William Palmer is an experienced EHS leader and product marketing manager at Cority, an enterprise EHS and sustainability software provider. As EHS Daily Advisor celebrates EHS Technology Week 2025, Palmer highlighted emerging safety tech as “a powerful enabler that can augment human expertise and fuel more informed decision-making.”
Over the past 20 years, Palmer has made it his goal to advance and protect EHS programs in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, higher education, and consumer goods. He began his career as an environmental chemist with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, providing hazardous waste compliance support at Procter & Gamble facilities. Later, he transitioned to Wright State University as an EHS specialist and then served as director of EHS, managing a group of safety professionals and ensuring compliance across multiple campuses. During his time at Wright State, he also held responsibilities as environmental compliance officer and radiation safety officer, honing his expertise in hazard management and policy implementation.
Afterward, Palmer moved into the manufacturing sector, taking on the role of corporate EHS leader at Pilot Chemical Co., where he oversaw environmental compliance across North American sites. Ultimately, in 2023, he joined Cority as an EHS product marketing manager, leveraging his hands-on experience to develop and promote software solutions that drive safer, more sustainable operations for organizations in regulated industries.
To learn more about Palmer and his take on industry issues, please read the Faces of EHS interview below:
Q: How did you get your start in the field?
I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, so environmental protection was a natural fit for me. I grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm, helping my family run a small produce market, which gave me first-hand exposure to how important it is to preserve our natural resources. By high school, I already knew I wanted to pursue something that let me work outside and protect the environment. Everything came together for me when a science teacher visited my environmental science class and introduced a tech-prep course in environmental engineering. That opportunity opened the door to the broader EHS world. From there, I continued my education in environmental engineering and environmental safety and health management, working my way into roles that combined my passion for the environment with my desire to protect people and communities.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the industry?
Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with several mentors who taught me the core principles of EHS, particularly around environmental compliance and the importance of hazard mitigation. But in many ways, my biggest influence remains my family and the lessons I learned on the farm. Growing up, I watched how my parents managed resources in a way that balanced productivity and environmental responsibility. That mindset still resonates with me. I’ve also been inspired by the dedicated teams I’ve worked with. Seeing how employees at every level collaborate to improve EHS programs has reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort and knowledge sharing.
Q: What’s your best mistake and what did you learn from it?
While I wouldn’t call it a mistake per se, one of the most important lessons I learned early in my career was the value of engaging the people on the floor who do the work every day. In my eagerness to make a positive impact, I’d sometimes draft new procedures or initiatives in a vacuum, convinced they looked great on paper. However, once I involved frontline employees, who truly understand the day-to-day realities of the tasks at hand, I realized how vital their insights are. By taking their perspectives into account, I’ve been able to develop more practical solutions and gain stronger buy-in from the outset. That approach has not only led to more successful EHS programs, but also helped me maintain a strong connection with the folks who make these initiatives possible.
Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite part about working in the industry? Would you change anything?
My favorite aspect is collaborating with individuals who genuinely want to make a difference, whether that’s protecting the environment, improving workplace safety, or both. EHS professionals care deeply about creating healthier ecosystems and safer conditions for everyone. That shared commitment makes our work extremely rewarding.
My least favorite part is the persistent under-allocation of resources that many EHS teams face. While this is improving as organizations see the business value of strong EHS performance, many professionals are still stretched thin, especially when it comes to sustainability initiatives. If I could change one thing, it would be to ensure that EHS is viewed not just as a cost center but as a critical driver of long-term success. More investment, both financial and cultural, would go a long way in fostering a strong EHS culture.
Q: What are your thoughts on safety culture? How can company leaders make safety a value within their organization?
I believe that there is no such thing as safety culture. Safety is either part of the organization’s culture or not. I also believe that when safety is part of the culture, an organization thrives when it values responsibility, transparency, and ongoing improvement. Leaders play a critical role in this by setting expectations, modeling safe behavior, and providing resources that allow employees to work without fear of repercussions when reporting concerns. Giving teams the tools and time they need to do their jobs safely is extremely important. Company leaders can also integrate safety and environmental considerations into daily decision-making processes so it’s not just an afterthought. Involving employees at every level and recognizing their contributions to EHS efforts can transform safety into an ingrained value rather than just a box on a checklist.
Q: What safety concerns or issues do you think need more prioritization in EHS programs?
Serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention is still at the top of my list. While organizations often track incidents and near-misses to see compliance improvements, we still see higher severity incidents that need more robust prevention strategies. Another area is the intersection of mental health and workplace well-being. Stress and fatigue can lead to accidents and injuries, so addressing psychosocial hazards is important as well. We also need to continue focusing on environmental issues, such as waste reduction and chemical exposure, that can directly impact worker safety, health, and the surrounding communities.
Q: What will be the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles on the EHS industry?
ESG principles are elevating EHS from a compliance “must-do” to a strategic “want-to-do” that drives business value. Organizations that can demonstrate responsible environmental practices, a commitment to social responsibility, and strong governance are more attractive to investors, customers, and top-tier talent. This shift means more resources are being funneled into sustainability initiatives and data-driven EHS programs. It also means that EHS professionals are becoming more integrated into broader business strategies, collaborating more closely with legal, operations, and executive teams to ensure compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
Q: How will new safety technologies influence the work being done by EHS professionals?
Emerging technologies, like AI-driven analytics, mobile applications, and IoT sensors, are making it easier than ever to collect real-time data on safety incidents, environmental impacts, and equipment performance. These tools can help EHS professionals spot trends, predict potential hazards, and respond faster to mitigate risks. For example, AI can process large volumes of data to identify hidden patterns to enable more proactive interventions. While we need to be mindful of ensuring data accuracy and safeguarding privacy, I see technology as a powerful enabler that can augment human expertise and fuel more informed decision-making.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the tangible improvements in safety metrics and environmental compliance I’ve been able to drive at each organization I’ve worked with. Whether it was reducing hazardous material incidents or building up EHS training programs that increased awareness across the entire workforce, seeing real-world results and watching teams grow in their confidence and expertise has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m also proud that I’ve managed to stay connected to my roots in agriculture and environmental conservation. I never want to lose that practical, hands-on perspective that comes from working directly with the land.
Q: Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Invest in both technical knowledge and soft skills. Understanding regulations, environmental science, and hazard mitigation is important, but don’t underestimate the power of effective communication. As an EHS professional, you’ll often need to advocate for projects or policies that might not have immediate ROI but are critical for long-term safety and environmental stewardship. Being able to build relationships with senior leaders and frontline workers alike can make or break your success. Lastly, remain open to new ideas. Much of what we do is changing at a frantic pace, and innovation often comes from unexpected places.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
EHS is a broad and ever-evolving field, so my first piece of advice is to stay curious and hungry for knowledge. New regulations, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices mean there’s always something to learn, no matter how experienced you become. Also, don’t hesitate to raise your hand if you’re unsure about a particular topic—nobody can be an expert in every aspect of EHS, and that’s completely normal. One of the best ways to excel is to tap into the collective expertise around you. Reach out to peers, mentors, and other specialists when you need insight or a fresh perspective. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and build a network of support that can help drive real progress for your organization and its people.
Are you or a colleague an EHS professional interested in being profiled for the Faces of EHS series? Please contact Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.