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The Academy’s Role in AIHA: Maximizing Our Potential

By John Mulhausen, PhD, CIH

As I mentioned in the last issue of the eDiplomate, Academy members make up a disproportionately high percentage of the volunteer leadership positions within AIHA. This is not surprising, as the Academy is comprised of all certified industrial hygienists (CIHs) in AIHA, and CIHs represent the highest professional level of industrial hygiene practitioner. What is perhaps more surprising, given the number of CIHs and their demonstrated commitment to excellence, leadership, and dedication to the professional practice of industrial hygiene, is the fact that so many CIHs are not fully engaged in the activities of AIHA and the Academy. One cannot help but wonder about the great things that could be achieved in the profession if the potential of the group were fully realized.

It is just such “what-if” thinking that drove the Academy to review its structure and role within AIHA during the past year. This culminated in early 2007 when a task team of Academy and AIHA leadership, senior AIHA staff and invited guests met to determine whether changes in structure and/or function could be made that would better leverage the huge potential of the Academy membership for the mutual benefit of the two organizations and for the profession. Goals for the team were to explore options and find mutual ground for action. There were significant points of agreement:

1. The AIHA and the entire IH community can benefit from a more vital, defined and aligned Academy;
2. The structure and integration of the Academy can be reshaped within AIHA to optimize the missions of both the Academy and AIHA; and
3. Changes are best phased in carefully, but initial steps can be taken immediately.

Those initial steps began at the AIHce in June with the instatement of the Academy president as an ex-officio member of the AIHA Board of Directors. In that role the Academy president will advise the AIHA Board on matters of importance to CIHs and work with the board to identify opportunities to further energize and engage the CIH community.

The steps continued in July when the leadership of the Academy and AIHA met during the AIHA strategic planning meeting to discuss opportunities and barriers, and to outline additional steps for moving forward. Those next steps include:

1. A review of Academy activities to determine opportunities for more effective championing of certified industrial hygienists in AIHA.
2. More active engagement by the Academy in relevant aspects of AIHA’s strategic plan.
3. Participation by AIHA senior staff in Academy Council meetings to identify opportunities for improved coordination and new synergistic activities.
4. Ongoing meetings between the leadership of the AIHA Board and Academy Council to review progress and determine future opportunities for structural change that will better enhance relationships and improve engagement of CIHs.

I am extremely excited about these changes and the opportunities they represent for AIHA, the Academy, and industrial hygiene professionals (that’s you!). Stay tuned for more information about an enhanced working relationship between the Academy and AIHA, and opportunities for you to become engaged in meaningful contributions – whether as an aspiring CIH or as a seasoned professional who has long ago achieved the CIH designation and has significant knowledge, expertise and leadership to share.

Mulhausen is with 3M’s corporate industrial hygiene division, St. Paul, Minn. He can be reached at jrmulhausen2@mmm.com.