October 8, 2015 – Roanoke County’s Safety Officer, Matthew J. Ledford, recently was recognized as one of the 2015 “40 under 40” Rising Stars of Safety by the National Safety Council (NSC). The NSC presents these annual awards to individuals who demonstrate leadership and innovation through improvement efforts to their organization’s safety programs.
Ledford is recognized for his efforts in organizing and creating a safety steering team, consisting of all levels of the Roanoke County organization, including the Roanoke County Public School system. Under Ledford’s guidance, the steering team conducted an employee perception survey to assist in creating a joint strategic plan for both organizations’ occupational safety programs.
The NSC notes Ledford’s cross functional experience in corporate safety, as well as his background in fire and emergency services, as giving him a competitive edge to lead Roanoke County’s safety program.
During the September National Safety Council Congress and Expo, Ledford was elected by his peers to serve as an executive board member and officer on the National Safety Council’s newly created Government Division. The Government Division of the NSC is dedicated to improving safety programs in the public sector as well as advising the NSC Government Affairs Team on the safety challenges faced by federal, state, and local government employees nationwide.
Ledford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire, Safety, and Engineering from Eastern Kentucky University and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Virginia Tech.
Ledford was featured in the September issue of Safety+Health magazine along with the other award winners. All “40 under 40” Rising Stars of Safety were formally recognized Sep. 26 through Oct. 2 during the National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Atlanta.
