Journey Smith
Sarah Ischer, CIH, CSP, is a dynamic health and safety professional who serves as Senior Director of Expertise at the What Works Institute. She brings a decade of multidisciplinary experience in occupational health, industrial hygiene, and environmental safety to her role, with a focus on empowering organizations to build safer, more inclusive workplaces. Known for her ability to blend technical rigor with human-centered solutions, Sarah works at the intersection of innovation, equity, and evidence-based practice.
Before joining the What Works Institute, Sarah led strategic health and safety programs at the National Safety Council, including the MSD Solutions Lab, and oversaw comprehensive EHS operations. Her professional background includes deep expertise in chemical safety, ergonomics, hearing conservation, exposure monitoring, and ventilation systems. She has also served as a Radiation Safety Officer and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, supporting her process-driven approach to improving workplace systems and culture.
Sarah holds an M.S. in Occupational and Environmental Health from the University of Iowa, where she focused on bioaerosols and agricultural health risks. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional and serves on the National Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. Sarah is also an advocate for women in science and leadership, actively contributing to professional organizations and mentoring the next generation of safety leaders.
• Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
• LGIT
• Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, CPR/AED and First Aid for the professional rescuer
• Lone Star College-CyFair - Associate of Arts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the invaluable mentorship and support I’ve received along the way, particularly from Dottie Caudle at ISPA and Mike Flynn. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. They helped open doors, challenged me to grow, and provided the foundation I needed to thrive in my field. Their influence continues to inspire me to lead with integrity and to invest in the success of others, just as they did for me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to work hard, stay focused, and always follow your passion and dreams. No matter the obstacles, staying true to what drives you—and putting in the effort with consistency and integrity—will always lead you in the right direction. Passion fuels purpose, and when combined with discipline and determination, it creates lasting impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is ensuring that everyone has access to a safe and well-maintained pool environment. As safety standards evolve and more people engage in aquatic activities, there’s a growing need for education, training, and consistent oversight to prevent accidents and promote health. Creating environments that prioritize safety not only protects individuals and families, but also builds trust within the community and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are safety, responsibility, and advocacy—especially when it comes to protecting children from drowning. Living and working in the drowning capital of the United States has made me deeply committed to raising awareness, promoting water safety education, and taking every possible step to prevent tragedies. Every child’s life is precious, and I believe it's our responsibility to create safe environments, educate families, and lead with compassion and urgency in all we do.