Region X VPPPA History

VPPPA Mission: To be a leader in health and safety excellence through cooperation among communities, workers, industries and governments.

Additional Information

  • The 26th Annual Region X Conference, AKA the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” will be held May 12-14, 2020 at the Boise Centre West and Grove Hotel, in Boise Idaho. The Conference theme is “Tour de Safety.” Region X will hold an SGE workshop prior to this conference, on May 11, 12, and 13, 2020, and a VPP Application Workshop will be held on May 14.

    The 2020/2021 Region X Board of Directors are:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Max VanValey Carlisle
    Vice Chairperson Saprena L Lyons Fluor Idaho
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Open ...
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Open ... 
    Director at Large Curtis Reece Battelle Energy Alliance
    Director at Large Cliff Butler Sherwin-Williams, Purdy
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Justine Callahan DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Angelo Romano, B.S., CSP
    DOE: Carol Henning

    In addition to the board members and agency advisors, the 2020 conference planning committee also included: Jonathan Hagen, Brooke Carey, Jessica Ferrick, Mike VanWyhe, Michael Welsh, and Cynthia Shultz. Jessica, Brooke and Cynthia each took new positions with their companies, and had to withdraw from the planning committee before the conference, but their assistance was much appreciated!

    The board positions up for election at the 2020 Portland Conference include:
    • Chairperson
    • 1st Director at Large
    • 2nd Director at Large
    • Labor Representative Non-Bargaining Unit

  • The 25th Annual Region X Conference, AKA the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” will be held May 12-14, 2020 at the Boise Centre, in Boise ID. The Conference theme will be “25 Years of Sustained Safety Excellence” There may be an SGE workshop prior to this conference, to be held May 9, 10, and 11, 2020.

    The 2018/2019 Region X Board of Directors are:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Rocky Simmons MSA
    Vice Chairperson Max VanValey Carlisle
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Eddie Larson Georgia-Pacific Toledo
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Saprena Lyons Fluor Idaho
    Director at Large Curtis Reece Battelle Energy Alliance
    Director at Large Cliff Butler Sherwin-Williams, Purdy
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Justine Callahan DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krista-Lyrae Childers
    DOE: Carol Henning

    In addition to the board members and agency advisors, the 2020 conference planning committee also includes: Jonathan Hagen, Brooke Carey, Jessica Ferrick, Mike VanWyhe, and Cynthia Shultz.

    The board positions up for election at the 2020 Portland Conference include:
    • Chairperson
    • 1st Director at Large
    • 2nd Director at Large
    • Labor Representative Non-Bargaining Unit

  • The 25th Annual Region X Conference, AKA the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” will be held May 14-16, 2019 at the Red Lion Inn on Jantzen Beach, Portland Oregon. An SGE workshop will be held in Portland prior to this conference at a site to be announced soon.

    The 2018/2019 Region X Board of Directors are:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Max VanValey Carlisle
    Vice Chairperson Saprena L Lyons Fluor Idaho
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Eddie Larson Georgia-Pacific Toledo
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Curtis Reece Idaho National Laboratory
    Director at Large Open ...
    Director at Large Cliff Butler Sherwin-Williams, Purdy
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Derek Engard CIH, CSP DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Scott Damerow
    DOE: Carol Henning

    In addition to the board members and agency advisors, the 2019 conference planning committee will include: Sharon Perkins, William D Turner, Brooke Cary, Jessica Ferrick, Jonathan Hagan and Jerome Jackson.

    The board positions up for election at the 2019 Portland Conference include:
    • Vice Chairperson
    • 3rd Director at Large
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
    • Union Rep

  • The 24th Annual Region X Conference, AKA the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” will be held May 1-3, 2018 at the Anchorage Dena’ina Center in Anchorage AK. The Conference theme will be “Hooked on Safety!” The plan is to have an SGE workshop prior to this conference.

    The 2016/2017 Region X Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Rocky Simmons MSA
    Vice Chairperson Max VanValey Carlisle
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Eddie Larson Georgia-Pacific Toledo
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Curtis Reece Idaho National Laboratory
    Director at Large Saprena Lyons ICP
    Director at Large Cliff Butler Sherwin-Williams, Purdy
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Derek Engard CIH, CSP DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Scott Damerow
    DOE: Carol Henning

    The board positions up for election at the 2018 Anchorage Conference include:
    • Chairperson
    • 1st Director at Large
    • 2nd Director at Large
    • Labor Representative Non-Bargaining Unit
    Christian Henderson replaced Mr. Bowles, who retired in 2017, as Region X Board Advisor for Alaska.

  • The 23rd Annual Region X Conference, AKA the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” was held May 16-18, 2017 at the Spokane Convention Center in Spokane WA. The Conference theme was “Blazing the Trail for Safety!” Matt Pomerinke was the keynote speaker. There were 261 attendees at the Conference, representing 82 organizations. Of the 261 attendees, 147 were first time attendees! 8 states were represented at the conference.

    The 2016/2017 Region X Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Michelle Steeler/Rocky Simmons AECOM/MSA
    Vice Chairperson Rocky Simmons/Max VanValey MSA/Carlisle
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Elizabeth Norton HAMTC Rep / WRPS
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Edward Larson Georgia-Pacific Toledo, LLC
    Director at Large Max Van Valey/Cliff Butler Carlisle/Sherwin-Williams
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Derek Engard DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Michael Bowles
    DOE: Carol Henning
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    In addition to the board members and agency advisors, the 2017 conference planning committee also included: William D Turner, and Saprena Lyons, Tracy Williamson, Cliff Butler, and Jerome Jackson. In October 2016, Michelle Steeler had to resign due to a non-VPP direction taken by the new ownership of her company. Rocky Simmons was appointed by the Board to complete the remainder of the Chair’s term. Max VanValey was appointed to complete the Vice Chair’s term. The Board then opened the Director-at-Large to qualified volunteers. Cliff Butler was approved by the board to fill the remainder of the term.
    The board positions up for election at the 2017 Spokane Conference and the election results include:
    Vice Chairperson – Max Van Valey
    Secretary – Marjorie Brice
    3rd Director at Large – Cliff Butler
    Hourly Director from Union Site – Liz Norton
    Treasurer – Jack Griffith

  • The 22nd Annual Region X Conference was again called the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” and was held May 17-19, 2016 at the Boise Centre and The Grove Hotel in Boise ID. The Conference theme was “Saddle Up for Safety.” Gene Balsmeier, Integrated Waste Treatment Project Deputy Project Manager for the Idaho Cleanup Project, a DOE Star site in Region X, was the Keynote Speaker. He talked about Balancing Workplace Choices and Leaving a Legacy. There were 240 attendees at the Conference, representing 80 organizations. Of the 240 attendees, 144 were first time attendees

    The 2015/2016 Region X Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Michelle Steeler AECOM
    Vice Chairperson Rocky Simmons MSA
    Secretary Marjorie Brice GE Power & Water
    Treasurer Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Elizabeth Norton HAMTC Rep / WRPS
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Edward Larson Georgia-Pacific Toledo, LLC
    Director at Large Max Van Valey Oldcastle Precast
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Jacob Ewer DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Michael Bowles
    DOE: Carol Henning
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    Bonnie Anderson resigned as Chair upon her retirement. The board selected Michelle Steeler to take the interim chair position until the 2016 elections. Rocky Simmons agreed to step into the Vice Chair position on 10/19/2015, leaving the Secretary position open. Marjorie Brice was appointed to complete the term. In addition to the board members, the 2016 conference planning committee also included: William D Turner, and Saprena Lyons. Newly appointed to the planning committee were Tracy Williamson, Cliff Butler, and Jerome Jackson.
    The board positions up for election at the 2016 Boise Conference were:
    • Chairperson
    • 1st Director at Large
    • 2nd Director at Large
    • Labor Representative Non-Bargaining Unit

  • The 21st Annual Region X Conference will be called the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” and will be held on May 13-14, 2014 at the Red Lion on the River-Jantzen Beach, in Portland OR. The Conference theme will be “Bridge to the Star.”

    For the 2015 VPPPA Conference, Region X will host our second SGE (Special Government Employee) Workshop, which will be held at the Conference Hotel on May 9-11, 2015.

    The 2014/2015 Region X Board of Directors are:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Michelle Steeler URS Corporation
    Secretary Rocky Simmons MSA
    Treasurer Don King / Jack Griffith HAMTC Rep / WRPS HAMTC Rep / CHPRC
    Director (Union Site) Elizabeth Norton HAMTC Rep / WRPS
    Director (Non-Union) Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jack Griffith / Edward Larson HAMTC Rep / CHPRC Georgia-Pacific Toledo, LLC
    Director at Large Max Van Valey Oldcastle Precast
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Jacob Ewer DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Dave Guinn
    DOE: Carol Henning

    Don King resigned as Director at Large to take on the position of Treasurer, then had to resign in September. On 6/10/2014, Tim Taylor resigned as Director at Large to take over the open position of Director-Non Union Site. On 10/21/14, Jack Griffith resigned as Director at Large and was approved to serve the remainder of the Treasurer’s term, and Edward Larson was approved by the board to serve the remainder of the Director at Large term. The board positions up for election at the 2015 Portland Conference include: Vice Chairperson Secretary 3rd Director at Large Hourly Director from Union Site Treasure

  • The 20th Annual Region X Conference was called the “Northwest Safety & Health Summit,” and was held on May 13-15, 2014 at the Dena’ina Center and Anchorage Marriott in Anchorage AK. The Conference theme was “SOAR Into Safety”. There were 205 attendees representing 67 companies. The Keynote was “Controlling Risk in a Dangerous World – The Leader’s Role” presented by former Astronaut Jim Weatherbee.

    The 2013/2014 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Michelle Steeler URS Corporation
    Secretary Rocky Simmons MSA
    Treasurer Terry Schuebert Idaho National Laboratory
    Director (Union Site) Elizabeth Norton WA River Protection Solutions
    Director (Non-Union) Brian Stevens Endicott BP Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Tim Taylor ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Don A. King Washington Closure Hanford
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Jacob Ewer DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Dave Guinn
    DOE: Carol Henning
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    Terry Schuebert resigned from the board in late 2013. The position was covered through the Conference by Bonnie Anderson with help from the Board. The board positions up for election at the 2014 Alaska Conference included:

    • Chairperson
    • 1st Director at Large
    • 2nd Director at Large
    • Labor Representative Non-Bargaining Unit

  • The 19th Annual Region X Conference was held on May 14-16, 2013 at the Davenport Hotel & Tower in Spokane WA. The Conference theme was “Mining VPP Stars”. There were 250 attendees representing 85 companies (109 sites). 74 were first time attendees. The Keynote was “Keep Safe, Keep Healthy, Keep Laughing,” and speaker Leigh Anne Jasheway had the whole audience at the Bing Crosby Theater cracking up!

    The 2012/2013 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Ella Iott Clearwater Paper Corporation
    Secretary Michelle Steeler URS Corporation
    Treasurer Terry Schuebert Idaho National Laboratory
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Elizabeth Norton Weyerhaeuser / Washington River Protection Solutions
    Director (Non-Union) Brian Stevens Endicott BP Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jack Griffith CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation
    Director at Large Don A. King Washington Closure Hanford
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Jacob Ewer DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Bill Nickerson
    DOE: Carol Henning

    Jim Chonzena retired from the board in early 2013, and Liz Norton was appointed by the board to fill the remainder of Jim’s term.

  • The 18th Annual Region X Conference was held on May 15-17, 2012 at the Boise Centre on the Grove, in Boise ID. The Conference theme was “Gems of the Northwest”. There were 328 attendees representing 81 companies.

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    The Keynote speaker was Jeff "Odie" Espenship who presented "Getting Back to Basics is Vital to Superior Performance — It's the Little Things that Matter". The former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, author, and renowned speaker motivated audience members to rethink and refocus their work behavior. Attendees reported that “this was the best conference yet!”

    The 2011/2012 Region X Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Ella Iott Clearwater Paper Products
    Secretary Michelle Steeler URS Corporation
    Treasurer Terry Schuebert Idaho National Laboratory
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Kemmer Sorrel ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
    Director at Large Jack Griffith CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation
    Director at Large Chris Thursby CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Steve Gossman DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Bill Nickerson
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    2011/2012 Region X Conference Planning Committee

    At the 18 th Annual Region X Conference held on May 15-17, 2012 at the Boise Centre on the Grove, in Boise ID

  • The 17th Annual Region X Conference was held on May 17-19, 2011 at the Red Lion on the River-Jantzen Beach, in Portland OR. The Conference theme was “VPP-Coming Up Roses”. There were 328 attendees representing 88 companies or organizations! The keynote speaker was Dan Clark. For the 2011 VPPPA Conference, Region X hosted our first SGE (Special Government Employee) Workshop, which was held at the Conference Hotel on May 14-16, 2011.

    The 2010/2011 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Ella Iott Clearwater Paper Products
    Secretary Michelle Steeler URS
    Treasurer Terry Schuebert INL
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Kemmer Sorrel ConocoPhillips Alaska
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Director at Large Chris Thursby CH2M Hill
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Steve Gossman DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Bill Nickerson

  • The 16th Annual Region X Conference was held on May 11-13, 2010, at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage, AK. The Conference theme was “VPP … North to Alaska!” and there were 274 attendees. Bruce Wilkinson was the keynote speaker.

    The 2009/2010 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Ella Iott Clearwater Paper Products
    Secretary Michelle Steeler URS
    Treasurer Chris Adolfson / Terry Schuebert INL / INL
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Mike Morrow / Kemmer Sorrel Monsanto / ConocoPhillips Alaska
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Director at Large Chris Thursby CH2M Hill
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Steve Gossman DOSH: John Geppert
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Bill Nickerson

    In July of 2010, Chris Adolfson ran for the National Board and Mike Morrow stepped down as Director from a site without a Collective Bargaining agent. The BOD appointed Terry Schuebert, INL to fill the remainder of Chris’ term as Treasurer, and Kemmer Sorrell to fill the remainder of Mike’s term.

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  • The 15th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 19-21, 2009, at the Davenport Hotel & Tower in Spokane WA. The keynote speaker was Vince Lombardi Jr. The Conference theme was “The Tradition of Excellence”, and there were 288 attendees.

    The 2008/2009 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Bonnie Anderson CH2M –WG Idaho, LLC
    Vice Chairperson Rich Gibson Rohm & Haas
    Secretary Maggie Duff Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
    Treasurer Chris Adolfson INL
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Mike Morrow Monsanto
    Director at Large Jeff Carlson ConocoPhillips Alaska
    Director at Large Ella Iott Potlatch Forest Products
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Baker DOSH: Tom Norris
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Ann McCarthy
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  • The 14th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 13- 15, 2008 at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley ID. The Conference theme was “Stars of the West”, and there were 293 attendees.

    The 2007/2008 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Chris Thursby Flour Federal Services
    Vice Chairperson Rich Gibson Rohm-Haas
    Secretary Maggie Duff Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
    Treasurer Chris Adolfson INL
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Bonnie Anderson CWI
    Director at Large Rick Blackmarr Masterbrand Cabinets
    Director at Large Jack Griffith Fluor Hanford
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Baker WISHA became DOSH: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 13th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 22-24, 2007 at the Downtown Hilton in Portland OR. The Conference theme was “The Trail to Excellence”, there were 361 attendees.

    The 2006/2007 Region X Board of Directors were:

    Board Position

    		 Person Company
    Chairperson Brent Jensen Potlatch
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary Maggie Duff Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
    Treasurer Chris Adolfson INL
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Bonnie Anderson CWI
    Director at Large Rich Gibson Rohm & Haas
    Director at Large Jack Griffith Fluor Hanford
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Baker WISHA: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

    Also in November of 2007, for the first time, Region X held a second VPP Application Workshop®. The workshop was held in Roseburg OR, and was attended by 30 persons representing 19 companies from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

  • The 12th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 23-25, 2006 at the Davenport in Spokane WA. The Conference theme was “Return to the Beginning”, and there were 285 attendees.

    The 2005/2006 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Brent Jensen Potlatch
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary Chris Adolfson INL
    Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Consumer Products
    Director (Union Site) Jim Chonzena Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Bonnie Anderson CWI
    Director at Large Rich Gibson Rohm & Haas
    Director at Large Jack Griffith Fluor Hanford
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Baker WISHA: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 11th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 3-5, 2005 at the Doubletree Riverside in Boise ID. The Conference theme was “Discover the Star”, and there were 249 attendees.

    The 2004/2005 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Chris Thursby Monsanto
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary Chris Adolfson INL
    Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Consumer Products
    Director (Union Site) Gale Ahrens Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Bonnie Anderson CWI
    Director at Large Brent Jensen Potlatch
    Director at Large Jack Griffith Fluor Hanford
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia-Pacific
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Baker WISHA: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 10th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 18 - 20 2004 at the Marriott in Portland OR. The Conference theme was “Celebrating a Decade of Excellence” and there were 303 attendees.

    The 2003/2004 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Chris Thursby Monsanto
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary Chris Adolfson INEEL
    Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch
    Director (Union Site) Gale Ahrens Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Bonnie Anderson INEEL
    Director at Large Bill Rippon Georgia Pacific
    Director at Large Jack Griffith Fluor Hanford
    Director at Large Brent Jensen Potlatch
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Mahlum WISHA: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 9th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 6-8, 2003 at the Red Lion in Pasco WA. The Conference theme was “Share the Energy”, and there were 331 attendees. The Secretary/Treasurer position was split to form two positions in 2003, and Board Advisors were added to the Bylaws.

    The 2002/2003 Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Gary McDonough Georgia-Pacific
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary Chris Adolfson INEEL
    Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch
    Director (Union Site) Gale Ahrens Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) David Shelton Rohm & Haas
    Director at Large Chris Thursby Monsanto
    Director at Large Clegg Meadows Potlatch
    Director at Large Brent Jensen Potlatch
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dave Mahlum WISHA: Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 8th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held April 23 - 25, 2002 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene ID. The Conference theme was “Best in the West”, with 228 attendees.

    The 2001/2002 Region X Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Gary McDonough Georgia Pacific
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch
    Director (Union Site) Gale Ahrens Weyerhaeuser
    Director (Non-Union) Dave Shelton Rohm & Haas
    Director at Large Clegg Meadows Potlatch
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Director at Large Chris Thursby Monsanto
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 7th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 8 - 10, 2001 at Sun River Resort in Sun River OR. The Conference theme was “Valuing Peak Performance.” There were 174 attendees.

    The 2000/2001 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Mike Shuey Potlatch
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch
    Director (Union Site) Dennis Hernandez JR Simplot
    Director (Non-Union) Jeanne Larson Northwest Alloys
    Director at Large Terry Lish JR Simplot
    Director at Large Gary McDonough Georgia-Pacific
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 6th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 9-11, 2000 in Doubletree in Seattle WA. The Conference theme was “VPP Reigns in Region X.” There were 187 attendees.

    The 1999/2000 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Mike Shuey Potlatch Corporation
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation
    Director (Union Site) Dennis Hernandez JR Simplot
    Director (Non-Union) Elizabeth Allen BP Alaska
    Director at Large Terry Lish JR Simplot
    Director at Large Dave Matyus Solutia
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman AKOSH: Krystyna Markiewicz

  • The 5th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held April 27 - 29, 1999 in Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene ID. The Conference theme was “Above and Beyond”, and there were 235 attendees. In 1999, Boyd Schvaneveldt stepped down from the Board and was replaced by Dave Matyus.

    The 1998/1999 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Vice Chairperson Mike Shuey Potlatch Corporation
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation
    Director (Union Site) Dennis Hernandez JR Simplot
    Director (Non-Union) Elizabeth Allen BP Alaska
    Director at Large Terry Lish JR Simplot
    Director at Large Boyd Schvanaveldt Dave Matyus Kerr McGee Solutia
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman

  • The 4th Annual VPPPA Region X Conference was held May 19 - 21, 1998 at the Jantzen Beach Doubletree in Portland OR. The Conference theme was “Journey to Excellence” and there were 182 attendees. The 1997/1998 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Vice Chairperson Stephen Brown Potlatch Corporation
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation
    Director (Union Site) Vince Diaz Pioneer Chemical
    Director (Non-Union) Elizabeth Allen BP Alaska
    Director at Large Terry Lish Simplot
    Director at Large Boyd Schvaneveldt Kerr-McGee
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Mark E. Hurliman

  • The 3rd Annual VPPPA Region X Conference >was held May 13 - 15, 1997 in Tumwater WA. The Conference theme was “Region X is Buzzin”. The Region began hosting the VPP Application Workshop®at all future conferences in 1997. In 1997, the positions of Vice Chair, Director from a Site with a Collective Bargaining Agent, Director from a Site without a Collective Bargaining Agent and another Director at Large position were added to the Region X Board of Directors. Not all were filled that first year.

    The 1996/1997 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Boyd Schvanaveldt Kerr McGee
    Vice Chairperson Paul Hooper Agrium
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation
    Director (Union Site) Vince Diaz Pioneer Chemical
    Director at Large Terry Lish JR Simplot
    Director at Large Lynda Stoneberg WISHA
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Phyllis Straight-Millan

  • The 2nd VPP Conference was actually the first Region X VPPPA Conference held by the newly formalized Chapter, and was held in Tumwater, Washington at the Labor and Industries building, May, 8-10, 1996. The conference had 99 attendees and 4 vendors.

    The 1995/1996 Region X Chapter Board of Directors were:

    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Boyd Schvanevldt Kerr, McGee
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation
    Director at Large Conrad Watkins Monsanto
    Director at Large Paul Hooper Nu West
    Board Advisors
    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen

    WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko
    OR-OSHA: Phyllis Straight-Millan

  • There was no VPP Conference held in Region X in 1995.

  • The 1st VPP Conference in Region X was held in Spokane, Washington in the winter of 1994 at the Double Tree Inn. Dan Hoeschen, the OSHA Region X VPP Manager, set up the conference. The conference lasted one day and had about 37 attendees. At that time there were only three VPP sites in Region X and a Region X Chapter of the VPPPA had not yet been established. Region X became a formal chapter of Voluntary Protection Program Participant’s Association (VPPPA) on March 6, 1996.

    The first Region X Chapter Board of Directors (1994/1995) were:
    Board Position Person Company
    Chairperson Boyd Schvanevldt Kerr, McGee
    Secretary-Treasurer Kent Lang Potlatch Corporation

    Director at Large

    Conrad Watkins

    Monsanto

    Director at Large

    Paul Hooper

    Nu West

    Board Advisors

    OSHA: Dan Hoeschen

    WISHA: Mel James, Ken Werenko