McKinstry Adds Expertise to Environmental Health and Safety Team
When speaking of what led Stephen to the world of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the first thing that comes to mind is passion. His journey has been rooted in passion and the belief of a mentor who saw his potential early on in his career. Starting as a production operator, Stephen quickly caught the eye of his production manager who recognized his aptitude for safety leadership. That pivotal moment marked the beginning of his trajectory in the field. “After six years working in the field, I was selected from the craft to lead a safety initiative, and the rest is history,” Stephen recalls.
With over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, Stephen describes EHS as more than just compliance—it’s a fundamental responsibility. “EHS is both psychological and systematic approach to protect the environment, health, wellness and safety of our people,” he explains. His approach is simple but powerful: when done correctly, not only is the environment positively impacted, but employees leave better off than when they began their journey with us.
Stephen’s leadership style is firmly rooted in servant leadership. “EHS is a service,” he emphasizes, adding that his role is about helping the broader company achieve success while ensuring the well-being of both people and the environment. His focus is on cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and open communication. “Feedback is a gift, so let’s constantly unwrap the gift!” Stephen encourages the team to embrace feedback, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
When asked about what success looks like in his role, Stephen is quick to highlight the collective contributions of his team. “When I have done my job right, I expect the hard work of the people in the EHS function to be recognized and respected as a value-added contributor to the success of the company. Notice I did not say ‘me’? This isn’t about me.”
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time with family, beach vacations, and activities like working out, reading, cooking and watching sports—an eclectic blend that reflects his balanced and energetic approach to life and work.
