Her Story
About Kathern
Kathern Hassoune is a U.S. Army veteran and experienced environmental, health, and safety professional with approximately 20 years of experience in safety management, regulatory compliance, and program development. She currently serves as an Environment, Health and Safety Manager at HTSG in Nevada, where she oversees safety programs for electrical inspectors working on construction sites. Her responsibilities include ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures while promoting safe work practices from project kickoff through completion. Drawing on her military background and extensive field experience, Kathern brings a disciplined, proactive approach to identifying hazards, investigating incidents, and protecting workers.
Throughout her career, Kathern has demonstrated a strong commitment to building effective safety programs and fostering a culture of accountability. One of her most notable professional accomplishments was transforming a company with no established safety policies into an organization with a fully implemented safety program across multiple sites. Her experience also includes developing hazardous materials programs and supporting organizations in meeting safety and regulatory requirements. With 52 certifications and a dedication to continuous learning, Kathern combines technical knowledge with practical leadership. She credits her mentor, Dallas Whiting, with helping shape her professional development and is equally committed to mentoring others as they advance in their careers.
As a woman working in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry, Kathern is passionate about demonstrating that effective leadership combines knowledge, empathy, and genuine care for others. Her approach to safety extends beyond regulations and procedures to recognizing the people behind the work and ensuring their well-being. She also advocates for greater awareness of breast cancer and supports addiction recovery initiatives, causes influenced by personal experiences and a desire to help others. Outside her professional responsibilities, Kathern enjoys writing and has transformed some of her written work into songs, reflecting another dimension of her creativity. Through her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to behavioral safety, she strives to create safer workplaces where every worker feels valued and protected.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathern
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to pursue this industry because it is incredibly rewarding, especially in the small moments that make a difference. Trust your knowledge, stand firm in your values, and never back down from what you believe is right. Most importantly, never compromise your purpose or the reasons you entered this field simply to meet production demands.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges women face in my field is the societal stigma surrounding emotional expression, particularly in workplaces where they are expected to “man up” and suppress their feelings. I believe there is an opportunity to create more supportive environments where women can express themselves authentically while remaining professional. One of my proudest achievements was implementing a comprehensive safety policy across multiple company sites with full team involvement.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, awareness, and making a meaningful difference are values that guide me in both my work and personal life. Breast cancer awareness is especially close to my heart because my mother fought the disease for six years before it spread throughout her body. Through initiatives like Wear Pink Day, I hope to honor her journey and raise awareness. I am also committed to promoting harm reduction and supporting recovery throughout the year.
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