The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) honored three leaders in the safety community during its 2025 Annual Meeting at the International Spy Museum, recognizing their contributions to worker protection and the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry. The awards program, hosted by the ISEA Foundation, highlighted individuals whose service, expertise, and commitment have strengthened both ISEA and the broader safety landscape.
Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Maryann D’Alessandro, NIOSH NPPTL
ISEA Senior Director of Policy Dan Glucksman presented the Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Maryann D’Alessandro, Director of the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. A leader in PPE science and policy for more than twenty years, she has guided national respirator approval efforts, PPE research, and worker protection strategies, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Maryann has been a steady, trusted partner to this industry,” Glucksman said. “Her integrity, expertise, and commitment to public health have benefited every worker who relies on PPE and every company represented in our community.”
Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence: Tom Votel, Ignitium Advisory
ISEA Board Member and Ergodyne President Greg Schrab presented the Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence to longtime industry leader and retired Ergodyne CEO Tom Votel. Over his 40-year career, Votel helped shape both the modern safety industry and the culture and direction of ISEA, serving on numerous committees and holding every leadership role on the association’s Board.
“Tom’s passion for worker safety and for this industry is unmatched,” Schrab said. “He showed up, he spoke up, and he stood out. His influence is everywhere in this association, and he has inspired countless people, myself included.”
ISEA Rising Safety Star Award: Chad Breyman, Milwaukee Tool
ISEA President and CEO Cam Mackey presented this year’s Rising Safety Star Award to Chad Breyman, Manager of Regulatory and Safety Engineering at Milwaukee Tool. Breyman’s involvement spans five ISEA Product Groups, the Advocacy Committee, and the Standards Planning & Development Committee. He also played a significant role in the 2025 revision of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 for industrial head protection.
“Chad is exactly the kind of emerging leader this industry needs,” Mackey said. “He brings technical expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to strengthening both ISEA and the broader safety community.”
A Shared Commitment to Worker Protection
ISEA closed the evening by acknowledging the dedication each honoree has shown to advancing safety for workers in all industries. Their contributions reflect the collaboration and expertise that define the safety community and influence the standards and policies that protect millions each day.
About the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)
ISEA is the voice of the safety equipment industry. For more than 90 years, we have been a recognized leader in the development of ANSI-accredited safety equipment standards. We advocate on behalf of the industry for policies that improve worker safety, deliver actionable insights into the safety equipment market, develop critical skills for safety sales professionals, and provide a unique forum for collaboration, learning and growth. Visit safetyequipment.org to learn more.
