ASSP HOA Chapter April 2026 Speed Meet with Pitt State & UCM

Topic:
Speed Meet – University Students and Professionals Roundtable

This 1-hour session is designed to give current university students an opportunity to ask safety professionals questions that they don’t normally have the platform or opportunity to ask. Students will be exchanging tables every 10 minutes in order to get a quick introduction and be able to interview tables of professionals on many questions about their careers, opportunities and insightful information.

Objectives:

• Gain insightful knowledge from years of experienced professionals on pitfalls and opportunities.
• Make connections with many professionals that work in the metro and beyond.
• A sustainable, best-in-class leadership approach that positively impacts Key Performance Indicators

Host: Derek Farmer, CSP, MBA | Progressive Safety

Derek Farmer is the Director of Risk and Safety Services at Progressive Safety in Olathe, KS, and served as the Past President of the Heart of America Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) from 2023 to 2024. With over 20 years of leadership in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Management and Construction Safety, Derek has driven world-class programs in Contractor Management, Process Safety Management (PSM), and OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) across the logistics, chemical, aviation, and grain/food processing industries. His work has delivered significant risk reductions and enhanced operational efficiencies for organizations worldwide. As a seasoned safety consultant and speaker, Derek brings practical insights and strategic solutions to help businesses build safer, compliant, and scalable workplaces.

Agenda 

• 11:30 – 12 pm: Lunch
• 12:00 – 1 pm: Speed Meet Session