On April 25, 2026, the annual Hike for Hope took place at Bear Mountain. This family event is dedicated to suicide prevention, remembrance, and support for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

As the name suggests, participants were invited to hike to the summit. The event serves both as a tribute to loved ones lost to suicide and as a fundraiser to support AFSP’s important work.

The ASSP Hudson River Valley Chapter is proud to actively support AFSP. This mission is especially important to our chapter because many of our members work in the construction industry, where deaths by suicide outnumber fatal occupational injuries. According to CDC data, the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the United States, making suicide prevention both a workplace safety issue and a public health issue.

During the event, our Chapter President, Rob Labbe, delivered remarks recognizing the teams that raised the most funds. He also emphasized an important message: while fundraising matters, presence matters most. Showing up, supporting one another, and keeping the conversation open are essential parts of suicide prevention.

The event was also attended by several current ASSP Hudson River Valley Chapter board members, including Andrew Oliver, Jacqueline Handy, Joe Cicalo, and Olga Bodiagina.

Past President, Josephine McCaffrey attended for her 3^rd year in a row with a large team from ECCO III Enterprises, Inc.

Despite a forecast calling for heavy rain, hundreds of participants still showed up. As Rob Labbe noted, this has been the third straight year with rain — and the third straight year people left already talking about next year.

If you were not able to attend Hike for Hope this year, please consider adding it to your calendar for next year. Life is a TEAM SPORT and you are not alone in this game!

Olga Bodiagina
Secretary, ASSP Hudson River Valley Chapter

04/15/2026

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce the upcoming election for the Hudson River Valley Chapter leadership.

Voting will open on April 15, 2026 and close on April 30, 2026. All eligible members will receive a ballot via email through the ASSP election platform.

Proposed Slate of Candidates and Bios

President – Jacqueline Handy
A safety, construction, and environmental management professional with 15+ years of experience across infrastructure, compliance, and workforce development. Currently serves as Vice President of the Hudson River Valley Chapter and is actively involved in industry leadership and professional development initiatives. Jacqueline Handy MBA, MS, CHST, GSP, CSFSM | LinkedIn

Vice President – Paige Priskie
Certified Safety Professional and senior EHS leader with experience managing large, complex projects. Currently an Associate Vice President and Senior EHS Manager at AECOM, leading teams, overseeing compliance, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance. Paige Priskie, CSP | LinkedIn

Treasurer – Andrew Oliver
Safety Supervisor with experience across major infrastructure and construction projects, including rail, highway, and bridge work. Specializes in safety program implementation, site inspections, and regulatory compliance, with multiple certifications including CSP and CHST. Andrew Oliver, CSP, CRIS | LinkedIn

Secretary – Olga Bodiagina
EHS professional with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, construction, and industrial operations. Proven track record in implementing safety systems, leading training programs, and managing compliance in both international and U.S. environments. Olga Bodiagina | LinkedIn

Member-at-Large, NYCDOB Chair – Joe Cicalo
Site Safety Manager with extensive experience in construction safety consulting, hazard identification, and safety program development. Former Project Manager with decades of experience delivering complex building and healthcare projects. Joe Cicalo | LinkedIn

Member-at-Large, Electrical Safety Chair – Jon Hautau
Electrical safety professional and instructor with strong experience in training, supervision, and project management. Provides safety oversight, develops training programs, and educates apprentices in advanced electrical practices. Jon Hautau | LinkedIn

Member-at-Large, Construction – Ken Kyle
Executive-level safety professional with over 35 years of experience in construction and EHS leadership. Holds CSP, CIHM, and CECM certifications and has led safety initiatives across major projects and organizations throughout the Northeast. Ken Kyle, CSP, CIHM, CECM, CIAQM, CRAME, CSRP, MAS | LinkedIn

Your participation is important and helps shape the direction of our chapter. We encourage all members to review the candidates and cast their vote.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,
Robert Labbe
President
ASSP Hudson River Valley Chapter

DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

The Safety & Health Council of the Hudson Valley is currently seeking sponsors for our annual “Day of Safety” event, scheduled for November 19, 2025, at The Venue in Kingston.

Since 2005, the Council has proudly provided free safety and health educational forums and networking opportunities for businesses and professionals throughout the Hudson Valley. These events have only been possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors over the years.

Unfortunately, this year our sponsorship goal is falling short, and without additional support, we may be forced to cancel this year’s event.

We’re asking our members and safety professionals to help keep this important tradition going. If you work with vendors or organizations that value workplace safety, please consider reaching out to them for sponsorship opportunities.

We’re working under a firm deadline — end of day Wednesday, November 5 — to reach our goal and secure the venue.

Your support ensures that we can continue to offer valuable safety education — free of charge — to our local community.

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
“Day of Safety”
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Venue at the Best Western
503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY

Register for free here: SCHV.Registration@yahoo.com

Sponsor Opportunities!
Be a part of this year’s Day of Safety by helping to sponsor the event. This free event is made possible by contributing sponsors. Sponsorship will provide the following:
Exhibit/Booth Space for the event
Full Page advertisement in our seminar book
Introduction and Thank You at the event
Dedicated time for participants to visit your booth and network
Premier Sponsors logo to be included on all marketing materials
Premier sponsors will receive recognition on all press releases and PSA’s.