Dustin Rusch is the Chief Safety Officer for J.F. Ahern Co., one of the largest and most respected mechanical contractors in the nation. Ahern specializes in pipe fabrication, mechanical and fire protection contracting.

 

 

In his CSO role at Ahern, Dustin is responsible for establishing the strategic direction of Ahern’s EH&S and risk management programs. He works collaboratively with executive management to shape and pursue Ahern’s strategic safety vision, goals and objectives. Dustin’s executive management responsibilities include multiple facilities, projects and leading a team of safety professionals. He ensures that worker safety and operational risk are well-managed and in-line with legal and regulatory requirements to achieve planned performance.

 

 

In his more than twenty years of experience, Rusch has held operations management and technical specialist roles, and demonstrated the ability to lead, influence and achieve results. Prior to taking on his current role at Ahern, Dustin spent 15 years with an international engineering and EHS management consulting firm, where he served as Corporate HSSE Manager and H&S Practice Leader. 

 

 

In addition to NAEM, Dustin is an active member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), National Safety Council (NSC), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).

 

 

Dustin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Indiana State University.