About the East Texas Chapter

Founded in 1978, the East Texas Chapter American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) based in Region III deep in the heart of East Texas. Currently we have 98 active members who manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. 26 of our members are student members from Kilgore Jr. College, TSTC Marshall, and UT Tyler. We are a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization. We provide such services as education, public affairs, government affairs, and communications on safety advancements specific to this area and worldwide from a host of presenters within and outside our chapter.

Our purpose is to promote the advancement of the safety profession and safety professionals and development of its members in the geographical area served. We currently serve the following counties: Anderson, Angelina, Camp, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Nacogdoches, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood County.

In fulfilling its purposes, the Chapter has the following objectives within the geographical area:

• To develop and promote educational programs for obtaining the knowledge required to perform the functions of a safety professional.
• To develop and disseminate locally, information and materials that will carry out the purposes of the Chapter, the Society, and serve the public.
• To provide and/or support forums for the interchange and acquisition of professional knowledge among its members.
• To foster liaison with local organizations of related disciplines.
• To inaugurate and implement programs and projects that are consistent with the purposes of the Chapter and the Society.
• To conduct Chapter affairs in a manner that will reflect the standards, purposes and objectives of the Society

The East Texas Chapter currently has three Student Sections: Kilgore Jr. College, TSTC Marshall, and UT Tyler. Their purpose is to promote the advancement of the safety profession and safety education and to foster the professional well-being and development of its members within its campus and community.

In fulfilling its purposes, the Section have the following objectives:

• To further the professional preparation of the members by sponsoring programs for the advancement of safety and acquisition of technical knowledge.
• To improve scholarship and the general quality of work in the Safety Profession by fostering a concern for progress in all areas of safety, among safety educators and practitioners.
• To encourage greater professional and social cooperation and interaction among students of safety and allied fields and disciplines.
• To unite the resources and skills of students and faculty in programs to benefit Section members, the school and its community.
• To assist the Society in the development of effective and relevant educational programs for the preparation of future safety professionals.
• To provide encouragement and support to society student activities and foster student member development and retention on its local campus.
• To promote participation and entrance into safety/health careers by high school and college students.

2010-2011 Chapter Officers

	Rick Wall, President - scetrick@aol.com Rick Wall is a native to East Texas and is employed by the Safety Council of East Texas, Inc. He serves as it's President of Operations. He also is an instructor for all of their safety courses. Prior to working for the Council, he served 2 years as Board member. Prior to working for the Council, Rick worked as a Safety Manager for various construction companies for 15 years. Prior to that he worked as a Cost Engineer and Project Control Coordinator. He has worked over 30 years in Construction. For 8 years Rick has served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Reciprocal Safety Councils, Inc. He enjoys working with other non-profit companies including ASSE East Texas Chapter. Rick is married and has 3 children.
	Linda Markin, Vice President - linda.markin@suddenlink.net Linda Markin, President of Lee-Mark Safety, Inc, in Tyler, Texas started her professional field in 1995. She started teaching for American Red Cross and transferred over to Medic First Aid in Dec. 1998. As she found teaching this very important classes was an important part of her life. She is currently a Master Trainer for the system Medic First Aid, to both large and small Corporations on site, foster parents, and students which carries great responsibilities. She is also an Adjunct Teacher (part-time) for TEEX , PRT-256 , which keeps her traveling one week of the month to sites in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
	George Kezerle, Treasurer - george.kezerle@marshall.tstc.edu George Kezerle is a Occupational Safety and Health Technician and is the TSTC Marshall instructor in the Environmental Health Safety & Quality Technology department. George has been a member of the ASSE for 10 years and received the 2006 Educator of the Year award.
	Marie Boulé, Delegate Biography coming soon.