Keene State College Convenes National Leaders to Address Future of Occupational Safety & Construction Workforce

KEENE, N.H. (March 17, 2026) — Keene State College’s (KSC) Safety and Construction Sciences programs recently hosted a three-day summit that brought students, faculty, alumni and industry leaders from across the country to address the future of the occupational safety profession and the growing demand for qualified safety professionals.

Leaders from construction, manufacturing, utilities, health care and other safety-driven industries gathered on campus to discuss workforce shortages, connect employers with students and strengthen a national community committed to advancing occupational safety and health leadership.

The event opened with a keynote address from Keene State alumnus David Flener, vice president of safety operations at Quanta Services. He spoke about leadership, communication, and the growing need for safety and construction management professionals across the industry.

“In the safety profession right now, you [program graduates] can write your ticket,” Flener said. “Employers are investing heavily in safety professionals and creating strong career opportunities.”

“Keene State’s future relies on an industry-informed education model,” said Donald L. Birx, Ph.D., interim president of Keene State College. “Events like this demonstrate how strong partnerships between industry and academia prepare students with practical experience, critical thinking skills, and the ability to deliver value to employers from the first day of their careers.”

The summit included workshops, panel discussions and a career fair, and also marked the inaugural Community Leadership Event for safety professionals. The gathering additionally represented the first time the Associated General Contractors of America held a national meeting on the Keene State campus. Representatives from major construction and infrastructure firms attended, including AECOM, Skanska, PCL Construction, Quanta Services, Turner Construction, Consigli Construction, Dimeo Construction and Eversource Energy.

Students participated in workshops and panel discussions that explored internship experiences, career pathways, and their perspectives on the industry, creating candid dialogue between students and industry leaders.

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