The ASSP Long Beach Chapter is proud to announce that two of its Past-Presidents have been selected as concurrent session speakers at Safety 2026, the American Society of Safety Professionals’ national Professional Development Conference and Expo. This prestigious event will take place Monday, June 15 through Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Being selected to present at Safety 2026 is a significant professional achievement. The conference is ASSP’s premier national event, drawing thousands of safety and health professionals from across the country and around the world. Speaker selection is highly competitive and reflects both subject-matter expertise and recognized leadership within the profession.

That two Past-Presidents from the Long Beach Chapter were selected to present at the same national conference is a powerful testament to the strength, visibility, and influence of our chapter.

Dr. Christopher “Chris” S. Rainwater, MPA, MSOH, PCSOH

Past-President, ASSP Long Beach Chapter (23-24 Term)

Session Number: 7016
Session Title: If You’re Laughing, You’re Learning: The Role of Humor in Safety Training and Adult Learning
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Location: Anaheim Convention Center

Dr. Rainwater’s session explores the role of humor in adult learning and safety training, challenging traditional assumptions about engagement, retention, and effectiveness. Drawing on research, real-world experience, and practical examples, the presentation highlights how humor—when used intentionally and appropriately—can significantly improve learning outcomes and safety performance.

Luis A. Ortiz

Past-President, ASSP Long Beach Chapter (24-25 Term)

Session Number: 5012
Session Title: From Heroes to Systems: Transitioning From Individual Safety Ownership to the ANSI/ASSP Z10.0 Safety Management Standard
Date and Time: Monday, June 15, 2026 | 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Location: Anaheim Convention Center

Mr. Ortiz’s session focuses on the evolution of safety programs from personality-driven approaches to sustainable, system-based models aligned with the ANSI/ASSP Z10.0 Safety Management Standard. The presentation addresses leadership, organizational maturity, and the practical steps organizations can take to move beyond reliance on individual “heroes” toward resilient safety systems.

A Reflection of an Active, Growing Chapter

These national speaking selections underscore what many already recognize: the ASSP Long Beach Chapter is one of the most active, engaged, and respected chapters in the Society. Our chapter’s leadership pipeline, professional development programming, and member engagement continue to set a high standard.

In just three short years, the Long Beach Chapter has experienced nearly 25% membership growth—a remarkable achievement that reflects the value members see in chapter activities, leadership, and professional community.

The selection of two Past-Presidents to present at Safety 2026 reinforces that the Long Beach Chapter is not only growing, but also helping shape the national conversation in the safety profession.

We congratulate Dr. Rainwater and Mr. Ortiz on this well-deserved recognition and invite all members and colleagues attending Safety 2026 to support these sessions.

The ASSP Long Beach Chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of leadership, excellence, and service to the profession—locally and nationally.

To register for Safety 26, simply click here: Register for Conference and Expo | ASSP Safety 2026

In Loving Memory of Sal Oliva: Humble, Kind, and Devoted to Family

The Long Beach Chapter, ASSP is grieving the sudden loss of Sal Oliva—a cherished member of our chapter, a respected safety professional, and, above all, a deeply devoted husband and father. Sal’s passing leaves a profound gap in our chapter and in the greater safety community, but most especially in the hearts of his wife, Lorena, and his son, Bryan Oliva, who loved him dearly. They were a remarkably close family—one of those families you could feel was strong simply by watching them together.

Sal was born in Guadalajara, the middle of five children, raised in a hardworking home where perseverance was a way of life. His father worked in railroad construction, and that steady work ethic was something Sal carried with him. In his early twenties, Sal came to California to pursue the American dream. He started from the ground up—his first job here was as a restaurant server—then continued to build a life defined by effort, gratitude, and purpose.

In 1996, Sal met Lorena in Guadalajara. Their son, Bryan, was born in 1998, and Sal and Lorena were married in 1999. From the very beginning, Sal’s ambitions were never about status or recognition—they were about creating stability and opportunity for his family. He wanted to do great things for Lorena and Bryan, and he pursued that goal with remarkable determination.

That determination showed itself in the noblest of sacrifices. When Sal entered the safety profession in 2017, he accepted a position as a safety coordinator in North Carolina with an electrical contractor—leaving his family in California to gain experience and continue providing for them. It was not an easy choice, but it was a deeply loving one: the kind of decision a devoted husband and father makes when he’s committed to building a better future for the people he loves most.

Sal’s life was marked by service in more than one form. He earned a bachelor’s degree in medical administration from California State University, Long Beach and worked for six years as a pediatric nurse at Long Beach Memorial. He truly loved helping people—something that later became equally evident in his work in safety. After his year in North Carolina, Sal returned to California and continued his safety journey, including roles as a safety coordinator in the HVAC industry and later advancing into management positions. He earned his CHST through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and also achieved the STSC credential, reflecting not only professional competence but genuine commitment to the craft.

Yet credentials never defined Sal—character did.

Sal was humble, kind, and universally well-liked and respected. He had a quiet way of making people feel seen and supported. He wasn’t there to impress anyone; he was there to contribute, to learn, and to help. His joy came from people—those he worked with, those he mentored, those he encouraged, and the community he found in the profession.
Within our chapter, Sal was a constant presence. He and Lorena and Bryan were there—together—at major Long Beach Chapter, ASSP events year after year, including our annual holiday gathering. They weren’t just attendees; they were part of the fabric of the chapter, the kind of family that makes a professional community feel like a true community.

Bryan described his father with words that capture Sal perfectly:
“He loved helping people, and if he could, he would do anything for others.”

That is the legacy Sal leaves behind—service rooted in kindness, professionalism anchored in humility, and a life that consistently placed other people first.

The family is preparing to return Sal to Guadalajara to be laid to rest in the family plot. As they navigate the shock and heartbreak of this loss, we invite our members and friends to support the Oliva family in any amount, to help defer funeral-related costs. If you are able, please consider contributing through the family’s GoFundMe:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/5a994b77c

Sal mattered to this chapter. He mattered to the safety community. And he mattered—most of all—to Lorena and Bryan. We will honor him by remembering how he lived: with love, humility, and a steady devotion to helping others.

Rest in peace, Sal. You will be missed—and you will not be forgotten.