Stephen Benedict has been appointed director of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH), succeeding Terry Alexander, who has shifted into the role of executive director of the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS).
“Steve brings a wealth of experience to our programs,” Alexander says. “He is well versed in health, safety and environmental matters impacting a major research institution, and I see a smooth transition of our programs.”
Benedict, who started at U-M April 26, comes from the University of California, San Diego, where he was director of environment, health & safety and risk management. Before that he was director of environmental health & safety at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
“I am very impressed with the quality of leadership and professionalism of the staff at U-M, and I’m looking forward to developing many new partnerships to help ensure the safety of campus community and protection of the environment,” Benedict says.
As OSEH director, Benedict is responsible for the development of health, safety and environmental objectives at U-M, establishing policies and procedures and partnering with units in compliance with federal and state rules, regulations, and codes.
In his role as executive director of OCS, Alexander is helping to facilitate President Mary Sue Coleman’s new campuswide initiative on environmental sustainability. Benedict will report to Alexander, providing continuity for projects and programs already under way.
