Tom Simpson

Assistant Manager of Safety, Training and Compliance

By Samantha Casale, Government Affairs and Public Relations Intern

When it comes to safety here at Choptank Electric Cooperative, Tom Simpson can easily describe its importance to our staff and our members. Tom has had a well-rounded career at Choptank Electric since he was hired in 1991 as a System Control Operator. He advanced to Operations Maintenance Person for four years, Storeroom Attendant for another four years, and Regional Accounts Representative for one year. He was an Apprentice Lineman, a Serviceman in St. Michaels and Chestertown, and now serves as Assistant Manager of Safety, Training, and Compliance.
 
Within Tom’s role, safety and training are his primary concerns. Tom says, “Safety is a deep-seated thinking process that we encounter in every aspect of our lives.” As Assistant Manager of Safety, Training and Compliance, Tom gets to see and experience the behind-the-scenes work that keeps all our employees and members safe. For example, lineworkers need special training for the dangerous work they do. Tom makes sure that they can climb a pole, perform overhead and underground line construction, and understand basic equipment operation. Job site observations are also key to keeping operations safe. Things like checking first-aid kits and fire extinguishers, making sure all crew members are wearing appropriate PPE, and following safety procedures are essential for our crews to perform their duties safely here at Choptank Electric Cooperative. When Tom was asked about the most rewarding part of his job, he said he would like to quote his father, “Son, if you enjoy your work to support your family, you honestly will never work a day in your life.”