News – Recognitions – ASSP San Jose Chapter
2025 Chapter Officers’ SERVICE Award
Senior Risk Control Consultant, NRC LATAM Liaison, NRC Vendor Solutions Group Leader – National Risk Control – GGB USA
Tony Farias brings over 20 years of expertise in safety and risk management to every role he undertakes. Currently, as a Senior Risk Control Consultant with Gallagher—a global leader in insurance and risk management—Tony has consistently demonstrated excellence. In the four years since joining Gallagher’s National Risk Control Team, he has expanded his impact by serving as the Latin America Liaison for Risk Control and by leading Gallagher’s National Risk Control Vendor Solutions Group. His outstanding leadership was recognized in 2023 when Gallagher honoured him with the National Risk Control Leadership Spirit Award. Tony’s contributions extend well beyond his professional work. Many of you have had the privilege of collaborating with him through the ASSO.
Tony Farias has been recognized as a 2025 Chapter Officer for the ASSP Greater San Jose Chapter, honouring his long-standing dedication to the organization and the profession. Serving on the Chapter’s Executive Committee from 2013 to 2019 in key roles—including Jobs Coordinator, Delegate, and President-Elect—Farias consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing workplace safety and fostering professional growth. His career stands as a testament to visionary leadership, dedication, and the pursuit of safety excellence.
2025 President’s Award recipient
MARY HARVEY, MS, CSP, CHMM
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGER
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Parliamentarian, Beta Theta Sigma
Recommendations Chair, Western Region
Mary Harvey is the Environmental, Safety, and Health Manager at Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District). She strives to work with all levels of management to help increase their understanding and commitment to fostering and supporting a healthy and safe work environment. Also, she strives to empower staff to be responsible for their safety and to participate in their safety programs.
Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Environmental Management with an emphasis in Environmental Health. She is a Certified Safety Professional, a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a First Aid/CPR/AED trainer, and an OSHA Authorized General Industry Trainer for both Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA. She has experience in the Aerospace, EH&S Consulting, Advanced Composite, and Water/Wastewater industries. She was chairperson for the California Water Environment Association San Francisco Bay Section Safety Committee in 2020 and 2021. Mary’s philosophy is that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Mary was recognized for her dedication to service, leadership, and support. Her initial focus was on educating us about parliamentary procedures following Robert’s Rules of Order. Additionally, she organized a full-day tour highlighting seismic notification systems and risk mitigation strategies aimed at preventing flooding in San Jose’s residential district near Anderson Dam, California.
2025 SPY AWARD Recipient
Safety, Health and Environmental Manager Combat Mission Systems
Leah Peters
Leah is a continual learner and seasoned professional. She is currently attending Purdue Global pursuing her Juris Doctorate – L1. She has completed her secondary education at Columbia Southern University obtaining a Master of Science – Occupational Safety and Health. She is a swim coach and active alumni of the University of Hawaii – Hilo where she matriculated with honours for a Bachelor of Science – Marine Science. Leah is a WISE member and the STEM leader in our Greater San Jose Chapter WISE Board. As a current aerospace employee, she mentioned that her entire office was excited to see what she was awarded. Here is a recommendation from one of her superiors:
“I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Leah Peters for the SPY Award, in recognition of her expectational safety accomplishments and her impactful contributions to fostering diversity within the manufacturing and engineering workplace.
As her direct manager, I have had the privilege of working closely with Leah for numerous years. During this time, she has proven to be an outstanding professional, reliable mentor, and a dedicated advocate for safety practices, particularly in the context of promoting the integration of women in the field of EHS. Her commitment to safety has had a profound effect on the workplace culture, ensuring that it is not only efficient but also safe for all employees.
In addition to her technical expertise, Leah has been an invaluable developmental mentor to her direct report, offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement that extends beyond just professional development. She has provided a trusted space for growth and learning, helping her team navigate challenges while also empowering them to achieve their potential. Leah’s dedication to both safety and diversity in the workplace has set a positive example for others, and I believe that Leah is highly deserving of this prestigious nomination.
Thank you for considering this endorsement. Should you require any further information or insights, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Carlos A.