Members are the foundation and cornerstone of AIHA, which is why their stories and experiences are so important to us. As part of our #IAmIH​ initiative, which seeks to highlight the people who are the backbone of AIHA and the industrial hygiene profession, we recently sat down to interview Dina Siegel, CIH, CSP, FAIHA. Dina is Secretary-elect on the AIHA Board of Directors; she also serves on the Strategic Planning Committee and the Membership Task Force, and is a volunteer Board coordinator. She brings the perspective of someone truly invested in the profession and AIHA.

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of AIHA membership?

Without question, it is the technical information. I am confident that when I reference an AIHA publication or product of an AIHA volunteer group, or attend a webinar, local section meeting, or AIHce EXP, I have the information that empowers me to do my job and advance my career. For an even more well-rounded experience as an IH/OH, get involved with an AIHA local section…it will provide you with local and regional networking opportunities.

What is the best way to utilize membership with AIHA?

There are so many ways! Read Catalyst and The Synergist. Get involved with one of the many volunteer opportunities (join volunteer groups and task forces, present at AIHce EXP and local section meetings, participate in #IAmIH). Take advantage of AIHA webinars. Go to AIHce EXP.

What would you miss the most if you were not an AIHA member?

That’s an easy one. The community! I feel very fortunate that over the years I have made lasting friendships and critical networking contacts. So many AIHA members have helped me solve an immediate problem, expanded my knowledge, or helped my career. It is so nice to know you have this huge resource of professionals to count on.

What advice do you have for young professionals as to why they should renew their membership?

Renewing your membership is the best way to get information about current issues, specific technical/scientific guides, and volunteering with AIHA. AIHA is the source for industrial hygiene information and career advice. The profession needs your thoughts, ideas, and expertise now to continue to work towards a world where all workers are healthy and safe.

What are some of the top priorities for the new Membership Task Force? What has your experience been like, and why did you decide to get involved?

As a member of the AIHA Board, I have felt the urgency in ensuring the continued growth of a critical piece of worker health: industrial hygiene. Thirty-five percent of our current members are older than 59. Think of the possible contributions from successfully recruited new members! These new members can be at any stage of their career. Adding new members (and keeping our current members) will ensure a diversity within AIHA that allows us to implement our new 2019–2021 Strategic Plan and continue to be the place that OEHS professionals, other associated professions, and students go to for industrial hygiene technical information, as well as leadership and management information and training. The Task Force has identified our top priorities, including developing a member value proposition, evaluating current benefits, identifying potential gaps and opportunities, and providing a set of actionable recommendations to the AIHA Board of Directors.