BCSP Welcomes Mike Barnes as COO, Launches Research Department

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) welcomed a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and launched a dedicated research department in the first quarter of 2025, further strengthening its position to serve its more than 60,000 active credential holders.

BCSP hired proven workforce development executive Mike Barnes to serve as COO, while Marya Ryan, PhD, CAE, PMP, ICE-CCP turned her attention to establishing the research department.

“Mike Barnes brings a demonstrated track record of strategic leadership, building high-performing teams, and enhancing operational efficiency,” said BCSP CEO Christy Uden, CAE, IOM. “We are excited to welcome him to BCSP. His insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue expanding our impact and delivering innovative solutions to meet the needs of safety professionals and organizations.

“Marya Ryan’s expertise has been instrumental in the continued growth of BCSP and the expansion of our programming beyond certification. We are excited to have her spearheading our new research department, where her knowledge and experience will help us streamline our data collection and analysis to better serve our stakeholders.”

Barnes comes to BCSP most recently from Natcast, a Sunnyvale, California-based nonprofit dedicated to semiconductor research and development. He served as Natcast’s Senior Director of Workforce Development Programs, leading a $250 million investment in workforce development to support the U.S. semiconductor industry.

An IUPUI graduate, Barnes previously spent 13 years with the State of Indiana’s Department of Workforce Development, including four as Chief Workforce Officer. He led a modernization of the state’s workforce system and secured millions in additional funding for services and job skill development, impacting more than 40,000 citizens each year.

Barnes also boasts experience in the field of credentialing, having previously served as Director of Workforce Development Strategy for CompTIA, a trade association offering professional certifications in information technology (IT). While there, he forged new partnerships, enhanced stakeholder relations, and worked with communities across the U.S. to build the talent pipeline for the IT industry.

“I am truly honored to join BCSP,” Barnes said. “This organization represents the absolute best in the field, setting the standards for safety excellence worldwide. I am excited to join the team and help with this incredible work.”

Ryan has been with BCSP since April 2017 and has served as COO since May 2021, leading the implementation of strategic initiatives. During that time, BCSP has expanded its offerings related to exam preparation, professional development, and business solutions, serving credential holders and companies throughout the certification journey.

With a doctorate degree from the University of Illinois and a passion for research, Ryan is uniquely suited to lead the new research department, which will coordinate efforts across BCSP to collect and analyze data.

“It’s been wonderful to see BCSP recognize the importance of reliable information by establishing a research department,” Ryan said. “I am honored to lead the team that will provide knowledge resources to guide BCSP’s innovation and decision making.”