2023 Richard E. Abbott Safety Scholarship Recipients Named

March 28, 2023 — Stow, Ohio — There’s nothing more important than sending people home safe at the end of each day.

Dedication to safe practices is a core value of the organization that is ingrained in our DNA and a nod to our founder Richard E. Abbott, who was instrumental in the development of the ANSI Z133 Tree Trimming Safety Standards through the American National Standards Institute — guidelines developed in response to incidents that occurred nationwide in the 1960s, and guidelines that have saved and protected countless lives since. His influence on safety set a precedent for our industry.

One way we demonstrate our commitment to safety and the development of our employees is showcased through our organization’s Richard E. Abbott Safety Scholarship — a $1,000 award that is granted annually to an employee who is seeking to further their career development and commitment to safety.

Congratulations to our 2023 Richard E. Abbott Safety Scholarship recipients, Kerry Joseph and Jordyn McNiel.

Kerry Joseph, senior supervising utility pre-inspector, ACRT Pacific

From the moment Joseph lost his father to a car accident in 1990, safety has been an integral part of how he thinks and operates every day.

“I always knew I wanted to chart a path for safety. Things could have been different if my father just clicked his seatbelt – one time he didn’t, that’s all it took. I don’t want anyone to ever get that knock on the door and watch their mother collapse from the news,” said Joseph.

He serves as ACRT Pacific’s lead area safety representative (ASR) and sits on the ACRT Pacific Safety Committee.

Joseph plans to use this award to pursue Certified Safety Professional® (CSP) and Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO) certifications to further his career and safety efforts.

ACRT Pacific Safety Manager and Tribal Liaison M.K. Youngblood shared, “[Kerry] is the epitome of what a safety scholarship recipient should be: hardworking, loyal, safety-conscious, and a willingness to learn.”

Robert O’Brien, an ACRT Pacific operations manager, also shared, “After Kerry became an ASR, I saw a light/fire ignite within him. He found his niche and it was safety.”

Jordyn McNiel, lead arborist, ACRT

For as long as she can remember, safety has been an integral part of McNiel’s life. As the daughter of a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company employee, she recalls her father receiving pop quiz-like phone calls with safety questions. If answered correctly, a prize would be awarded.

When she joined ACRT in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety protocols were enhanced and McNiel took note. She pushed to learn more, stepped in as an ASR, and became the co-chair of the group shortly after.

When deciding how to allocate her award, McNiel polled a handful of operations managers throughout the company, including ACRT Operations Manager David Leary – someone she looks up to. With their input, McNiel decided she wants to further her career by gaining an additional certification or attending an industry event.

Leary shared, “Jordyn has exemplified her determination and self-motivation by taking advantage of advancement and career opportunities within an exceptionally short timeframe. She has thrived into becoming an engaged safety leader that is committed to the growth of our culture of safety. She is the epitome of a dedicated employee making the best of developmental opportunities to enhance the furtherance of her career.”

Jimmy Armor, a safety director at The Arbor Experts, also shared, “It didn’t take long to realize that Jordyn is a strong leader with exceptional skills for talking to the public, as well. Jordyn is a very valuable asset.”

Learn more about our safety philosophy.

About ACRT Services

ACRT Services offers expert independent consulting solutions to utilities and associated organizations throughout the United States, including vegetation management consulting, ecological consulting, arborist training, customized safety courses, technology solutions, utility metering services, and more. ACRT Services supports four wholly-owned subsidiaries — EnviroScience, Bermex, ACRT Pacific, and ACRT. To learn more about ACRT Services, visit services.acrt.com.