Welcome to Central Ohio CHMM (COCHMM), the central Ohio based chapter of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP). Our group’s goal is to further the professional development of all Environmental, Health and Safety professionals, but particularly those who have hazardous materials management responsibilities. We are an active chapter with regularly scheduled member meetings, facility tours, and educational programs, all of which are open to the public.

This year COCHMM has set an ambitious agenda in order to maximize the value of your membership. First, we are continuing to work on improving and increasing the frequency and content of our communications to our members. We continue to utilize our Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook pages to provide relevant news, events, and other information we feel our members would benefit from knowing. Second, we are hoping to host an EHMM review course, for those who are interested in taking the CHMM exam. Thus far, those who attended the course and took the CHMM exam have passed on their first attempt. Third, as we look for ways to continue to grow, we are reaching out to related industry groups for partnership opportunities. The Board of Directors and myself feel that the more people that know about COCHMM, the more people will see the value in joining our group and becoming a CHMM. And, finally, we would like to plan a social/happy hour event in late 2024. This will provide an opportunity for central Ohio EHS professionals to get together in an informal setting, exchange ideas, and network.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the 2024 Board of Directors. Each of these people have volunteered their time and energy to lead COCHMM into the next phase of our group’s growth and without their dedication there would be no COCHMM.

• President: Kristen Dameron, MS, CSP, CHMM, Hikma Pharmaceuticals
• Vice President: Vacant
• Secretary: Kim Shapiro, ASP, CHMM, Safex
• Treasurer: Jeffery Bates, Ph.D, CHMM, Columbus State Community College
• Immediate Past President: Glorianna L. Corman, REM, CHMM, CSP, KPA
• Board Member At-Large: Dave Rice, CHMM, Rubicon EHS

COCHMM is poised for great things in the coming year and it is due in no small part to the membership and our Board of Directors. The Board and I are looking forward to another great year; but this is your organization so any feedback or suggestions on where you would like to see our efforts go please do not hesitate to contact any of the Board members. If you haven’t already, please join our LinkedIn group (COCHMM), follow us on Twitter (@CentralOhioCHMM), receive our emails on Constant Contact https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/1Oa7BcH, and like us on Facebook (Central Ohio Certified Hazardous Materials Managers) so you can stay current with COCHMM.  Don’t forget to reference our website’s calendar of events for all upcoming activities!

I am very excited about everything that we have planned for this year and look forward to working with all of you!

Kristen Dameron, MS, CSP, CHMM
COCHMM President