Protecting Employees and Our Planet

Jeff, CIH, CSP, CHMM, is Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S). Next month marks Jeff's 31st anniversary working in Baxter’s EHS&S organization. In Jeff's current role, he is responsible for EHS&S operations of our manufacturing, distribution, and office facilities in the Americas region.  
 

Jeff shares why he is inspired to keep employees safe and why Baxter's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship is personally important to him. 

Q: What excites you most about your role? 

Jeff: I chose the EHS&S profession to make a difference in protecting people and the environment after I learned of several work-related incidents during my employment as an intern with a municipality during the summers while attending college. Also, farming was a big part of my extended family which created potential risk as part of their everyday activities. Additionally, sustainable farming practices are essential to protecting the environment and natural resources.   

Also, working for Baxter, I see protecting people and the environment as very complementary to Baxter's Mission to Save and Sustain Lives.  

Q: Do you have a favorite activity that you have enjoyed during your time at Baxter? 

Jeff: I have enjoyed going to local schools to teach the students about what they can personally do at home to help the environment. Also, I had a chance to be part of a few projects to help provide clean water to communities in Latin America. 

Q: Why is it important to you that Baxter has a legacy of advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives? 

Jeff: The continued success of not only the company's ESG/CR initiatives, but also our overall EHS&S programs is particularly important to me. After spending 31 years of my career at Baxter, I am proud to have played a role in the progress we have made so far. It also means a lot to have our achievements recognized by several third-party organizations. My hope is that we inspire the next generation of Baxter EHS&S professionals to continue our mission and success for the next 30 years and beyond. 

Q: As part of Baxter's celebration of World Environment Week, we are encouraging employees to make a personal pledge to support the environment. What is yours?  

Jeff: In addition to clean-up events I participate in around my community, my personal pledge is to construct and install a barrel for the collection of rainwater for watering a garden at a relative's personal residence. Even small projects like this make a difference!