Liberty, an expert in exposure assessment and reducing worker risks, has been serving in an interim capacity since December 2022.
Michael Liberty has been named associate vice president of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and chief safety officer at the University of Rochester after a nationwide search. An expert in exposure assessment and reducing worker risks, Liberty has been serving in an interim role since December 2022. The new appointment is effective November 1, 2023.
“Mike has proven to be a very effective leader of the EH&S team, tirelessly collaborating with partners across our campuses and off-site locations to keep our University operating safely every day,” says Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Elizabeth Milavec. “His dedication, breadth of knowledge, and expertise provide critical leadership to our EH&S programs, which are vital to supporting our missions.”
Liberty directs a comprehensive University-wide EH&S program. Its units—including Chemical/Radiation/Biological Safety, Fire Safety and Prevention, Food Safety, Hazard Communication, Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Safety, Occupational Safety, Pest Control, Emergency Preparedness, and Business Continuity Management—work to achieve a safe and healthy environment for faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors. In this role, Liberty also works to ensure compliance with all safety related governmental regulations, manages risks and assesses, and evaluates and advocates for safe work practices. EH&S also provides safety training for all members of the University’s research community and conducts regular inspections of labs to ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations.
As chief safety officer, Liberty is responsible for ensuring emergency plans are in place for all parts of the University, including the River Campus, the Medical Center, Eastman School of Music, Memorial Art Gallery, and clinical off-site locations.
Liberty, who joined the University’s EH&S department in 2016, received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in industrial hygiene from the University of Rochester, and holds professional certifications in both industrial hygiene and safety.
