Kim A. Racine, CSP, CHMM, has dedicated three decades to championing sustainability and safety across various industries. As the head of environment, health, and safety at Lyten Inc., based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ms. Racine focuses on championing worker safety and environmental protection while advancing the company’s goals. She collaborates with project and company leaders to ensure activities are conducted safely, regulatory challenges are managed, and critical insight and expertise are provided to reduce risk to the business and its people. Her role requires innovative thinking and a commitment to fostering partnerships that align business operations with safe and sustainable practices.
Ms. Racine built a strong foundation for her impressive career through her academic achievements. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This educational background equipped her with the technical expertise to navigate the complexities of environmental protection and workplace safety, setting the stage for her success as an industry leader. Her career began in environmental consulting, where she gained valuable insights into the field’s evolving demands and regulatory framework. She transitioned to the disk drive industry, spending six years with Seagate, a prominent manufacturer, where her passion for her work flourished. Over her career, she has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, transitioning seamlessly across industries and roles while maintaining her commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and worker health and safety.
After eight years in the disk drive sector, Ms. Racine pivoted to the life sciences industry by joining Boston Scientific, where she assumed the senior regional EHS manager role, overseeing nine facilities and spearheading a multitude of critical initiatives including obtaining ISO 14001 certification and building a high-performing emergency response team. During her tenure, she also took on the lean business process program lead role, further showcasing her ability to drive efficiency while maintaining high standards. Her achievements at Boston Scientific solidified her reputation as a leader capable of managing complex operations. In her subsequent role at Genentech, Ms. Racine’s leadership was pivotal during one of the most challenging global health crises in history. As the executive director of environment, health, and safety, she led the company’s COVID-19 response. Beginning in late 2019, she managed a team of over 150 individuals to ensure the safety of staff and essential workers. Under her guidance, Genentech’s campus maintained a significantly lower infection rate than the surrounding community. She describes this experience as an invaluable opportunity for growth as a leader and team builder. It also reinforced her dedication to fostering collaborative environments, prioritizing safety and operational continuity.
Ms. Racine’s passion for mentorship has been a consistent theme throughout her career. She takes pride in guiding individuals, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, as they navigate their paths. Her ability to mentor and coach stems from her own experiences and the guidance she received from mentors and colleagues over the years. This commitment to mentorship reflects her belief in the importance of sharing knowledge and empowering others to succeed. At Lyten Inc., Ms. Racine navigates regulatory challenges and promotes sustainable practices within the organization. She collaborates with project leaders and contributes to critical business decisions to ensure safety and environmental aspects remain at the forefront of decision-making. She is a proven leader whose work reflects her dedication to creating innovative solutions without compromising integrity.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Racine has contributed to civic and philanthropic efforts. She served as an advocate and fundraiser for the Annual Heart Walk organized by the American Heart Association for nearly a decade, earning recognition as a top fundraiser on multiple occasions. Her involvement in community activities highlights her commitment to positively impacting both within and beyond her professional sphere. Ms. Racine’s numerous certifications underscore her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. She holds certifications as a certified safety professional from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, certified hazardous materials manager from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Managers, and corporate sustainability certification from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. These credentials reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of her field and ensuring her expertise remains relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ms. Racine balances her professional accomplishments with personal interests that enrich her life. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new destinations with her husband, Jonathan Racine. Her enthusiasm for adventure extends to her future aspirations, including mentoring the next generation of leaders, traveling to exotic places, and making a positive impact on climate change in her professional and personal life. These goals reflect her dynamic personality and ability to blend professional ambition with personal fulfillment.
Ms. Racine’s journey is a testament to her commitment to sustainability, safety, and mentorship. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on the organizations she has served, and her influence extends to the countless individuals she has mentored and inspired. As she continues to lead and innovate at Lyten Inc., Ms. Racine remains a beacon of excellence in the environment, health, and safety, embodying the principles of collaboration, integrity, and forward-thinking that have defined her career.