NAME? Lorese Dudley
WHAT IS YOUR JOB TITLE? Chief of Safety and Occupational Health
WHAT DO YOU DO/WHAT ARE YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES? Provide proactive Safety and Occupational Health processes/guidance to the Commander and Staff to include communication, guidance, and review of the Safety and Occupational Health programs of TAM, TAA, TFE, and MDTF. The mission is to prevent accidental injury, loss of life, and loss of equipment, all which could impact the mission.
I’m a team player who considers safety as a cultural state 24/7 and not a reactive response we only implement during duty hours.
WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE HERE AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO TAD? I arrived at TAD on Jan. 7, 2019, from the Army Sustainment Command, 401st AFSB, Bagram, Afghanistan. I have collaborated with USACE during duties in Iraq and Afghanistan; however, I have never actually worked for the Corps of Engineers until now. While I was satisfied with my job, I applied for the position as a developmental opportunity with the ability of continuing my professional career with USACE as I have always been impressed with the projects and opportunities to deploy and make an impact on a large scale.
WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL AND HOW DID IT PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I attended college in Columbia, Missouri, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. I graduated from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, with a Master’s in Education.
While education is great, I would say it was my career as a Military Police (MP) that prepared me for the duties I carry out as a Safety Professional. As an MP, we focus on people, community, and the safety of all within. While safety is not always viewed or received as a positive entity, I take pride in caring for others and giving freely of myself for a greater cause/state. It’s easy for anyone to identify issues
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO TAD’S MISSION? In 2018, the reality that “life is a one-way ticket,” presented itself as so many (young and old, civilians and military) transitioned from this life to the next. We are losing too many people to accidents/incidents that could have possibly been avoided if proper implementation of risk management was a part of the cultural lifestyle.
A huge part of TADs mission is construction which involves other cultures that don’t necessarily share our concern for safety or understand the need to report unsafe acts. Unfortunately, there is limited chance for survival if/when serious incidents occur on the different construction sites. The duties of Safety require a TEAM EFFORT and involvement by leadership and employees. We are all responsible for safety and I personally take every opportunity to train, coach, and mentor on the proper assessment of hazards and implementation of mitigations that could possibly save a life.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? I enjoy fishing, traveling, working in the local community/Church with the mission to support the less fortunate, and taking long walks listening to old southern gospel music.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE THE REST OF THE TAD TEAM TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m an active member of every community I become a part of. I find it easy to treat others with courtesy and respect regardless of an individual’s disposition. I view the glass half full instead of half empty and I’m convinced having a positive attitude and deliberate work ethic does rub off on people that may have challenges in some areas. Having a calming disposition lends to a more productive environment on and off duty. I suggest taking a walk when things getting too heated and understand we may not always agree but as professionals we should “agree to disagree” while always focusing on what’s best for the mission and people.
Safety is a TEAM Effort!