Many of you knew her as the tireless executive director of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participant''s Association (VPPPA).
Lee Anne Jillings, who initially joined the association in 1993 as director of Government Affairs and went on to become its executive director, is leaving to become chief of the Division of Consultation Programs, Office of Cooperative Programs, Directorate of Federal-State Operations at the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, in Washington, D.C.
The VPP, administered by OSHA and the Department of Energy, are a cooperative effort among labor, management and government. Acceptance into the VPP requires safety and health programs that exceed OSHA''s standards. Jillings will be replace by veteran safety and health professional Paul M. Villane, CSP, OHST.
During her nearly eight years with the association, Jillings played a significant role in making the VPPPA a stronger and more effective organization. Under her direction, membership grew from 183 worksites at the end of 1994 to 808 worksites as of Dec. 31, 2001. Attendance at the annual national VPPPA conference grew from 923 attendees in 1994 to 2, 345 in 2001.
One of Jillings'' primary goals during her tenure at the VPPPA was to make the VPP available to worksites nationwide and increase Congressional recognition of the programs. The success of these efforts is reflected in the adoption of VPP by all but one of the state-plan-states and the increasing Congressional support for H.R. 2235, the VPP codification legislation. In her new position with OSHA, Jillings will further her work to promote cooperative and voluntary relationships with private sector employees.
"Please join the VPPPA National Board and staff in congratulating Lee Anne on her appointment," said June Brothers, chairperson of VPPPA''s board. "We look forward to continuing to work with Lee Anne on joint VPPPA-OSHA initiatives to further voluntary protection programs and enhance the safety and health of workers across the nation."
by Sandy Smith ([email protected])