Sr. Manager, Global Product Compliance and Stewardship (Olin)
CI: When did you first become involved at CI?
I have been involved with the Chlorine Institute for over twenty years. That experience is invaluable and I have learned so much!
CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do?
I have worked 40 plus years for Olin Corporation starting my career with Olin in Research and Development before becoming involved with the Olin Responsible Care Group as a Principal Environmental Specialist and now as a Product Compliance Manager and Product Steward. Working as an environmental specialist was a good fit for me as working in the regulatory arena, interacting with both industry and regulatory agencies to interpret and define regulatory requirements and write permits to ensure compliance, was both challenging and interesting.
CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?
One of my passions is teaching, to share what I have learned in my many years with Olin and working with associations such as the Chlorine Institute. Before I joined Olin, shortly after graduation, I worked for a year or so as a teacher. Working in regulatory as given me the opportunity to continue teaching and it is a task I love.
CI: Why are you a member of CI?
As an environmental specialist I became a subject matter expert in Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA). I also interacted with the Canadian Agencies, Health Canada and Environment Canada as Olin had facilities in the Provinces. My role as a Product Steward for Olin really speaks volumes as to why I have spent my professional career with Olin. Olin values start with integrity, doing what is right, which means top priority is compliance with the law, fairness and respect in our dealing with Agencies, customers, and competitors. Above all, meeting commitments not just to customers but responsible care commitments to protect the environment and communities in which we live and work. The Chlorine Institute’s safety mission aligns with these values and commitments.
CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?
I would encourage people to embrace and engage in activities with the Institute, get involved in as many task groups as you can where you will both grow and learn but also help others learn with you. For young people just starting their careers, I would recommend they learn all they can from senior colleagues and with regard to institutions such as the Chlorine Institute, embrace the opportunity to network and interact with other members in both Industry and Regulatory agencies.
"For over four decades, Vickie has been instrumental to help CI establish and maintain strong relations with the various regulatory agencies by actively participating in the regulatory process on issues that affect the chlor-alkali industry. She has done this by providing sound, science-backed, and environmentally-sustainable advice that currently serves as the backbone of regulatory matters for our industry in the United States. It’s an understatement to say that, ‘millions of individuals benefit from chlor-alkali products thanks to Vickie’s tireless work over the years."
- Marco Guzman, Chlorine Institute