Gary Runnels
Locust Grove,Oklahoma
Summary
A seasoned professional with over twenty years of progressive experience, in the Data Centers, management, administration, and implementation of Safety Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Quality, Environmental and Construction Programs.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Construction Safety Owner Representative
CBRE
Pryor, Oklahoma
07.2018 - Current
- Experienced in data center construction and operations for 10 years.
- Managed and developed EHS programs to oversee construction and collect data for multiple General Contractors.
- Collaborated with commissioning agents, general contractors, owners, and trades.
- Created and implemented an electrical EHS program for areas involved in transmission, distribution and electricity.
- Managed and documented environmental impacts, including leaks and spills.
- Worked alongside project managers, analyzing risks and tracking metrics.
- Participated and led Safety tool box talks, DEI, CIW, and Mental health campaigns.
- Facilitated continuous improvement by sharing global best practices and lessons learned with stakeholders.
- Ensured effective communication of owner expectations, project manual, and safety performance.
Corporate Safety Director
Cust-O-Fab
Sand Springs, Oklahoma
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Developed and implemented workplace safety policies and procedures in line with corporate guidelines.
- Conducted risk assessments to minimize workplace accidents, occupational illnesses or long-term health hazards
- Directed a safety team that generated monthly and annual safety reports, delivering presentations to management.
- Conducted safety audits and inspections to proactively identify potential hazards.
- Served as a key leader in achieving and maintaining compliance with OSHA’s acclaimed Voluntary Protection Program. (VPP)
- Provided employees with crucial safety updates on emergency procedures, proper utilization of safety equipment, and training initiatives.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with Clients, Site Health and Safety Managers, Division Managers, local representatives and subcontractors.
- Collaborated with executive leadership and HR personnel to foster The Cust-O-Fab Safety Culture.
Construction Safety Manager
Paragon Contractors
Tulsa, Oklahoma
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Provided safety guidance to trades working on active and new construction data centers.
- Conducted OSHA 10 and 30 classes for colleagues.
- Established a safety culture in line with both General Contractor and Client requirements
- Performed safety evaluations on construction sites, highlighting probable risks and recommending remedial measures.
- Managed and supervised activities related to civil, mechanical, and electrical work on construction sites.
- Supervised construction teams to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards governing people and the environment.
- Developed and executed a dig permit program safeguarding the operational data center from interruptions and safety risks.
- Led multiple training sessions for EHS best practices and compliance.
QESH Regional Manager
Sulzer Chemtech
Tulsa, OK
01.1999 - 01.2010
- Ensured Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety standards were met for North and South America.
- Frequent travel to various locations, establishing connections and conducting audits for QESH adherence
- Achieved consistent compliance with ISO standards 9001, 14001, and 18001 through annual audit leadership.
- Implement adherence of workflows, procedures, departmental manuals and standards.
- Reported all safety metrics to upper management on a monthly basis.
- Implemented LEAN management techniques and instilled a culture of 5S systems to improve workplace efficiency.
- Received top-level certification of six sigma black belt and fostered an atmosphere of safety for each location.
- Conducted risk assessments of practices, procedures and facilities to ensure compliance with policies.
- Provided comprehensive training sessions and presentations for health and safety initiatives with a focus on accident prevention.
- Conducted thorough investigations of accidents or incidents, determining causes and overseeing worker’s compensation claims.
- Proposed effective answers to hindrances, pinpointed prospects for development or innovative safety protocols.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Columbia Southern University
Online Completed In Sept 2025Some College (No Degree) -
American Society of Safety Professionals.
ASP CertificateSome College (No Degree) -
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
CSP (2025), CHST, OHST, STSCSome College (No Degree) -
The University of Texas At Arlington
SSH, CSHO, SHEPOccupational Safety And Health Administration
OSHA 500, 501, 510, 511Some College (No Degree) -
Institute of Industrial And Systems Engineers
Lean Management, And FacilitatorSkills
- Data Center Mission Critical expertise
- Risk Assessment
- Compliance Management
- Incident Investigation
- Safety Audits
- Emergency Response
- ISO 45001
- OHSAS 18001
- Environmental Management ISO 14001
- Hazard Recognition
- Case Management and reporting
- Safety culture promotion
- EHS Software Proficiency
- Commissioning
- Site plan development
- Electrical, Mechanical and Civil background
- Architectural development
- AutoCad, Solid works, and Microstation
Timeline
Senior Construction Safety Owner Representative
CBRE
07.2018 - Current
Corporate Safety Director
Cust-O-Fab
01.2018 - 07.2018
Construction Safety Manager
Paragon Contractors
01.2010 - 01.2018
QESH Regional Manager
Sulzer Chemtech
01.1999 - 01.2010
Some College (No Degree) -
Columbia Southern University
Some College (No Degree) -
American Society of Safety Professionals.
Some College (No Degree) -
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Some College (No Degree) -
The University of Texas At Arlington
Occupational Safety And Health Administration
Some College (No Degree) -
Institute of Industrial And Systems Engineers
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