Terry's Impact on the Pursuit of Safety Excellence

July 06 2021
By: Shawn M. Galloway

As I hope you read last week, Terry Mathis has retired from ProAct Safety. I'll miss working with him terribly. In June 2005, I started my first day with ProAct Safety at the (previously titled) ASSE Conference in New Orleans, LA. Changing into a company shirt in the men's room that morning, I was eager to join the team and make a difference and prove my value. Little did I know, my life would forever change.

Terry has become more than a business partner, more than a friend, more like a bonus father, offering both professional and personal advice when needed. I have learned more from him than I would ever be able to confidently articulate. Under his guidance, ProAct Safety has grown into the most recognized and successful safety excellence consulting firm. We owe our agility and resilience to his leadership. The work we will carry on, the advancements in the thinking around safety excellence, the lives we will continue to touch and save, are all because in November 1993 when founding our firm, Terry had a vision that has and will continue to be executed on: Helping organizations dedicated to the pursuit of safety excellence make that goal an attainable, sustainable reality.

Terry has made an immeasurable impact on global occupational safety. I hope you will join me in wishing our friend great success in the next chapter of his life. Should you have any gratitude or stories to pass on, we will ensure he receives them.

Thank you for allowing ProAct Safety to be an advisor to you in your efforts. I know the size of the shoes I'm stepping into, but I've had a great friend and mentor preparing me over the past sixteen years.


Shawn M. Galloway

Shawn M. Galloway is CEO of the global consultancy ProAct Safety. He is a trusted advisor, professional keynote speaker, and author of several bestselling books on safety strategy, culture, leadership, and behavior-based safety. He is a monthly columnist for several magazines and one of the most prolific contributors in the industry, having also authored over 700 podcasts, 200 articles, and 100 videos. Shawn has received awards and recognition for his significant contributions from the American Society of Safety Professionals, National Safety Council's Top 40 Rising Stars and Top Ten Speakers, EHS Today Magazine's 50 People Who Most Influenced EHS, ISHN Magazine's POWER 101 - Leaders of the EHS World and their newest list: 50 Leaders for Today and Tomorrow, Pro-Sapien's list of The Top 11 Health and Safety Influencers and is an Avetta Distinguished Fellow.





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