Federal Government Policy and Business

New Chair of Troubled Chemical Safety Board Begins Listening Tour

Government Executive: Two weeks into what some see as a rescue mission as chairman of the troubled Chemical Safety Board, Vanessa Sutherland had launched a listening tour with colleagues and outside stakeholders while bringing more key employees under her direct supervision.

“I’m a public citizen and taxpayer, too, so I‘ve read all the articles,” she told reporters Wednesday, alluding to the negative coverage about a toxic work culture, departure of staff and use of private email for official business. “But for the first 90-100 days, I’ll be focusing on a listening tour” with board colleagues, staff and outside stakeholders such as industry associations and safety advocates. Solidifying her role as chairman is “an opportunity to rebuild and create a better culture and experience at the board,” she said.

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