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About - Florida Safety Council

Mission

Our mission is to reduce preventable injuries and save lives through highly effective safety and health training, professional testing and monitoring. We promote safety in every phase of life: in the home, on the road, in schools, businesses, industrial facilities and government. The Florida Safety Council represents people and businesses working together to prevent mishaps, injuries and fatalities and the costs associated with them.

Vision

Our vision is people living and working safely, protecting the safety and health of those around them.

The Council’s Story:

Founded by concerned citizens in 1953, the Florida Safety Council a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was established to make the roads safer. The first office was located at 37 E. Pine Street in Orlando. At the time, named the Orange County Citizens Safety Council, the organization existed mainly to address traffic safety. Now, with classrooms and driving ranges throughout Central Florida, 20 driver education vehicles, entire departments devoted to workplace safety and behavioral modification programs, and more than 100 instructors, the Florida Safety Council has become the premier safety training agency.

Today, the Council exists to promote safety in every phase of life - in the home, on the road, in schools, businesses, and industrial facilities. We represent people and businesses working together to prevent injuries and fatalities as well as the costs associated with them. Our funding comes from our safety training services and programs, membership dues, safety product sales, and contributions. The Florida Safety Council also holds an annual Golf Classic. The proceeds allow free safety training for those in need and support community safety programs.

The Florida Safety Council provides safety and health training in the following areas:

Driver Improvement Programs:
Promoting traffic safety is the cornerstone of the FSC’s education and training initiatives. Driver Improvement Programs are designed to encourage safe and courteous driving habits by enhancing defensive driving abilities and awareness.

FSC also offers a variety of driver improvement programs for individuals, commercial drivers, truck drivers, and mature drivers. One-on-one driving lessons, and high school driver education programs are provided as well. Additionally, FSC provides the Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (T.L.S.A.E.) course required for all 1st time drivers in Florida.

D.U.I. and Alcohol Related Programs:
FSC’s DUI Programs are aimed at changing the behavior of offenders, thereby reducing the risk of future DUI related arrests, injuries, and deaths. State certified evaluators and instructors are responsible for helping each client understand the issues and factors related to risk reduction. FSC’s DUI Programs are licensed by the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to provide services in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. FSC also works closely with the Courts on Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) Orders. FSC is accepting Pretrial Diversion donations. Please click the following link for more information on making a contribution.  PreTrial Diversion

Workplace Safety Training: The Council offers a wide variety of safety courses and seminars designed to meet OSHA standards in the workplace. These interactive courses and seminars offer opportunities for participants to share ideas, problems and solutions. In addition to training courses and seminars, FSC also sponsors free safety and educational forums for the community. The Council is an approved OSHA Training Institute Host Site. FSC is also an approved provider for the nationally recognized Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) program.

Youth Related Programs:
Recognizing the community need for courses to address the driving behaviors and behavior management issues facing our youth, FSC created programs targeting drivers and passengers under the age of 25; teens with anger management issues; and those with impulsive behaviors such as shoplifting, bullying, criminal mischief, and destruction of property.

Specialty and Online Programs: 
FSC provides an array of specialty online programs which include safe boating, corporate services, occupational safety classes, and responsible alcohol sales training. In depth descriptions of these programs can be found on the website.

Public Education & Awareness:  
Within the community, FSC promotes safety and mishap prevention through its speakers bureau, literature, and multi-media public awareness campaigns. The Safety Council is also an approved Continuing Education (CEU) provider for DUI certified staff, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and for the Statewide Public Guardianship Office.

How is the Florida Safety Council funded?

As a private, not-for-profit 501c3 and non-governmental organization, The Florida Safety Council receives funding through student tuition and individual, small business and corporate memberships, as well as DONATIONS from individuals, business, corporate foundations, and grants.

The Florida Safety Council’s Occupational Safety Institute:

Occupational related training addresses “hands on” safety education and OSHA Compliance topics, as well as broader issues of safety program development, culture and motivation in the workplace. Safety compliance and professional development courses are offered on OSHA training, specialty courses, customized training, and fleet safety.

As a client or member of the Florida Safety Council Occupational Safety Institute, you are assured quality and effective workplace safety education and training services. Three membership levels are offered for individuals or organizations to help maximizes the resources available and provide additional benefits to our dedicated clients.

About Our Staff


  • Christopher Earl
    Executive Director
    (407) 897-4412

    There is a relatively small segment of leaders in the business world; individuals who seem able to build relationships, trust, and rapport with almost anyone, and then are able to broker the relationships and make connections between people, creating partnerships and alliances, and motivating forward momentum to ‘get things done.’

    Chris is one of those people, and ‘getting things done’ and driving results—through collaboration, partnerships, and relationships—as a Senior Executive in the Occupational and Transportation Safety fields, this is what Chris is all about. With an enthusiastic and genuinely friendly attitude, Chris radiates a sincere passion for safety by delivering value and benefits to his staff and the public.

    Chris holds designation as a Certified Safety Administrator through the National Associations of Safety Professionals also holds the designation as a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist from the Florida Safety Council. Chris is a All Lines Insurance adjusters in the State of Florida.

    Chris started his career in occupational health and ground transportation in 1983-1987 by enlisting into the Army as a Petroleum/Transportation Specialist, he was Honorable Discharge.

    In the late 1980’s, Chris started a FMCSA compliance consulting company. This was thusly done because of the newly proposed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations Regulations that were being implemented in early 1990.

    In the mid 1990’s Chris was hired by the Michigan Truck Safety Commission as a Safety Training Specialist. This was a newly formed educational division within the Office of Highway Safety Planning Administration and the Michigan Trucking Association. While employed with the Truck Safety Commission, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognized him for implementation of the Driver Performance Measurement Program, which led to the reduced commercial vehicle crashes in the State of Michigan.

    Chris quickly realized he would have a more positive impact on more people if he moved into administration and management. With Chris tenure he has culminated senior positions with the most resent as the Corporate Director of Safety and Risk Management with one of the largest privately held transportation companies in Florida. Prior to that, he has held Vice President and Director Position.

    Chris resides in Orlando Florida with his wife. Combined, Chris and his wife have seven grown children and five grandchildren.


  • Larry Wilson
    Deputy Executive Director
    (407) 897-4403

    After relocating from Birmingham, Alabama in 1989, Mr. Wilson held a position with the Women, Infants and Children Division of HRS. He joined the Safety Council staff in 1997. After serving in different capacities at the Safety Council, Mr. Wilson was promoted to Director of Special Programs in 2004. In 2019, Mr. Wilson was promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Director. Mr. Wilson oversees all aspects of the Safety Council’s programs and services and serves as an advisor to the Executive Director.


  • Shawndra Warren
    Director of Finance
    (407) 897-4407

    Ms. Warren joined the Safety Council in 2013 as an Accounting Assistant, bringing with her vast knowledge of payroll and finance allowing her to advance in her career over the years. Ms. Warren has made great strides at the Council and has proven herself to be invaluable cross-training in all positions of the Finance Department. In addition to her full-time employment at Safety Council, Ms. Warren is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a heavy concentration in Finance.


  • Jeff Saputo
    Director of DUI Programs
    (407) 896-1894

    Prior to joining FSC, Jeff had a robust career in law enforcement and corrections. He was a deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office for eighteen (18) years; he spent eleven (11) of those years as a Motorcycle Deputy, a DUI Investigator, and Traffic Homicide Investigator. He was named their first Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) in 2010. He was also a Correctional Officer in NY, NH and FL, prior to law enforcement. Additionally, Jeff is an adjunct professor at Eastern Florida State College, teaching the course Drugs, Alcohol & Crime. Jeff earned a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University, a M.A. in Criminal Justice from Keiser University, and he is a Doctoral Candidate in Criminal Justice at Walden University. Jeff is a volunteer at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, FL.


  • Valerie Becker
    Vice President of Human Resources
    (407) 897-4461

    Ms. Becker earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Resources Management from Eastern Florida State College. Prior to that, she joined the Safety Council in 2004 as a Customer Service Representative and has held positions as Eastern Regional Manager, Special Supervision Services Administrator, and Director of Human Resources. In 2021, she was promoted to and currently holds the position as the Vice President of Human Resources. The positions she held allowed her to gain the experience and business acumen that has been invaluable in her Human Resources positions. She understands that the people are the most important part of an organization, and strives to maintain a positive work culture with a strong focus in a healthy work-life balance. She is passionate in being an influential and uplifting leader, continuously working toward FSC’s mission for the greater good of the organization and its communities.


  • Juanita Black, M. Ed.
    Central Regional Director
    (407) 897-4416

    Ms. Black holds a Masters of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She has thirty-five years of experience in non-profit administration, specializing in the development of educational safety and health programs for the community and general public. In 2011, Ms. Black received the Sara Hughes Achievement Award from the Florida Safety Council. In 2004 she received the Professional Achievement Award was the recipient of the Alumni of the Decade Award from UCF. In 1999, she was appointment by the Florida Senate to serve on Governor Bush’s Statewide Formulary Study Panel and was selected by Orange County Government to serve on the Commission’s Jail Oversight Review Committee regarding the care and treatment of the mentally ill.

    Ms. Black also served for five years as a contracted personnel for Orange County Sheriff Office, the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, National Science Foundation, and the National Steering Committee for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Action Center.


  • Tara Dixon Engel
    Director of Marketing & Business Development
    (407) 897-4409

    Ms. Engel has had a long and distinguished career serving in senior management for non-profits such as NACOP and The American Police Hall of Fame. She has also enjoyed a 15 year career in marketing and newspaper management with Cox Media, Brown Publishing and Garden State newspaper and as an independent marketing consultant. Ms. Engel co-founded the American Veterans Institute and Integrity Marketing and Communications.

    Ms. Engel is a nationally recognized firearms trainer and is a published author on the subject.


  • Lisa Rutherford
    Occupational Safety Administrator
    (407) 897-4443

    Lisa Rutherford started working at The Florida Safety Council in 2015 in a customer service capacity and was quickly promoted to Department Coordinator. She has worked in FSC's Driver Education division as well as serving the DUI department as DUI Systems Scheduling Coordinator. Her prior experience at National Instrument Service helped pave the way for her 2023 promotion to Occupational Safety Administrator. She is dedicated to providing world class customer service and helping clients identify and find solutions for their safety concerns.