CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER!
ISSS Chapter of the Year 2016-2017
Read the Letter of Appreciation from Past-President, Donne DiFiglia WM S&EO

Online Calendar:

Click Here to visit our online calendar; download this event to your calendar; email it; set a reminder and more...

Chapter Newsletter:
Click Here for the May-Dec 2015 WDC Chapter Newsletter
Click Here for the Jan-Jun 2016 WDC Chapter Newsletter

Click Here for the July-Dec 2016 WDC Chapter Newsletter
Click Here for the Jan-Jun 2017 WDC Chapter Newsletter
Click Here for the Jul-Dec 2017 WDC Chapter Newsletter
Click Here for the Jun 2018-Jul 2019 WDC Chapter Newsletter


Leading Edge Magazine

Click Here to see the System Safety Edition.

 
PAST OFFICERs
.     President: Mr. E. Paul Denk <Bio>
.     Vice-President:
Mr. John W. Burchett <Bio>
.    
Secretariat: Mr. Tyler J. Mann <Bio>
.     Treasurer: Mr. Michael Ramsburg <Bio>
.     Webmaster/Past-President:
Ms. Donne DiFiglia <Bio>

By Special Appointment:
.     Special Projects Officer: Janet Gill, PhD EE and CE <LOA>
.     Scholarship & Education Officer: Donne DiFiglia, S&EO and WM <LOA>

In Memoriam:
.     John Leipper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PAST EVENTS:
JOINT INCOSE/ALL MEMBER CHAPTER MEETING:
When: Tuesday, 21 May 2019
Who: All INCOSE & WDC Chapter Members.  Bring a guest!
Where:
Parklane Tavern in the Spotsylvania Towne Centre
Address:
1 Towne Centre Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Speaker:
Mr. David R. Sadler <Bio>
Topic:
A General Theory of System Safety
Abstract: Humans through various processes create, store, and move energy from one form or place to another. Le Chatelier's principle asserts that when a system is disturbed that it will seek equilibrium.  Energy is therefore not passive in these human processes. When energy finds an unmanaged or insufficiently controlled path to equilibrium, an unplanned release of energy occurs.  When such a release has sufficient energy, it produces catastrophic harm. All catastrophic harm or mishaps are the effects of human processes involving or associated with energy save for natural occurrences.  A general theory of system safety is that energy is the universal hazard for catastrophic mishaps.

When: Thursday, 08 November 2018 starting at 6:00 PM (ET)
Who: All WDC Chapter members and their guests
Where:
AECOM Conference Center
Address:
16156 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448 <map>
Speaker:
Mr. Tyler J. Mann <Bio>
Topic:
Introduction to Cause Mapping and Accident Investigation
Abstract: A summary of the methodology and techniques used to evaluate the root causes after an accident and determine adequate control strategies to prevent the accident from occurring again.  Includes an introduction to a step-by-step process for developing a cause map.

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When: Tuesday, 17 October 2017 starting at 5:00 PM (ET)
Who: All WDC Chapter members and their guests
Where: 
AECOM Conference Center
Address: 16156 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448
Guest Speakers: Mr. Dev Raheja <Bio>
Topic: "Protecting Your and Your Family from 440,000 Fatal Hospital Mistakes a Year." 
YouTube Videos:  Safer Hospital Care Part 1Safer Hospital Care Part 2

All Member Chapter Meeting:

When: Wednesday, 20 September 2017 starting at 5:00 PM (ET)
Who: All WDC Chapter members and their guests
Where: AECOM Conference Center
Address: 16156 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448
Guest Speakers: Mr. Owen Seely <Bio>
Time: Briefing starts at 5:15 PM (ET)
Topic: "Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) Techniques"
Refreshments: Free pizza, salad and sodas

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When:
Tuesday, 6 June 2017 starting at 6:00 PM
Who: For all WDC and Guest Chapter Members and their Guests
Where: AECOM 1671 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 107, Fred, VA 22401
Topic: "Roundtable Discussion on Navy Laser Safety Program"

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When:
Thursday, 13 October 2016 starting at 5:30 PM (ET)
Where: SAIC Conference Room 1A/1B
Address: 16442 Commerce Dr # 100, King George, VA 22485
Guest Speakers: Mr. Robert E. Smith (Bio)
Time: Briefing starts at 6:00 PM (ET)
Copy of Presentation: Click Here
Topic: "Becoming a Certified Safety Professional"
Abstract:  Are you a safety professional and looking to add a safety certification to your resume?  Are you interested to hear about the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BSCP) and the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) process?  This presentation will provide an overview of the reasons safety professionals become certified, will summarize the advantages that come with the CSP designation, and will discuss the certification process.

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When: 
Thursday, 18 August 2016 starting at 5:30 PM (ET)
Where:   SAIC, Conf. Room 1, 16442 Commerce Dr # 100, King George, VA 22485
Guest Speakers: Mr. Michael H. Demmick (Bio) and Ms. Peggy Rogers (Bio)
Copy of Presentation: Click Here
Topic: "Enhancing Readiness through System Safety Engineering"
Abstract: Integrating System Safety into Forward Deployed Theater Operations. 
Combat System Safety Engineers (CSSE) Engineering: 1) addresses an existing gap in the operations/sustainment phase. Execution includes monitoring performance of mitigations, and in-theater mishap trends; 2) Validates incoming systems safety risk assessments; 3) provides liaison to Program Office[s]; 4) conducts mishap data collection & analysis.

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When: 
Thursday, 12 May 2016 5:00PM (ET)
Guest Speakers: Mr. Michael Goings and Dr. Lisa Chavez (Click Here for their Bios)
Copy of Presentation:  Click Here Play Video: Click Here
Guest Topic: "Human Factors and Safety Collaboration"
Abstract:  The presentation provides a high-level introduction into human factors by describing what it is, when to use it, and how it is applied. The main purpose of the presentation is to discuss the cumulative effects of risk while executing military operations and how risks can be mitigated using a human factors engineering approach. Recent physical and cognitive risks will be used as examples to illustrate the cumulative nature of risks. The presentation will conclude with ideas for increasing the collaboration between safety and human factors.

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When: 
Thursday, 10 March 2016 6:00PM (ET)
Where: AECOM Conference Center, 16156 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448 <map>
Who:     For all WDC and Guest Chapter Members and their guests
Speaker:
Ms. Julie Simmons
Topic:  "Lithium Battery Safety"
More Information: Click Here for Julie's Bio and the Topic Abstract.

All Member Chapter Meeting:
When:  Tuesday 26 Jan 2016 6:00PM (ET)
Where: SAIC Dahlgren, VA Conf. Room 1A
Speaker: Mr. Greg Sellers <Bio>
Topic:: “Pointing and Firing Cutout (P&FCO) Mechanisms and Weapon
Systems”
Abstract: Cutout mechanisms are devices installed on a shipboard weapon
system to limit the movement or firing of naval ordnance in accordance with
a predetermined cutout curve. They are utilized to ensure that the
movement or firing of naval ordnance is not hazardous to ship structure,
equipment or other naval ordnance.

WDC Holiday Party:
Who:
Free to Invited Guests & WDC Members & their Guest(s)
When: Friday Dec 11, 2015 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Splitsville/ 51 Towne Center Blvd./ Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Click Here for All the Details!

Training Session - Software and System Safety:
When:  Tuesday 12 May 2015 5:00pm
Where:  AECOM Conference Center, 16156 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448
What:   Introduction to System and Software Safety" presented by Donne DiFiglia, WDC President and David J. Shampine, WDC Past-President
Topic: This introduction was for the new Safety Engineer or for experienced engineers just looking to brush up on the basics and the latest safety guidance.

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
When: Thursday, June 13th at 5:00 PM
Guest Speaker:  Our Guest Speaker for this meeting will be Mr. John Mallino and he will be discussing Ship Design and sustainment relating to Safety, Mishap response, DOD and SECNAV system safety requirements and the NAVSEA risk acceptance process. Feedback and questions are encouraged.  Click here to read Mr. Mallino's Bio.

Annual Spring Fling - Oakcrest Winery:
When: Friday June 7th 2013,  5-9PM
Where: Oak Crest Winery 8215 Oak Crest Drive King George, VA  22485
Phone: 540-663-2813
Website:  http://www.oakcrestwinery.com/

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The WDC Chapter System Safety Society held the May meeting on May 9th 2013.  The speaker for the meeting was Mr. Jim Bussert.  The topic of his presentation was be “Safety Through Cartoons.” Jim Bussert served several in the United States Navy and retired as a Master Chief Sonarman.  He now works as deputy PFS to the SQQ-89 program. Jim has also co-authored a book about Chinese Naval Combat Systems Technology entitled “People's Liberation Army Navy Combat Systems Technology, 1949-2010” and has written numerous articles for SIGNAL magazines. In 2011, he received the Sparky Baird Award from the AFCEA for contributing a well received article called “China Enters the Aircraft Carrier Club.” Additionally, Jim loves to draw cartoons.  His cartoons are entertaining and provide a great medium for introducing many safety concepts and understanding the culture of the safety community.  Click here to go to Jim's website.

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The WDC Chapter System Safety Society held the November meeting on 13 Nov 2012 at the Qinetiq North America Stafford Office.  The speaker for this meeting was
Ms. Pam Wilkinson.  The topic of her presentation was “MIL-STD-882E.”  Click Here for Pam's Bio.

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The WDC Chapter System Safety Society held the September meeting on Wednesday, September 12th.  The speaker for this meeting was
Dev Raheja and his presentation, “What Every System Safety Engineer Must Know About Design for Reliability”, was well received.  Click Here for Dev Raheja's Biography.

30th International System Safety Conference
August 6-10 2012
Loews Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia, USA


All-Member Monthly Meeting:

The WDC Chapter System Safety Society held their meeting on 26 January 2012 at the URS Dahlgren VA.  Ms. Amber Shampine, a Systems Safety Engineer and Past-President of the WDC System Safety Society was the speaker for the evening.  The topic of her presentation was “Learn 15 Things that Will Empower You!”

In addition, our elite System Safety Society Member, Mr. Mike Demmick, in town from Afghanistan for a little Rest and Relaxation, attended our meeting.  Mike, our former Washington DC Chapter President, left mid-October for a one year assignment to the Global Joint Task Force Expeditionary Unit.  Additionally, Mike's son, Robert, is in Guam for his first tour in the Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.  Click here for Mike's biography.


All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The Washington DC Chapter of the System Safety Society held their first regular monthly meeting of the year on Wednesday, 10 Jan 2012.  The speakers for this meeting were Mr. Mark Buffum and Mr. Paul Gorman.  Together they gave a presentation on “KC-130J Harvest HAWK Lessons Learned” in which they provided information on their joint System Safety efforts to get an armed USMC KC-130J to Afghanistan in support of ground forces.

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The Washington DC Chapter of the System Safety Society held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, 21 September 2011.

The speakers for this evening were
Mr. Bob Smith (Booz Allen Hamilton), Mr. Sherman Forbes (SAF/AQ) and Mr. Jeff Walker (Booz Allen Hamilton).  The title of the presentation was “The Pending Resurrection of MIL-STD-882.”

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
The WDC Chapter System Safety Society met on Thursday, August 25th 2011 at 5:00 PM at the URS PAX River Office located at: 46591 Expedition Drive, Lexington Park, MD  20653.  Click here for map.

The speaker for this meeting was Mr. James Spencer, Propulsion System Safety Engineer, Naval Air Systems Command and his topic was “Weibull Analysis Application.”

Mr. James Spencer studied at West Virginia University graduating in 2007 with a BS in Aerospace Engineering.  He started working at Patuxent River, Naval Air Warfare Center, doing propulsion safety in June 2007 supporting the F404 and F414 on the F/A-18 program.  He has also worked on or assisted with the E-2, C-2, EA-6B, AV-8B, and N-UCAS programs.  He learned Weibull by reading Dr. Abernethy's book, and has been able to apply it in several places.  He has developed some new methods of using Weibull which Dr. Abernethy and his partner Wes Fulton have integrated into their software.  He is also working on getting these new Weibull methods published with the support of Wes Fulton.

Topic: "Practical Applications of Weibull Analysis including New Methods and Lessons Learned."  Weibull analysis is a method of analyzing and predicting failures and malfunctions of all types and provides the quantitative information needed for making reliability decisions. Weibull failure predictions are accurate even with very small samples of data and is needed for making risk based inspection decisions to take action or defer action on potential failures. Additionally, Weibull analysis calculates optimal parts replacement intervals for minimizing cost.  Click here for more information on Weibull. 


Other Prominent Speakers:

Mr. Ken Chirkis from Sierra High Chapter.  Click here to read Ken's biography.

Sergeant Ryan Schauf conducted a well-received presentation on "Less Lethal Weapons".  Sgt. Schauf has been a member of the United States Capitol Police (USCP) since 1995. His duties have included Patrol Operations, Building Security, Site Security, Dignitary Protection, Hazmat Operations, Crime Scene Search, and Civil Disturbance Unit/ Less Lethal Operations.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and has been assigned to Patrol Operations since 2008.  As a part of this assignment he was placed in charge of the Less Lethal Operations for Patrol and Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU).  Sgt. Schauf is currently the lead instructor for the USCP in Less Lethal and is certified through Combined Tactical Systems (CTS) and Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FNH).

All-Member Monthly Meeting:
A Chapter meeting was held on Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at URS in Dahlgren, VA.   Our speaker was Ms. Julie Banner and her topic was "An Overview High Energy Lithium Battery Hazards." 

The ASNE Connection:
Mr. James M. O'Sullivan,
former President of the DC Chapter of the American Society of Naval Engineers attended our monthly meeting along with two of his colleagues.  Members of ASNE are welcomed and encouraged to attend our Monthly Chapter meetings!

Scholarships:
The WDC Chapter of the System Safety Society provides a Scholarship Fund for academically worthy students.  Our Scholarship and Education Officer is
Mr. Edward W. Kratovil

Donate to the WDC Scholarship!
Click on the PayPal Donate button to donate.

Updated by Donne DiFiglia/WDC Webmaster on 07 Oct 2023
Contact Webmaster


The Washington DC Chapter
of the
International System
Safety Society

Cherry Blossom Time - Washington DC The Washington Monument Surrounded by Blossoms Thomas Jefferson Memorial at Night Abraham Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument in Cherry Blossom Time Thomas Jefferson Memorial Soldiers of the Vietnam Memorial - Washington DC Korean War Memorial - Washington DC Forever May She Wave...
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS ARE NOW OPEN!
Nominations are open for Vice-President and Treasurer
Nominations close
Fri 26 Jan 2024 at 2300ET

NOMINATING YOURSELF OR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEE http://washingtonchapter.net/nominationform2020.php

OBITUARY - Mr. Michael Ramsburg
The WDC Chapter is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved friend, colleague and WDC Chapter Treasurer, Mr. Michael "Mike" Ramsburg.  Mike was a true champion of System Safety and he will be greatly missed.  Read Mike's Bio here.
Link to Mike's Obituary


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WDC CHAPTER!
WINNER - CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!
The WDC Chapter received the "Chapter of the Year" Award SY2019/2020 at the 37th International System Safety Society Conference in Norfolk VA.  Accepting the award was Past-President E. Paul Denk and President John W. Burchett.  Congratulations to all our members for their outstanding professional achievements and dedication to System Safety!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ISSC37 AWARD WINNERS!
Arthur D. Barondes - "Professional Development" Award
Donne M. DiFiglia - "Engineer of the Year" Award


JOIN THE SOCIETY or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Apply Here to join or renew your membership!  Fast & Easy!
https://system-safety.org/page/join#renew
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WDC OFFICERS:
Serving as a WDC Chapter Officer is an extremely important function and requires our members to step up and take charge of the operations for the membership.  Without these key individuals the chapter cannot exist!
.     President: Mr. John W. Burchett <Bio>
.    
Secretariat: Mr. Tyler J. Mann <Bio>
.     Webmaster:
Ms. Donne DiFiglia <Bio>
.     Past-President: Mr. E. Paul Denk <Bio>
.     Treasurer: Mr. Michael Ramsburg <Bio>
Click to Visit the International System Safety Society Website