Region 4 News Release:   USDOL: 01-265
Mon., Dec. 17, 2001
Contact: Cindy Coe
Phone: (404) 562-2300

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Ken Atha has been appointed area director for federal OSHA's Columbia area office, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced. Prior to his selection he served in OSHA's Appleton, Wis., area office as the assistant area director and strategic team leader.

Atha began his safety career with the Department of Defense as a safety and occupational health manager at Moffett Federal Airfield in California. He is a veteran of Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force.

"Ken played a key role in the development of OSHA's partnership with labor and management for the renovation of Lambeau Field in Green Bay," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta. "His Defense Department experience and strong managerial skills will assure an excellent working relationship between federal OSHA and the South Carolina Department of Labor, as well as with employers and employees within the state."

Atha earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with emphasis on public administration law from Mount Senario College, Ladysmith, Wis., and also holds associates degrees in safety and flight engineering.

As the Columbia area director, Atha will be responsible for administering the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act at maritime and federal facilities within the state.

The federal OSHA office is located in the Strom Thurman Federal Building, 1835 Assembly St., Room 1468, Columbia, S.C.; phone (803) 765-5904.