As this is the last newsletter of 2021, permit me some time to reflect. As I finish my first year as president, I am so grateful for this experience. Back in December 2019, I decided to volunteer as chapter president because I saw how the dedication of the volunteers of PSHFES has benefitted the community at large and I wanted to contribute. I do not regret my decision one bit. I have learned so much about this organization and the incredible work that has been put into PSHFES, both past and present. The executive council is an amazing group of diverse, creative and energetic people who have supported me as I learn the ropes. I just want to say thank you for your support and your patience. We are heading into our second holiday season under a pandemic, and I am sure we are not where we hoped we would be but I am full of optimism. 2021 brought new opportunities for me to collaborate with many other HFE professionals in our state and in other states. I am hoping that 2022 brings the same. It never ceases to amaze me the breadth and depth of speakers who are willing to share their knowledge with our membership. From a webinar focused on students preparing to enter the workplace to our annual symposium, the topics offered something for everyone. I thank all of our remote speakers throughout this year - Cary Calkins from Seattle Housing Authority; Jamie Harmon from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Dr. Behnoosh Parsi at Amazon; Edie Adams, Ryan Chang and Kelly Schmidtbauer, also from Amazon; Lora Cavuoto of University of Buffalo; Marisol Barrero, Amazon Web Services; Blake McGowan, Velocity EHS; Sara Bazell, ViVA Health at Work; and Anjali Joseph, Clemson University. For the second year, we had a virtual symposium but unlike last year, it covered two half days. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to the chairs Ram Maikala and Kimo Hudson. And to Kelly Lynch and Carrie Lin, whose technical support for the symposium is always invaluable. I would also like to congratulate Miriam Joffe from the Boeing Company, named our 2021 HFE Professional of Year. Every year, PSHFES awards this honor to an individual in our region, based on their academic background, their work experience and contribution to the HFE field and his or her leadership promoting awareness in our field. Miriam has given tirelessly throughout her career, including serving on the PSHFES executive council in many roles since 2014 and mentoring for many years. Congratulations, Miriam! You certainly deserved this award. Finally, I do not think I really need to say this but musculoskeletal disorder continues to be the most prevalent occupational injury in the state. And I feel all that we do is more important than ever as new technologies and new challenges continue to change how we do work. Thank you, as always, for supporting PSHFES. Hope to “see” everyone in 2022. Be safe. Be kind. 

Niki Howard

President, PSHFES