Kimberly Jackson, EHS Director of U.S. Operations; Spectra Energy Corp.

This month we introduce you to Kimberly Jackson, EHS Director of U.S. Operations at Spectra Energy Corp., one of the members who helps make our network so unique.   Why did you join NAEM? I was in search of an organization/association for management-level EHS decision-makers. Most organizations have a mix of professionals and management-level personnel and are less focused on strategic issues. I discovered NAEM via an Internet search and I attended the annual conference and determine whether it was the right fit.   What are you currently working on? From an Environmental perspective, I’m doing a lot of work around sustainability, greenhouse gas reporting and reductions and general air permitting strategies. From a Health and Safety perspective, I work a lot on improving the safety culture, not just personal safety but also asset safety.   What do you like about your job? I love management systems. If you have a well-structured management system and it is effectively working, then you are always finding ways to improve and get better. But I love the systematic approach of managing EHS and the connectively of the elements of the management system and how it drives performance in a positive direction.   Has your environmental program received any awards or recognition? This year our Environmental team and IT team received an award for developing an innovative and cost-saving IT interface and solution for streamlining and reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through their e-GGRT System. In previous years, through our industry association (American Gas Association), our organization was honor for having the lowest Total Recordable Injury (TRI) Rate within our industry.   What career accomplishment are you most proud of? I was named as one of the Top 100 Women in Safety Engineering by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Women in Safety Engineering (WISE). I am also active in mentoring young EHS professionals as a way of giving back to the profession. I’ve been blessed over my career to have great mentors, sponsors and I must say a little “luck” that assisted me to excel and grow in a profession that I truly love and have a passion for……and giving back is very important to me at this point of my career and when I do this I feel a true sense of accomplishment.   What advice would you have for someone entering the field today? It is an interesting field and I would encourage them to experience all areas of environmental, health and safety. Some only experience Environmental or Health & Safety, when you can be strong in one but have working knowledge in the other….the EHS world offers an abundance of opportunities.   What are the three words your spouse/colleagues/best friends would use to describe you? Loyal, dependable and dedicated.   What aspect to the natural world/environment impresses you the most? There’s nothing more beautiful to me than skiing through the mountains, gliding down the slopes, seeing the trees, looking out over the vast areas and the beautiful winter wonderland. It is just breathtaking.   What do you like to do during your free time? Skiing is my joy. Although, I was born, raised and live in Texas I’ve developed a passion for skiing. Initially, it was the thrill and joy of the sport and now it’s more to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s the only time and place that I can detach and disconnect from work.