Mission

We are dedicated to improving workplace health and safety conditions through the sharing of knowledge and experience with fellow members and the public, encouraging educational opportunities to enhance technical expertise and providing a forum to promote the practice of industrial hygiene.

Who We Are

The Deep South Section membership includes industrial hygienists, nurses, physicians, safety professionals, sales representatives and others interested in health protection of workers and the community. Geographically, the membership is open to anyone residing or working in Louisiana. Membership in the American Industrial Hygiene Association is strongly encouraged.

2026 Executive Committee

Officers

  • President: Wayne LaCombe
  • Past President: Stephen Paternostro
  • President Elect: Erin Spencer
  • Treasurer: Alan Rovira
  • Secretary: Lisa Bell

Board Members

  • Bret Malcom
  • Chrisy Walsh
  • Josefina Mendez
  • Jeremy Sheppard
  • Tuan Nguyen

Our Bylaws

Learn More

Our History

Founder

Founding Members

Established April 6, 1964
  • Wilson Applegate
  • Richard Dickerson
  • Sheldon Hanemann
  • Robert McClintock
  • Robert Rainey
  • Warren Reinhart
  • Harry Wheeler
  • Larry Wyatt
Past Presidents
1960s
  • 1964: Fred S. Venable
  • 1965: Fred S. Venable
  • 1966: Warren H. Reinhart
  • 1967: Wilson C. Applegate
  • 1968: Sheldon Hanemann
  • 1969: Robert S. Rainey
1970s
  • 1970: William E. Reinhart
  • 1971: George Pappas
  • 1972: Joe LaBauve
  • 1973: Ed. F. Metz
  • 1974: Ted Aucoin
  • 1975: Beverly Panacamo
  • 1976: George L. Kelmill
  • 1977: Cressend Schonberg
  • 1978: Carolyn Phillips
  • 1979: William Swofford
1980s
  • 1980: ---
  • 1981: Sham Sachdev
  • 1982: Phillip West
  • 1983: R. David Phillips
  • 1984: F. Robert Siener
  • 1985: ---
  • 1986: Steve Robinson
  • 1987: Pat Logue
  • 1988: Jean F. Phillips
  • 1989: Tom Hickcox
1990s
  • 1990: Paul Kennedy
  • 1991: Mary McCoy
  • 1992: Don Johnson
  • 1993: Fred Barron
  • 1994: Steve Verret
  • 1995: Jonny Vickers
  • 1996: Richard Matherne
  • 1997: Susan L. Welch
  • 1998: Richard Matherne
  • 1999: Karen Powers
2000s
  • 2000: Karen Powers (2nd Term)
  • 2001: F. Robert Siener Jr.
  • 2002: Jesse Ralph Marshall
  • 2003: Eric L. Botnick
  • 2004: Ronald H. Williams
  • 2005: Andry Nowosiwsky
  • 2006: Silton Matt
  • 2007: Keith McCarroll
  • 2008: Alan Rovira
  • 2009: Yaisa Henderson
2010s
  • 2010: Richard Matherne
  • 2011: Charles Leonard
  • 2012: Amanda Weir​
  • 2013: Wayne LaCombe
  • 2014: Chris Robertson
  • 2015: Joe Tudor
  • 2016: Zachariah Fridge
  • 2017: Cullen Whittaker
  • 2018: Tuan Nguyen
  • 2019: Chris Robertson (2nd Term)
2020s
  • 2020: Erin Spencer
  • 2021: Ben Jelin
  • 2022: Cullen Whittaker (2nd Term)
  • 2023: Cullen Whittaker (3rd Term)
  • 2024: Stephen Paternostro
  • 2025: Stephen Paternostro (2nd Term)