Kenneth Dean
Reno
Summary
Innovative EHS Manager with experience in developing and implementing comprehensive environmental, health and safety programs. Strengths include risk management, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. Have successfully improved workplace safety protocols and reduced incidents in previous roles. Possess strong communication skills for effective collaboration with all organizational levels. Dedicated and adaptable with a proactive attitude and ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
EHS Manager, Semi Truck & EHS Engineering
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
Sparks
01.2025 - Current
- Managed 13 EHS related specialists, generalists, and interns leading site Industrial Hygiene, Safety, and Ergonomic technical roles while also providing support to production departments as an individual contributor.
- Progressively taken on responsibilities throughout various roles with the EHS team onsite ranging from Battery product shop support to successful start-up of new production facilities.
- Oversaw multiple critical life safety programs in Tesla’s first Gigafactory facility of over 8,000 employees and +5 million ft2.
- Drove key plant initiatives which dropped recordable incident rate below industry average.
- Orchestrated a shift from a reactive, blame based safety culture to a positive human organizational performance environment with the focus on improving equipment, processes and learning from organizational mistakes.
- Spearheaded all EHS efforts in the development and implementation of new production lines and satellite facilities with a focus on inherently safe-safety measures.
- Supported EHS & continuous improvement systems from ISO 14001/45001 to VPP & internal Tesla improvement programs.
Staff EHS Engineering Projects Manager
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
Sparks
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures throughout the life cycle of each project.
- Created team objectives and roles with specific goals outlined for each individual.
- Directly managed EHS Engineering Specialists for the site.
Senior EHS Specialist
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
Sparks
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Conducted safety audits to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
- Assisted in implementing safety policies to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Monitored workplace conditions to maintain a safe working environment for all staff.
EHS Specialist
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
Sparks
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with teams to promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility.
- Developed and implemented safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Served as a resource for employees regarding questions about safety protocols.
Safety Specialist, Senior I
BorgWarner Morse Systems
Ithaca
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed EHS programs rooted in employee engagement and collaboration with operational leadership.
- Successfully developed a trustworthy reputation with site operational teams.
- Managed all EHS related needs for a unionized 650-employee automotive component manufacturing facility.
- Accomplishments include: championing safety culture initiatives, support of safety committees, conducting machine design reviews, conducting industrial hygiene surveys, hazard assessments and ergonomic evaluations, creating and administering training, develop and implement site safety programs, manage facility’s emergency response team, and driving incident investigations with proper root cause corrective actions.
Safety Specialist II
BorgWarner Morse Systems
Ithaca
01.2015 - 01.2017
Safety Department Co-op
BorgWarner Morse Systems
Ithaca
01.2014 - 01.2015
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Cornell University
Ithaca
01.2012 - 01.2013
Occupational Safety & Health Intern
Cornell University
Ithaca
01.2012
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Sustainability, Health & Safety Management
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY05-2015
Bachelor of Science - Community Health
State University of New York At Cortland
Cortland, NY12-2012
Skills
- EHS program development
- Compliance auditing
- Incident investigation
- Risk assessment
- Safety training implementation
- Team leadership
- Safety culture promotion
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Management systems
- Lean principles
- Safety policies development
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
EHS Manager, Semi Truck & EHS Engineering
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
01.2025 - Current
Staff EHS Engineering Projects Manager
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
01.2022 - 01.2025
Senior EHS Specialist
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
01.2020 - 01.2022
EHS Specialist
Tesla Gigafactory Nevada
01.2018 - 01.2020
Safety Specialist, Senior I
BorgWarner Morse Systems
01.2017 - 01.2018
Safety Specialist II
BorgWarner Morse Systems
01.2015 - 01.2017
Safety Department Co-op
BorgWarner Morse Systems
01.2014 - 01.2015
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Cornell University
01.2012 - 01.2013
Occupational Safety & Health Intern
Cornell University
01.2012
Master of Science - Environmental Sustainability, Health & Safety Management
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Community Health
State University of New York At Cortland
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