to evolving practices and employee feedback. Take Matt Brewer at Choate Construction Co., who has expanded his company’s safety definition by ensuring access to mental well-being resources for employees, as well as offering free first aid and CPR training to workers and their families. In addition, Matt continuously invests in the newest safety technologies that help reduce risk on the job.

Like Matt, Mike Jansen of Faith Technologies Inc. understands that improvement requires adaptability. Mike spearheaded the elimination of hazardous fixed-blade knives on jobsites, as well as a “Ladders Last” effort that reduces the need for ladders through better pre-job planning.

Finally, a CEO who “gets it” knows safety isn’t something to be checked off a list. It must infuse every aspect of operations and always remain top of mind. At UL Solutions, Jennifer Scanlon has implemented global training programs to ensure managers, workers and leaders are learning and thinking about how to reduce risks, recognize hazards and stay as safe as possible. North of the border, Christl A. Aggus, formerly of Health and Safety Professionals Canada, has spent her career improving the well-being of many of Canada’s workers as she helped design and implement safety management systems for various businesses.

By engaging new technologies and solutions, communicating with employees, and getting loud about their passion for workplace safety, these six outstanding leaders are helping live out the National Safety Council mission of saving lives. They’re setting the bar for their fellow CEOs to follow.

On behalf of NSC, congratulations to the 2025 honorees.

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Christl A. Aggus

Matt Brewer

James D. Danella

Bob Fullington

Mike Jansen

Jennifer Scanlon