Sue Sullivan named new director of Environmental Health and Safety

Sue Sullivan has been named the new director of Environmental Health and Safety at Western; she takes over for Gayle Shipley, who is retiring after more than 20 years at the university.

Sullivan has worked as a safety officer within EHS for the past 11 years, where she has managed Western’s hazardous waste program.

“I’m happy that Sue has accepted the position of director of EHS. She has been an important part of a very strong EHS team and is now ready to take on the leadership of the department,” said Rich Van Den Hul, Western’s vice president of Business and Financial Affairs.

As the director of Environmental Health and Safety, Sullivan will oversee the university’s comprehensive health and safety program in areas such as coordinating and managing all activities related to handing of chemical, biological, and radioactive waste; organize and direct response to releases or spills; develop and implement campus safety and training programs; support laboratory safety; and periodically evaluate safety-related university-wide policies and issues such as drug and alcohol abuse prevention, bicycle or skateboard safety, and air quality.

“Of the many things I am thankful for this holiday season, I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to lead a department I feel so privileged to have been a part of for many years. I am excited to continue to serve Western in keeping the campus community healthy and safe,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1998; she is currently working towards her Master’s in Business Administration at Western. She will begin her duties on Dec. 21.