KELLY PRESTON
HEBRON,KY
Summary
Dedicated public-sector safety professional with 20+ years of government service experience across transportation, aviation, and public works. Skilled in contractor compliance, safety audits, capital improvement coordination, and training delivery for diverse workforces, including multilingual teams. Strong background collaborating with engineering and construction teams on major capital projects, including CVG Elevate and Terminal Modernization Project. Known for strengthening safety culture, reducing risk, and supporting operational excellence through clear communication, hands-on field observations, and practical training.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safety Training Specialist/Coordinator
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG Airport Authority)
09.2023 - Current
- Lead safety training programs across CVGAA departments, including confined space, fall protection, excavation, ergonomics, bloodborne pathogens, ladder safety, and equipment operations.
- Conduct construction safety observations and attend weekly Elevate & Terminal Modernization project meetings to coordinate safety expectations with contractors.
- Perform incident investigations, interviews, and root-cause analyses, creating recommendations to reduce recurrence.
- Develop safety policies, SOPs, and standardized training materials to improve consistency and compliance.
- Create multilingual training using HeyGen, earning CVG national workforce development accreditation for New English Beginner training innovations.
- Support capital improvement safety oversight and collaborate with Engineering, Airfield Maintenance, Environmental Services, and contractors to identify hazards and control risks.
Safety Coordinator
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), District 6
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Conducted statewide safety training, field audits, and compliance inspections for transportation, construction, bridge, and maintenance crews.
- Assisted with risk mitigation, workers’ compensation documentation, and safety plan implementation.
- Performed work zone inspections and hazard assessments across multiple counties.
- Collaborated with district engineers and supervisors to correct deficiencies and implement safety improvements.
9-1-1 Telecommunicator
Boone County Public Safety Communications Center
01.1997 - 01.2017
- Served as primary emergency communications dispatcher for law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
- Managed high-stress emergency situations, demonstrating exceptional decision-making, communication, and crisis management skills.
- Trained new telecommunicators and contributed to operational improvements.
Education
Master of Science - Executive Leadership & Organizational Change
Northern Kentucky University
01.2020
Skills
- Specialized skill set
- Risk assessment in construction safety
- Oversight of capital project coordination
- Accident Investigation & Root-Cause Analysis
- Policy & SOP Development
- OSHA, NFPA 70E, Confined Space, Fall Protection
- Contractor & Vendor Safety Compliance
- Stakeholder Communication (Written & Verbal)
- Preconstruction & Weekly Contractor Meetings
- Training Program Development (Multilingual, Technology-Based)
- Safety Management Systems (SMS) Support
- Public Works Operations & Maintenance Support
- NIMS ICS 100/200/300/400/700
- Safety training development
- Incident investigation
- Root-cause analysis
- Risk assessment
- Construction safety oversight
Certification
- OSHA Authorized Construction Instructor
- Competent Person Trained: Confined Space, Fall Protection, Excavation & Trenching
- NFPA 70E Electrical Safety for Qualified Workers
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Traffic Control Work Zone Supervisor
- NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Innovator in multilingual safety training
- Experience conducting construction safety inspections of major construction zones, including trenches, MEWP, utility projects, and airfield operations.
- Strong reputation for empathy, clarity, and supporting diverse workforces through accessible training materials.
Timeline
Safety Training Specialist/Coordinator
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG Airport Authority)
09.2023 - Current
Safety Coordinator
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), District 6
01.2021 - 01.2023
9-1-1 Telecommunicator
Boone County Public Safety Communications Center
01.1997 - 01.2017
Master of Science - Executive Leadership & Organizational Change
Northern Kentucky University