Movers & Shakers

OHB Chief Retires

Barbara Materna, PhD, longtime chief of the California Department of Public Health’s Occupational Health Branch retired at the end of 2022. CDPH notes that Matera “has authored or shepherded a vast array of research studies, epidemiological reports, journal articles, and conference publications.

“Barbara has contributed to many innovations that now benefit workers and the public’s health in California and across the country.” OHB played an instrumental role in recommendations on lead exposure in the workplace that form the basis for a soon-to-be published revision to Cal/OSHA’s lead standards.

Kristin Cummings, MD, MPH, has been appointed OHB chief, effective December 22nd, 2022. She previously served as chief of OHB’s Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS), and was an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer, medical officer and branch chief for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Source: Cal-OSHA Reporter


Cal/OSHA Appeals Board

Marvin Kropke has been reappointed to the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board, where he has served as labor representative since 2019. He is a serving member of the State Compensation Insurance Fund board of directors and is the former business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 11.

Source: Governor’s Press Office