2026 Safety Champion – Mike O’Connor, Global EHS Manager, Smithers-Oasis

Mike O’Connor, Global EHS Manager at Smithers-Oasis, consistently goes above and beyond his role to advance workplace safety on a global scale. Leading safety across a decentralized organization, Mike has built programs that work effectively across diverse countries and cultures.

His impact is clear in the results. Under his leadership, the three Portage County locations achieved a recordable rate of 0.3, and 15 countries reported zero lost time or recordable cases last year. Mike has also strengthened global safety communication by launching an EHS newsletter translated into 14 languages, ensuring employees everywhere can engage with critical safety information.

In addition, he developed a centralized SharePoint portal that allows locations to report safety data in their native language while generating real time dashboards in English. He is also establishing standardized EHS principles, audit protocols, and a North America regulatory compliance plan targeted for completion by 2026.

Beyond his company, Mike has shared his expertise through his involvement with the Portage County Safety Council and as a presenter at the Ohio Safety Congress 2026.

Mike’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to safety excellence make him a deserving recipient of the Safety Champion Award.

2026 Safety Improvement Award – Domenica McClintock, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, LayerZero Power Systems

Domenica McClintock, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at LayerZero Power Systems, has played a pivotal role in transforming her organization’s safety performance through strong leadership, innovation, and a people focused approach.

Domenica has led efforts to reshape the company’s safety culture by introducing new programs, enhancing training initiatives, and implementing best practices aligned with industry standards. She actively collaborates with leading safety professionals and brings forward new ideas that strengthen both awareness and performance. Her team has expanded safety engagement through hands-on and virtual training, updated equipment, and consistent safety tool talks that reinforce key practices across the organization.

What sets Domenica apart is her ability to make safety meaningful and top of mind for every employee. She has created an environment where safety is not just a requirement but a shared responsibility. Her approach encourages individuals to think critically about their actions and how they impact not only their own well-being but also the safety of those around them.

Through her leadership, Domenica has driven measurable improvements in safety awareness, engagement, and overall performance. Her commitment to continuous improvement and her ability to influence a culture where safety is a true priority make her highly deserving of the Safety Improvement Award.

2026 Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Long, Public Affairs Producer and Chief Weather Forecaster, 88.9 WSTB Streetsboro City Schools

Bob Long, Public Affairs Producer and Chief Weather Forecaster at 88.9 WSTB, has dedicated his career to advancing public safety through accurate, timely, and trusted communication. His lifelong commitment to informing and protecting the community makes him an exceptional candidate for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2013, Bob played a key role in establishing Portage Prepares, helping build a coordinated approach to emergency communication. He continued to serve as a vital member of its Public Information Officer network, always ready to support disaster communication efforts. Throughout the years, he has actively strengthened emergency preparedness by involving media in disaster exercises and creating opportunities for public safety professionals to share critical information with the community.

Bob’s true impact lies in his unwavering dedication to keeping the public informed on issues that directly affect safety and well-being. From mental health and addiction awareness to disaster preparedness and public health concerns, he has consistently used his platform to deliver clear, reliable, and meaningful information. His work reflects a deep understanding that informed communities are safer communities.

He has also been instrumental in ensuring that emergency communication remains dependable and effective. Through his leadership, his station has long served as a trusted source during emergencies, and his efforts helped formalize its role in local emergency response through an official agreement supporting coordinated communication during crises.

Over the course of his career, Bob Long has earned the trust of both public safety professionals and the community. His integrity, consistency, and passion for public service have made a lasting impact on workplace and community safety. His contributions exemplify the spirit of the Lifetime Achievement Award and leave a legacy of service that will benefit Portage County for years to come.