Foulke Announces Key OSHA Appointments

Steven Witt was appointed the new director of OSHA’s Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs. Witt began his career at the Department of Labor in 1972 as an attorney in the Office of the Solicitor. He joined OSHA in 1983 and held several positions including special assistant to the assistant secretary and director of the Directorate of Standards and Guidance. He served as the director of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction since October 2006.

Jennifer Ashley is the new director of OSHA’s Office of Communications. Ashley has more than 20 years of experience in media and communications management, primarily in federal and state government relations and in the academic and legal arenas. Prior to joining OSHA, Ashley served as the director of communications for the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Ken Nishiyama-Atha was appointed the regional administrator for OSHA’s Region IX, headquartered in San Francisco. Nishiyama-Atha began his career with OSHA in 1997 as a safety specialist in the Milwaukee area office. During his 11-year tenure with the agency, Nishiyama-Atha has served as assistant area director for OSHA’s Appleton, Wis., area office, and as area director in Columbia, S.C., and Mobile, Ala. Prior to this appointment, Nishiyama-Atha was the acting deputy regional administrator in Region III, headquartered in Philadelphia.

John Hermanson has been selected as OSHA’s new regional administrator for Region III after serving as deputy regional administrator for Region VIII in Denver. Hermanson began his career with OSHA in 1976 as an industrial hygienist in the agency’s Indianapolis area office.

“It is a privilege to have these professionals in our agency who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Foulke said. “I congratulate them all on their new positions, and look forward to working with them as we continue to pursue the mission of promoting the safety and health of America’s working men and women.”