Claudia Michelle Leslie, MS, CSP, ASP, has built a multifaceted career in health, safety and environment (HSE) management, marked by her commitment to workplace safety and continuous program development. As global HSE manager for North America, global labs and field testing at Envu, she leads initiatives that promote innovation in safety protocols and operational compliance. She considers the opportunity to develop new programs one of the greatest honors of her career and views this leadership role as her most meaningful achievement to date.
Ms. Leslie’s academic background laid the foundation for her expertise in occupational health and safety. She earned a Master of Science in occupational safety and health engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Her formal education continues to inform her approach to complex challenges in risk management, regulatory compliance and employee well-being across diverse industries.
Prior to her leadership role at Envu, Ms. Leslie was the North America HSE specialist at the company, where she managed safety initiatives across various facilities. Earlier, she was an environment, health and safety manager at Eaton in Roxboro, North Carolina, where she ensured adherence to environmental health and safety regulations while fostering a culture of accountability. Her ability to lead both strategic planning and hands-on safety operations has consistently earned the trust of colleagues and executives alike.
Transitioning to Lenovo in Whitsett, North Carolina, Ms. Leslie also held the role of occupational health and safety and site security manager, where she was responsible for securing the physical environment while maintaining rigorous health and safety standards. Her experience managing integrated safety and security operations reflects a broad skill set and adaptability to high-pressure environments.
Ms. Leslie’s tenure at Merck & Co., Inc. further shaped her career trajectory. As an environment, health, and safety (EHS) senior safety specialist in Durham and previously as a safety and environment specialist in Kenilworth, New Jersey, she developed and implemented procedures that protected personnel and minimized environmental risks. These roles offered her the opportunity to work in the pharmaceutical sector, where compliance and precision are paramount.
Ms. Leslie began her career as a risk control consultant at Travelers in Morristown, New Jersey, followed by a position as a health and safety specialist at Rutgers University. At Rutgers, she deepened her knowledge of safety training, hazard assessments and emergency response, gaining experience that would become foundational to her future leadership positions.
In addition to her academic background, Ms. Leslie holds several industry-recognized certifications, including the ISO 45001 OHSMS and ISO 14001 EMS leading internal auditor certification from Bureau Veritas North America, the certified safety professional designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the associate safety professional certification. These credentials reinforce her technical expertise and commitment to professional growth.
As she reflects on her accomplishments, Ms. Leslie attributes her success to her determination, resilience and ability to maintain perspective in the face of challenges. She approaches setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth and remains grounded by a clear sense of purpose. In the years ahead, she plans to explore safety practices across the globe and mentor professionals tasked with protecting lives in diverse environments.