The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and Portland Cement Association (PCA) have joined together on hiring Director of Construction Materials Safety Policy Elizabeth “Libby” Pritchard.
Pritchard, an aggregates industry veteran, has begun her work to promote and defend the interests of NSSGA and PCA members on all safety-related legislative and regulatory issues as well as provide technical assistance to members seeking to understand and comply with Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) regulations.
Members of NSSGA and PCA share a common drive to advocate for sustainable infrastructure investment and an unwavering commitment to insure that every employee goes home in good health every day. During normal discussions between the two organizations, it became clear both had overlapping needs in the safety arena. Jointly addressing aggregate and cement safety issues enhances the natural synergies between the two organizations, while serving each of our members’ interests effectively and efficiently.
“Libby will represent the best interests of both memberships, specifically related to safety training, compliance assistance and any other assistance required by both of our memberships,” said Michele Stanley, NSSGA vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “As our organizations continue to work closely together to address over-regulation, Libby will help to build relationships and engage with policymakers, while playing an important role to shape the construction materials industry’s government and regulatory affairs agenda.”
She comes to the associations with a background in environmental health and safety at Wildish Sand & Gravel in Eugene, Ore., and policy analysis with the National Science Foundation. Pritchard was also an active member of the Oregon Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association and chaired their Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) committee in 2017.
“For the construction materials industry – particularly PCA and NSSGA members – worker health and safety is a core business principle, and our members are committed to meeting and exceeding federal health and safety requirements. PCA and NSSGA help ensure that our members have the information, tools, and regulatory clarity needed to provide a safe workplace, and I am thrilled that Libby will be able to lead the efforts of our two organizations,” said Charles Franklin, PCA vice president and counsel for government affairs.
Pritchard earned two master’s degrees from Oregon State University in geography and water resources policy & management where she focused on reclamation and has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Juniata College.
“I have always enjoyed working in the aggregates industry. It’s interesting, exciting and we produce essential resources that are the literal building blocks of society – it’s an industry I’m proud to be part of. And safety is the backbone of all our operations. I’m looking forward to addressing safety issues, building relationships, and supporting our NSSGA and PCA members every day. I’m very happy to be here,” said Pritchard.